Crime Meeting Discussion Thread

I was asked to start a separate thread for people interested in discussing setting up a possible additional meeting about crime. This is purely a discussion thread, and I'm going to get it go freely unless someone violates one of the basic civil discussion guidelines. to be clear, I'm not organizing anything, and there have been (and will continue to be) public meetings about recent crimes. I encourage people to attend those meetings.

Maybe if people missed those meetings they could use this thread to ask questions of those who did attend.

Real Housewives of DC Comes to H Street

I've told that Bravo's reality tv series Real Housewives of DC made a stop at Sova tonight. No word on whether it was for coffee, or cocktails. Real Housewives is kind of like the Real World, except that you don't have to be under 27 to watch it.

A New Chocolate Business?

I received an interesting email recently in which the author talked about a new business venture currently based just south of H Street. They are currently offering a few variety of truffles for sale.

My husband and I are starting a local chocolate company here in the H-street area. We offer dark chocolate, vegan dark chocolate and milk chocolate truffles. We hope to soon expand our selection to also include white chocolate, peanut butter and mint truffles, as well as other various chocolates.
We make our truffles with a variety of toppings, including: traditional cocoa, chocolate shavings, hazelnut, and sprinkle coat, and we can make any combination of truffle and topping. Unlike other chocolate companies in the DC area, our truffles are handmade in town and are reasonably priced; we plan to sell our truffles for $1.25 each.
For this Valentine’s Day, we are going to offer our truffles for $1.00 a piece or 6 truffles of any of our available flavors in any combination for $5.00.
Contact us at:
CapitolHillChocolates@gmail.com to place an order!
Please submit all orders by Wednesday, February 10th so we can have them ready for Valentine’s Day.
Thanks,
Capitol Hill Chocolates

Hooping Arrives on H Street

Healthy Motions sent me this announcement on hooping lessons. Check it out.

hooperNATURAL™ Beginner Workshop Levels 1/2 (4 Week Series)

Hooping just 10 minutes can burn 50-100 calories. Learn the foundational moves of hooping along with some cool tricks in this 4 week series. We will begin with waist hooping, hip hooping, arm hooping and advance to chest hooping. In class you will use an adult size, weighted hoop that makes it easy to learn. Bring water and your own hoop. Hoops will also be available for you to use during class. SPACE IS LIMITED so register early to secure your spot.

This workshop is great for people who have never hooped before and for those who want to polish their foundational skills and advance to chest hooping.

WHEN: Saturdays - February 6, 13, 20, and 27th, 2009 from 5pm-6pm


WHERE: Joy of Motion ATLAS Dance Studio – 1333 H Street NE, Washington DC 20002

COST: $60 for entire series pre-registered OR $18/class for drop-in (hoops provided for use during class)

TO REGISTER GOTO: http://www.hoopernatural.com

There will also be a free Hoop Jam on Feb 19th at Joy of Motion Atlas. RSVP at contact@hoopernatural.com

Got Stress? Got Pain? We can help . . .

Healthy Motions® Massage Therapy
www.Healthymotions.com
Main/Kevin: 202-246-4738
Granetta: 202-276-0517

Two More Alerts

From last night:


Robbery/2018hrs/1100 H st NE/LOF 4 B/M DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100045555


Sent on: 01/26 20:33


Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

And from this morning:


Police Alert-Robbery Gun


Robbery gun-8th & H St. NE:1032:LOF: B/M, dark complextion, slim build, black jacket/w hood, dark colored pants L/SEB on H St NE DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100046389


Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN 

If the second one raises your eyebrows, I'm sure you aren't alone. At 10:30 in the morning there should have been plenty of people on the corner. I wish I knew more about exactly where and how this took place.

Spin for Haiti @Gallaudet

Gallaudet students and organizations have partnered with a fitness organization to organize this event which will raise money for organizations that aid the deaf community in Haiti. The event takes place on February 5th, and will continue for 24 hours. It's $10 to ride for 20 minutes. More details here.

A Few Local Alerts

I'm not sure what was going on last, but I got a few MPD alerts last night for the area. I made a map of the locations. You can find the alerts below:

Police Alert-Robbery Gun

Robbery Gun: 2232 hours. 716 5th St.NE -LOF: B/M 5'10 DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT

Sent on: 01/24 22:49

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

Police Alert-Robbery Gun

Robbery Gun-2201 hours-12th@ H Street NE-LOF:B/M ,5'10", all black clothing, black face mask - last seen running towards 13th Street NE-Subject pulled weapon and demanded money DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #120100042030

Sent on: 01/24 22:15

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

Police Alert-Robbery

Robbery at 3Rd and H St. NE. 1842 hours. Lookout for 4 B/M'S... APPP13-14YOBM'S... SUBJS WALKING TOWARDS NORTH CAPITOL ON H DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100041790

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

Menu for Sullivan's

I recently followed the advice of friend's and stopped by to check out a fairly recently opened carryout on Bladensburg Road (same block as Jimmy Valentine's). I ordered the fried clam strips, and the shrimp po-boy. The clam strips were solid, and the sandwich was highly craveable. The friend who split the items with me agreed. The only downside I could find was that they don't have oysters on the menu. I was, however, told that this might change. While Sullivan's is a carryout, the food quality is ore what you would expect to get at a sit-down restaurant. Your food is cooked to order. Matt, who originally alerted me to Sullivan's, could not stop talking about the crab cake, so I've got to check that out soon.

Sullivan’s Southern Style Seafood

Fresh Cooked Seafood

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Home of the ½ lb Crab Cake!

1101 Bladensburg Rd, NE

Washington, DC 20002

(202)399-3339

Monday-Friday 7:30am-9:00pm

Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm

Sunday Closed

For Large Orders and Catering Services, Contact Aaron Sullivan at (202)489-1054

Sullivan’s Down Home Breakfast

Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a fusion of fresh jumbo shrimp, green peppers, onions, cheese, and special seasonings

$3.00 (8 oz)

$4.50 (120z)

Breakfast Platters

If you’re really hungry in the mornings try our hearty breakfast platters. You get 3 jumbo eggs, hashbrowns, 2 slices of white toast and

your choice of meat

Sausage $6.25

Bacon $6.25

Turkey bacon $7.25

Beef sausage $7.25

Corn beef hash $5.50 (excludes hashbrowns)

Scrapple $7.25

Fish and grits $7.50 (excludes hashbrowns)

Crab Cakes $14.75 (two ¼ pound cakes)

(substitute wheat toast for additional $0.25)

(add a slice of yellow American cheese $0.25)

(add a slice of white American cheese $0.50)

Omelettes

3 egg omelette prepared with green peppers, onions, a blend of white and yellow American cheese with your choice of meat

Sausage $5.25

Bacon $5.25

Turkey bacon $5.75

Beef sausage $5.75

Shrimp $10.75

Vegetarian $5.75

(add a slice of yellow American cheese $0.25)

(add a slice of white American cheese $0.50)

(add a slice of tomato $0.50)

Breakfast Sandwiches

Served on white toast or our jumbo honey buttered biscuit with your choice of

Sausage and egg $2.50

Beef sausage and egg $3.00

Bacon and egg $2.50

Turkey bacon and egg $3.00

Corn beef hash $3.00

Scrapple $3.00

Crab Cake $6.75 (¼ pound)

(substitute wheat toast for additional $0.25)

(add a slice of yellow American cheese $0.25)

(add a slice of white American cheese $0.50)

A la Carte

Sausage $1.00 each

Beef Sausage $1.50 each

Bacon (3 slices) $1.00

Turkey Bacon (3 slices) $2.25

Hashbrowns $2.25

Corn beef hash $3.50

Scrapple $3.00

Crab Cake $5.25 (¼ pound)

Fried fish $3.00 each

2 Jumbo Honey Buttered Bisuits $2.00

Grits $1.50 (8 oz), $2.25 (12 oz)

Cheese Grits $2.00 (8 oz), $2.75 (12 oz)

Beverages

Coffee $1.00 (12 oz), $2.00 (20oz)

Hot Chocolate $1.00 (12 oz), $2.00 (20oz)

Orange Juice $1.25 (12 oz), $2.25 (20 oz)

Breakfast served Monday-Friday 7:30am until 11:00am

House Specialty

Seafood Salad

Sullivan’s special recipe seafood salad brings together the best of both worlds crab and shrimp along with our special seasonings, it’s awesome!

8oz size $9.50 ~ 12oz size $13.50 ~

Family Size (1qt) $37.50

Deep Fried Jumbo Shrimp

Fresh jumbo shrimp deep fried in our

mouth-watering spicy batter

½ pound $8.50 ~ 1 pound $17.50

Fried Clam Strips

A generous portion of deep fried clam strips seasoned to perfection

$5.75

Sullivan’s Cheap Eats

Jumbo Half Smoke

Grilled and served hot, with the toppings of your choice, served on a fresh bun

$2.25

(add cheese sauce for $0.25)

Fried Whiting Sliders

(Minimum 2 slider purchase with each order)

A small portion of our fresh fried whiting served on a fresh mini potato roll

$1.50

(cheese and tomato extra)

Seafood Salad Sliders

A small scoop of Sullivan’s special recipe seafood salad served on a fresh mini potato roll

$2.75

(cheese and tomato extra)

Jumbo Shrimp Sliders

A small portion of our fresh jumbo shrimp

served on a fresh mini potato roll

$2.75

Southern Fried Chicken Wings

$1.00 each

Sandwiches

Fried Whiting Sandwich

A generous portion of fresh whiting deep fried in a tasty batter with white bread

$5.75

Crab Cake Sandwich

A whopping ½ pound crab cake made with a delicious blend of jumbo lump crab meat, lump crab meat and Sullivan’s surprise ingredient deep fried and served on a fresh soft potato roll

$10.50

Baby Cake

A half size version of our famous ½ pound crab cake, at just half the price, served on a fresh mini potato roll

$5.25

Seafood Salad Sandwich

A generous scoop of Sullivan’s special recipe seafood salad served on a fresh soft potato roll

$6.50

Shrimp Po-Boy

Our version of a Louisiana favorite! Fresh jumbo shrimp deep fried in a mouth-watering batter and served on a soft 8 inch hoagie roll

$10.50

Fish Sub

Our fresh Whiting deep fried and served on an 8 inch hoagie roll

$6.75

Steak and Cheese Sub

Thinly sliced porterhouse steak topped with Provolone cheese served on an 8 inch hoagie roll

$6.75

Dinners

(Dinners include your choice of 2 side items)

Fried Whiting

A generous portion of fresh whiting deep fried in a tasty batter

$10.75

Crab Cake

Our signature ½ pound crab cake

$15.50

Crab Cake Feast

Enjoy two of our signature ½ pound crab cakes $26.00

Jumbo Shrimp

One pound of fresh jumbo shrimp deep fried in a spicy batter

$21.50

Shrimp Feast

Two whole pounds of fresh jumbo shrimp deep fried in a scrumptious batter

$38.00

Crab Cake and Shrimp Combo Dinner

Our jumbo ½ pound crab cake and ½ pound of fried jumbo shrimp

$24.00

Crab Cake and Seafood Salad Combo Dinner

Our jumbo ½ pound crab cake and an 8 oz serving of Sullivan’s special recipe seafood salad

$25.00

Southern Fried Chicken Wing Dinner

5 wings $10.50

Exceptional Sides

Southern style collard greens

Sweet potato custard Potato salad

Cole Slaw Rice

Regular (8oz) $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00

Large (12oz) $4.50 each or 2 for $8.00

Shoe String French Fries $2.00

Beer Battered Onion Rings $2.75

Hush Puppies $3.00

Drinks

Fresh Herbal Raspberry Tea $1.50 (20oz)

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade $2.50 (32oz)

Soda $1.45 (20oz) Bottled water $1.25

DCist: Inside Capital City Diner

DCist has a post with photos from inside the soon to open diner.

Capital City Diner Open House Today

CAPITAL CITY DINER
1050 BLADENSBURG RD NE

The Capital City Diner isn't open yet, but you are invite to take a peek inside today until 5pm. The diner should be opening very, very soon.

__._,_.___

B More Sweet: Dangerously Delicious

A Baltimore based food blog informs us that today is National Pie Day and talks about Dangerously Delicious Pies (which should be opening its H Street soon).

Tips From Fitness Together

Fitness Toghter sent along these tips to help keep you from breaking that New Years resolution to exercise:

3 Ways to Kick the Habit ... of Skipping Workouts

Trying to get into an exercise habit, but finding you’re more in the habit of making excuses? You can break out of that pattern with these tips from fitness experts on staying motivated and sticking to your fitness routine. Our Fitness Together trainers and studio owners recommend these three strategies to help you stay inspired to work out regularly.

1. Keep your eye on the prize.
You must have a very strong “why” you are doing it. Always connect to that “why,” especially when things get tough or you get busy. If your goal is to get back into your favorite jeans, hang them on the outside of your closet where you’ll see them every morning when you wake up. For an extra nudge, pin up an old photo of yourself wearing them.
Or, if you’re working toward a health goal such as lowering your blood pressure or relieving chronic back pain, mark your improvements on a chart posted on the fridge. Or tape a photo on your bathroom mirror of someone who’s achieved a goal you’re striving toward. Think fit, healthy-looking people your age playing tennis, climbing a mountain, training for a triathlon, running a 5K, or skiing with their kids!

2. Schedule a consistent workout time.
Set a regular time that fits into your daily and weekly schedule, and prioritize it just like you would a meeting with your boss or a top client.
Think of it this way: Skipping out on your commitment to take good care of yourself means sooner or later you’ll start feeling depleted and run-down, with nothing left to give to those who count on you. Sticking to your fitness regimen not only helps keep you healthy, but also refills your well of physical and mental energy. So you’re more likely to be there and be “on” in your job, relationships, family and others who matter to you.

3. Use the power of a pro to keep you on track.
You’re much less likely to be a no-show for your workout when someone’s waiting for you at the gym, track, pool, court …. Agree on a time and place to work out with a trainer. When someone’s there, waiting, and holding you accountable to your exercise commitment, it’s a mighty motivator.
Scheduling sessions with a personal trainer creates an especially powerful incentive to work out: You’ll feel a natural desire to make your trainer proud, and to respect the time commitment he or she blocked out to work with you. That’s powerful inspiration when you’re mulling whether to pull the sheets back over your head or pull on those gym shoes! Article provided by Alita Brown, Owner of Fitness Together – Capitol Hill, Washington, DC At Fitness Together our approach to success is one client, one trainer, one goal. Contact us at 202.558.6486 or online at fitnesstogether.com.

Washington Post Crazy Headline

I don't know who wrote it (sometimes writers don't write the headline), or who approved it but seriously, it needs to be changed. The Washington Post ran a shockingly inaccurate, and irresponsible headline that is slated to appear in tomorrow's Post. The headline: "Rhee Says Laid Off Teachers Abused D.C. Students." The headline stems from Rhee's statement that SOME of the 266 laid off teachers, sexually, or physically abused students. If I was one of the 266 I'd be up and arms right now. I'd be seriously pissed, not necessarily, at Rhee, but at the Washington Post. I hope they change the online headline soon, and that that headline never sees print. If it does, that's (in my opinion) a serious black eye for the Post. Honestly, WOW. It just seems sensationalist.

The article was based on comments made by Rhee in an interview in the magazine Fast Company. Her comments were controversial enough in many circles, but she never suggested that all the laid off teachers were guilty of criminal acts (as the Post headline does).  For the record, the article does (again, article writers, don't always write the headline) hit on some important points. For one, if DCPS knew about such offenses, why did they wait for a mass lay off to let teachers go who may have been a threat?

Pug Benefits

hey,
just wanted to send out a quick reminder about saturday's belfast beltway
boxing project fundraiser at the pug. i'm not sure what happened this week but
apparently one of the boston teams, either the sox or the pats, made some kind
of trade that is either going to save or sink the country. so if you are in the
mood to celebrate or commiserate, a $20 donation at the door gets you open
draft from 7 'til 9 pm. as usual, i'll do the math for you. if you can drink five
pints in two hours you come out ahead, and as a bonus, we are going to throw
in some murphy's stout and some jamesons, while supplies last.
so hopefully, we'll see you saturday night and we'll have a couple beers to
help some at risk kids in belfast, and dc, and if you're feeling really generous
we're gonna have a spare change bucket up for the haitians so they can raise
enough money to fly pat down to close that deal he made with them back in the
day.
thanks for your continued support,
tonyt
the pug
coming soon, the black and red ring, and our three year anniversary.

WP: Ellington Stays Put For Now

The Post reports that Rhee has said there are no immediate plans Ellington to move out of Georgetown. She suggested instead that the District might construct a new home for the school.

Creatura @Sova

Sova has new art hanging on the walls upstairs, and the opening for the new show is tomorrow night. The art, created by Katie Schuler, is pretty cool. There will also be music, so stop by and check it out.


Friday, January 22, 2010 at 7:00pm
End Time:
Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 12:00am
Location:
SOVA 1359 H Street

From the Facebook announcement:

A few things you should know about this event:

1) Half of this collection is based on bioluminescent deep sea creatures so it glows in the dark as well as being visible in light.

2) A flashlight is advisable to charge the glowing highlights.

3) Matthew Hemerlein will be playing two sets with percussion guru Jeff Franca and each set will be totally improvised.

4) The work will be priced at peer-friendly prices and I'd love to set these creatures free.

5) This is a free event and I really hope you can make it!


Warmly,

Matt and Katie

Read an interview with the artist here.

Toyland Soft Opening

Friday and Saturday 5pm-1am. 421 H Street. Go check it out. I was able to make it down last weekend. They had a good crowd, and the space seems much larger than it did when home to Pap & Petey's. When I went last week they were still putting on the finishing touches. The rocket sign people keep mentioning is going to light up, but I don't know if that's quite ready yet. They have well a stocked bar, and a bottled beer selection. They also plan to have drafts (they have the set up), but I don't know if the taps will be flowing this weekend. Ditto with the menu, which will be diner food. I've got high hopes for the place.

Thalia Wiggins, New 5B06 Commissioner

I was unable to attend the meeting due to a family obligation, but I just learned the results of tonight's vote. Thalia Wiggins won. Here are the final numbers:

32 votes total:

George Jackson 4

Tontalya Terceiro-Wright 1

Thalia Wiggins 16

Bernice Hall-Gates 11

Armed Carjacking on Bladensburg Road

Report:

Armed Carjacking 2337 Hours 1000 Bladensburg Road NE B/M, 30's 5'7, 200 lbs, medium complexion, wearing a black jacket, last seen driving a 2007 Honda Accord, gray in color, bearing Maryland tag #1DK-R47 do not take action. Call 911 with event #120100034965

Vote Tonight

At the ANC meeting:
7-8:30 PM in the gym at Joseph H. Cole Recreation, 1200 Morse Street, NE. So close you walk.

My endorsement: Thalia Wiggins
ANC 5B06

DC Beer Week @Granville's

Wed Jan 27
"First Beer Dinner of 2010"
Dr. Granville Moore's
1238 H St NE
H St Corridor
Washington, DC
6 PM
Description- Menu is coming!!!
Cost $50
Please Call 202 399-2546 to make Reservations
http://www.facebook.com/l/ea0cf;www.granvillemoores.com

The Hill is Home: Taylor Tops?

An author from The Hill is Home finds herself disenchanted on recent visits to the sandwich shop. For the record, David was there when I ordered the Art Museum on Monday.

Carjacking Follow-Up Meeting

Here's info about a meeting to discuss the rash of carjackings that has plagued portions of Capitol Hill:


Dear ANC 6A Community,

Many of you came to a meeting last December regarding the large, sudden uptick in armed carjackings in our area at which DC Police Chief Lanier provided info regarding the crimes and took responsibility for putting a plan in place to resolve the problem. She agreed to provide an update on the success of their strategy within six weeks. This update has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb 4, 6:30-7:30.

Chief Lanier will describe the measures that MPD has implemented, and how they are working. She will bring the team for this area, Commander Kamperin, and new PSA 103 Lt. Mark Saunders. Representatives of the Mayor's office will also be present. Councilmember Wells is co-hosting this meeting.

I have heard positive remarks about the MPD coverage that our area is receiving. Whether you agree or not, MPD needs to hear from you.

Mary Beatty
ANC 6A05 Commissioner

--------------------------------
Thursday, Feb 4, 6:30-7:30
Options School
1375 E Street Northeast

Shots Fired Near 1200 Block of Florida

It's hard to get a fix on the location of shots fired when you are indoors. The sounded to me like they came from northeast of my location. I heard 4-5 distinct gun shots that sounded close by. That was just before 10:40pm. Around 11:25pm I heard helicopters circling above. They just stopped.  I heard no sirens, and I haven't seen any police, so I have no further details.  I do not know if this is related to an armed robbery (I assume mugging) that police responded to shortly before I heard the shots. Here are the details on that:

Robbery Hold Up Gun 2225 hours 1100 block of Bladensburg Rd NE LOF: (2) B/M all dark clothing, 1 with ski mask DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100033088

Sent on: 01/19 22:30

Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

-------------------------

UPDATE

-------------------------

Here's a response from MPD:

5D units did not locate any evidence or victim in reference to the gunshots.

The robbery and helicopter were un-related to the gunshots.

The MPD helicopter was assisting by searching for the two robbery suspects armed with black handguns who were described by the victim as two black males 18-25 years of age, medium complexion both with dreds as a hairstyle.

Suspect One was 6'1" to 6'3" 160-170 pounds and suspect two was 5'9" to 5'11" and 140-150 pounds.

The helicopter assisted the officers but they were unable to locate the suspects who took a purse, bag and assorted credit cards from two complainants at 1151 Bladensburg Road, NE on 01/19/2010 at 10:22 PM.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention at the 5th District.

HSGS: Souk Applies for Liquor License

H Street Great Street reports that local Middle Eastern eatery Souk has applied for a liquor license.

Haiti Benefit @the Hotel

I just received this:

Hey Everybody,

This will be a short note.

Last weeks awful events in Haiti have prompted many into action all across the globe. The Jones and other six bands are getting together to play at the Rock and Roll Hotel next Wednesday 1/27/10 to benefit this serious situation in Haiti. Donation will be $10. All of the proceeds from the door will be donated directly to charity, Partners in Health and Shelter Box, as well as a percentage of the bar tab. This is a really easy and fun way to help some people out who desperately need it. Here is the lineup for the evening. Please tell your friends and we hope to see you at The Hotel!

The Jones
Web: www.thejonesmusic.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/thejonesmusic

Caverns

* 10:30pm-11pm

Bonjour Ganeesh

* 9:45pm-10:15pm

Loose Lips

* 9pm-9:30pm

The Jones

* 8:15pm - 8:45pm

Black Dog Prowl

* 7:30pm-8pm

The Courtesans

* 6:45-7:15pm

Lissy Rosemont

* 6pm-6:30pm

The Rock and Roll Hotel
1353 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Doors @ 5pm
Show @ 6pm
All Ages Welcome
$10

Intersections Arts Festival @the Atlas

As I mentioned before, the Atlas is hosting a big arts Festival in February. It's called Intersections, and they have a blog up and running now where they post interviews with some of the performers. It's well put together, and definitely worth checking out.

Shooting in 1200 Block of Meigs Place

SHOOTING_0039 HOURS_1200 MEIGS PL NE_LOF 2 B/Ms LAST SEEN TRAVELING ON FOOT DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20100031512


Sent on: 01/19 00:55


Sent by DC Police Alert to e-mail, pagers, cell phones....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN 

----------------------------------------

No word on the status of the victim. This is in Trinidad.

=============================

UPDATE

=============================

At approximately 2 am this morning a 29 year old male subject was traveling in the 1200 block of Meigs Place NE. He was approached by two subjects who began to fire a handgun at the victim striking him several times. He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released. We are interviewing the victim to ascertain what lead up to this shooting. Fifth District investigators are handling the follow up investigation. If anyone has additional information in reference to this shooting please call 202-727-9099.

Capital City Diner is Hiring

Announcement:

We moved an authentic 1940’s diner building from upstate New York to northeast Washington, DC (near H Street NE/Atlas District), and hope to open in a couple of weeks. Our top priority is service to our customers, requiring friendly customer service, fast & consistent food preparation, and a welcoming environment for all at an affordable price. The menu is typical diner fare: breakfast (pancakes, waffles, hash browns, omelettes, country ham, etc) served all day, subs (pastrami, tuna salad, chicken parmesan, meatball, etc.), sandwiches (burgers, patty melt, BLT, grilled cheese, etc.), salads, steaks, and lunch/dinner platters (pork chops, spaghetti & meatballs, meatloaf, chicken parmesan) as well as daily blue plate specials. Most meals are under $10. Seats 36 people (5 booths seating 4 each, 16 counter stools).

We’re looking for servers and cooks, diner and/or short-order breakfast experience preferred. If you provide friendly, prompt service and want to contribute to a fun, inviting diner atmosphere, please send a resume or an e-mail summarizing your experience to jobs@capitalcitydiner.com.

Hiring for all 3 shifts: 6am-2pm Tuesday – Sunday; 2pm – 10pm Tuesday – Saturday; 10pm – 6am Friday & Saturday

Interviews begin January 23rd, so please e-mail soon if interested.

If you know of a qualified person who does not have access to e-mail, he/she may apply by sending a resume or written summary of experience to: Hiring Manager, c/oAshburn Foods LLC, PO Box 48285, Washington, DC 20002.

The Diner is located at 1050 Bladensburg Rd NE.

Upcoming ANC Elections

Don't forget that ANC 5B06 elections are January 21st (Thursday) at 7pm at the Joe Cole Recreation Center (1200 Morse Street NE).

The 6A02 election will be held at the February ANC meeting.
2nd Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m.
Miner E.S., 601 15th St. NE

It's very important that people show up to these meetings and actually vote. Really, it can all come down to 1 or 2 votes.

ANC 5B06 Candidates:

Bernice Hall-Gates

George Jackson

Tontalya Terceiro-Wright

Thalia Wiggins

ANC 6A02 Candidates:

Robert Pittman

Drew Ronneberg

About the Candidates:

Information on both of the 6A candidates is widely available on the internet. Not so for the 5B candidates. So Google around, ask around, and see what you can find. If any of the candidates wishes to send me a short statement/bio I can post it. The following is a small amount of info that I either know, or managed to find online about the candidates :

ANC 5B06:

Bernice Hall-Gates: I swear that DCBOEE says the name is Hall-Gates, but it always pops up as Gates-Hall everywhere else. She's listed as the contact person for the religious non-profit Family Healing Headquarters, Inc. Be careful with Google because this is a more common name that it seems and there is at least one other Bernice Gates in some old newspaper stories. I don't know if it's same person. I know that at one point she worked for (I don't think she's still there) Child and Family Services. Here is some info from her flyer:

Mission: “Bring Forth Transformation” Emergency services (jobs, job training, GED, rental and utility payments, food, clothing, furniture, housing assistance, community development, etc.)


Objective: “Reform the Current Culture” of crime, repeated offenses, unemployment, lack of education, lack of job skills, lack of appropriate elder/child care and ex-offender re-entry.


Goals:


1. Bridge the gaps between the community and its resources and benefits.


2. Change the culture through courage, compassion and commitment.


3. Provide effective and efficient wrap around quality care coordination of social services and social justice to the citizens of Ward 5.


4. Generate: emergency services, e.g., jobs, job training, rental payments, utility payments, food, clothing, furniture, housing assistance, GED and college enrollment.


5. Restore and reposition the community (One Church, One Family, One Man, One Woman, One Youth, One Child, One School and One Business at a time.)

George Jackson: a former ANC for 5B05. He was elected ANC 5B Vice-Chair in 2002. Jackson also pops up in a challenge to the validity of signatures for ANC 5B09 candidate Joan Black. The complaint was dismissed when both parties failed to appear for the hearing. He also served as the PTA President for Webb Elementary, and was involved with other groups working with local recreation centers. Some of the facts here come from Jackson's candidate information he provided when running for a Board position with the Trinidad Neighborhood Association.

Tontalya Terceiro-Wright: a former ANC for 8A02. She ran as an independent for the Ward 5 seat last time around.

Thalia Wiggins: a student who I know through various neighborhood activities. She's long been interested in neighborhood affairs, and works hard. I've known her about six years. She has studied America Sign Language ("ASL"), which I think is useful because Gallaudet falls in this SMD. She also speaks some Spanish (we have a growing Latino population, and some don't speak much English), and tutors local youth part-time. Thalia is endorsed by retiring ANC 5B06 Commissioner Wilhelmina Lawson. I am also endorsing Thalia.

Here is a brief statement she provided:

Being born and raised in the Trinidad Community has opened my eyes to the needs of its residents. It's one of the reasons I have helped to start a pet-sitting business with my brothers and to help found the Trinidad-Ivy City Community Garden Club with my like-minded neighbors.


The Residents of 5B06 are starving for both knowledge and change. Phone calls to residents and government representatives to discuss issues are something I am willing to do; I have and will continue to visit my neighbor's homes to go over problems and solutions, and I am excited to witness the changes to DC happening to us and around us. It will be an honor to bring awareness to my neighbors and to represent them whenever possible.
I can't stress enough how blessed I am for this opportunity. I am willing to do what it takes to help my neighbors get both the resources and answers they need, as well as making sure there is accountability from those who wish to come to our community to do business or to live.


Thalia Wiggins

The Hill is Home has a run down of the 5B06 candidates forum the other night.

My Endorsement for 5B06: Thalia Wiggins

ANC 6A02:

Drew Ronneberg: current Chair of the ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Commission. Ronneberg's been heavily involved in the community for quite a while now. He's very accomplished, and I think he's the natural choice to succeed Joseph Fengler. In fact, former Commissioner Fengler (who resigned to to a move out of district) has now endorsed Ronneberg.

Here is a brief statement he provided:


To the residents of ANC 6A02,


I would like to formally announce my candidacy for the ANC 6A02 Commissioner seat recently vacated by Joe Fengler. Under Joe's leadership, residents of 6A02 have come to expect efficient,effective and transparent government, and filling Joe's shoes will be a big task.


I believe that I am capable of meeting this challenge.


Since 2003, I have been a citizen volunteer for ANC 6A and have served as Chairman of the ANC Economic Development and Zoning (ED&Z) Committee since 2006. As Chairman of the ED&Z committee, I have worked on dozens of issues to bring economic development to the H Street Corridor and keep our residential neighborhood safe, vibrant and pedestrian friendly. For example, I helped negotiated the proposed redevelopment of H Street Connection strip mall between 8th and 10th St NE. I believe that the proposed building will achieve our goals of promoting a pedestrian friendly streetscape while attracting new residents and retail establishments to our neighborhood. In addition, I have worked to reduce the number of vacant properties in our neighborhood. Ensuring vacant properties are occupied reduces problems with drug dealing and vagrancy; making our communities safer and stronger.


If elected Commissioner I will:


1) Address recent crime issues in the ANC 6A by
a) getting information to residents when crimes occur in their neighborhood;
b) helping organize residents to fight crime through regular meetings with beat officers in our neighborhood; and
c) ensuring that high crime areas receive increased police surveillance.


2) Continue ANC 6A's efforts to revitalize the H Street Corridor by
a) increasing police presence on H Street during evening hours by requiring new businesses to contribute to the recently enacted reimbursable detail for off-duty officers as part of their voluntary agreement for alcohol licenses;
b) supporting the redevelopment of the H Street Connection based on current designs and community amenities;
c) working with local business owners to reoccupy vacant buildings leveraging the untapped $25 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for H Street;
d) exploring the formation of an H Street Historic District that will preserve the Corridor's historic buildings without unduly impacting property owners; and,
e) actively working with the DDOT to make sure that Mayor Fenty's pledge to have streetcars running on H Street by 2011 is a reality.


3) Reduce the parking pressures on the surrounding community by
a) working with the police and H Street bars and restaurants to ensure that valets do not use neighborhood streets for parking;
b) helping residents restrict parking on affected neighbor streets to resident-only parking; and
c) working with parking enforcement to ensure that parking restrictions are enforced on neighborhood streets.


I look forward to the opportunity of serving as your Commissioner, and fighting on your behalf for a better, safer neighborhood. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.


I can be reached at ronneberg6a02@gmail.com or 202 431-4305.


Best regards,


Drew Ronneberg

Bobby Pittman: a well-known local figure. Pittman currently serves as Co-Coordinator of PSA 102. He's a former ANC in Adams Morgan.  There's a notable quote from Pittman in that 1997 City Paper Article on a liquor task force. He's talking about the owner of Adams Morgan, and how Pittman feels that "the city's liquor regulators have helped [the owner]." Pittman's quote: "To him it's just a game. It makes you feel...I don't want to say raped. I want to say vulnerable." There was also the key incident where Pittman refused to give up his office to his newly sworn in replacement. His work with PSA 102 is great, but he has an out there streak that I think makes him a poor choice for Commissioner.

My Endorsement for 6A02: Drew Ronneberg

Wine Store Open in 400 Block of H?

I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but a comment left by reader Derek indicates that the new wine shop scheduled to go in next to Sidamo is now open for business.

WP: Ellington May Move Nearby

I believe this is a rather bad photo of Logan (from Google Maps).

The Post reports that the District is considering moving Duke Ellington School of the Arts from its current home in Georgetown to a location (formerly Logan Elementary) near 2nd and G Street (by Union Station). Ellington is considered one of the top public high schools in DC, and boasts a 99% on time graduation rate. Typically, over 95% of graduates are admitted to colleges, or conservatories.

As has already been pointed out on a local listserv, this could be a very thing. We would get to have a terrific, and unique high school nearby, and the students would have access to the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the H Street Playhouse, and multiple galleries.

Shrimp Fest @Argo

2nd Annual Karaoke Throwdown on H

Winner, Winner...Chicken Dinner

The Argonaut launches family style southern fried chicken night every Thursday. Details below:

3 for $6 6 for $10 9 for $15 12 for $20

24 for $30

Mix and match your sides

Small sides $3 or large sides $5

Mac and cheese, greens, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, red beans and rice, baked beans, and mixed veggies.

*1433 H street NE Washington DC 20002*202-397-1416*www.argonautdc.com*

Living Social: $20=$45 @Rock & Roll Hotel

Get your certificate here.

Modern Luxury: H Street Gallery Scene

Modern Luxury looks at the burgeoning gallery scene in the H Street Corridor.

PSA 102 MEETING - January 12th

PSA 102 Public Safety Meeting
Sherwood Recreation Center - 10th and G Streets NE
Tuesday 12 January 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.

SPECIAL TOPIC - YOUTH VIOLENCE:

Guests include:

- Marc Schindler, Esq., Acting Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

- Lynette Collins, Esq., Office of the Attorney General for DC

Also, come out and meet your NEW PSA 102 Lieutenant - Lt. Vendette Parker.
This month, PSA 102 will facilitate a discussion about the impacts of youth violence on our community.

Next Meeting Tuesday 9 February 2010

-------------------

**** PSA 102 meetings enable residents and police to discuss, identify and take action against crime and other quality of life issues in the community. The meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at the Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G Streets NE. Normal times are 7-8:30 p.m.

The PSA 102 boundaries are (clockwise) the railroad tracks at Union Station, Florida Ave NE, Maryland Ave NE, 9th St, East Capitol St, 2nd St, Massachusetts Ave, and Columbus Circle.

****

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PSA 102, photos, crime maps and more go to
http://mpd1dpsa102.blogspot.com

QUESTIONS? Contact:

Brandon Bies
Volunteer PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator
communitysafetywalk@gmail.com

Bobby Pittman
PSA 102 Citizen Co-Coordinator
psa102coordinatormpd@gmail.com

Lt. Vendette Parker
PSA 102 Lieutenant
vendette.parker@dc.gov

Trinidad Neighborhood Association

Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, January 12th, 2009

7:00 PM-8:30 PM

Trinidad Recreation Center

1310 Childress St. NE

* Come hear about our exciting 2010 activities and programs:

o Seminar Series

o Social Events

o Special Events

* Free 2010 DDOE Calendars

* Your Concerns Heard!

Come Out and Join Your Neighbors

~ light refreshments will be served ~

__________________

E-mail: trinidadneighborhood@gmail.com

http://trinidad-dc.org

(202) 596-TNA1

H Street Martini Lounge Rumor

Many of you may have noticed that the H Street Martini Lounge hasn't been open much lately, and that it was on the market. Now come news that it might have a buyer. Rumor has it that the owner of Wisdom (known for its cocktails and absinthe selection) has purchased it, and will reopen it under the name Chapter 2. I understand that the space will have a different feel on each of its two levels. Upstairs is said to be fancier, with a more casual vibe on the first floor.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATE

++++++++++++++++++++++++

I still can't confirm, or debunk this one. If Cliff Humphries has sold the building (there are for sale listings online) I imagine the money might go to his new venture on Capitol Hill. The fact that certain people haven't heard about this makes me skeptical. The Martini Lounge has been open for quite a while, and they seem to do good business. So just treat this as a rumor, not as "news" of a transition.

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FURTHER UPDATE

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Efforts to reach the owner of the Martini Lounge via email and phone were unsuccessful. I talked to a few people who should have known about a sale if one had occurred. They didn't, so I'm calling this rumor, FALSE. The Lounge is for sale, but they guys from Wisdom haven't bought the building, or bought out the lease as far as I can tell.

SPECIAL MEETING AND CANDIDATES FORUM ANC 5B06 VACANCY

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B
Thursday, January 14, 2010
7:00 TO 8:30 PM
Joseph H. Cole Recreation

1200 Morse Street NE


ANC 5B06 CANDIDATES

Bernice Hall-Gates

George Jackson

Tontalya Terceiro-Wright

Thalia Wiggins

If you have any questions or comments call (202) 269-6333 ext. 213

Elections will be held Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm at Joseph Cole Recreation Center.

WP: Taylor Introduces Roast Pork Sandwich

The Post reports on the efforts of Casey Patton, co-founder of Taylor (1116 H Street), to cook the perfect roast pork sandwich.

The roast pork sandwich from DiNic's at the Reading Terminal Market. Taylor now serves a sandwich similar to this Philly classic. Photo by Flickr user A Culinary (photo) Journal

Opening Soon @Conner Contemporary

Press release:

Jeremy Kost Untitled (from LifeBall) detail 2009 - Polaroid.

Jeremy Kost: Anyone Other Than Me .... >Taylor Baldwin: Living Fossil >Matthew Sutton: Sounds a Grown Man Should Not Make OPENINGS: Saturday, January 16: 6-8pm Kost performance - 9pm @ Capitol Skyline (video lounge) rsvp essential to preview: CLICK HERE CONNER CONTEMPORARY ART 1358 Florida Ave, NE Washington, DC 20002 v: 202-588-8750 info@connercontemporary.com www.connercontemporary.com   Join us on Facebook

JEREMY KOST: Anyone Other Than Me …
TAYLOR BALDWIN: Living Fossil
MATTHEW SUTTON: Sounds a Grown Man Should not Make

January 16 – March 6, 2010

Conner Contemporary Art is very pleased to present concurrent solo exhibitions by three gallery artists: Jeremy Kost, Taylor Baldwin and Matthew Sutton.

JEREMY KOST

Jeremy Kost's latest body of work, "Anyone Other Than Me...," reveals the intensely personal nature of his art. The growing notoriety of the artist's captivating photographs - of club kids, celebrities, transsexuals, and beautiful young men - issues from his prowess in the New York social scene, a deliberately cultivated capacity, which lies at the core of his creative process. Kost's odyssey into the inner-circles of glam sub-cultures began in Washington, DC, where he lived from 1999 to 2003. Now thin and fit, Kost describes himself as formerly being a "250-pound fat kid from Texas." Living in DC, he created a new body image, developing a lasting devotion to the gym, which was inspired, in part, by his fascination with gay nightclubs. During this time, Kost made frequent visits to New York, where he began to infiltrate night-life, using a Polaroid camera to interact with fashionable and well-connected people whom he may not have found accessible otherwise.

Since moving to New York six years ago, Kost has become an A-list guest at film premieres, art openings, and society parties. In the tradition of Andy Warhol, Kost documents cultural sub-currents, and records fleeting traces of celebrity. Like Nan Goldin, also from DC, Kost uses the camera lens to capture unpolished glimpses of human interaction. Kost presents his Polaroid output unedited, a strategy which, he asserts, "keeps the integrity of the whole moment unfolding before you." The directness of his medium foils the carefully constructed public identities of his subjects; It also exposes the essential substance of his art, which is not so much about the people he photographs, as it is about his own relation to them.

Focusing on access as the currency of the New York club set, Kost invites us to evaluate what roles our attitudes play in the cycle of desire, opportunity, and attainment that fuels the art world and shapes society in general. Kost will return to DC accompanied by several of the NYC club personalities featured in his work, through whom he will bring his images alive for the night. January 16th, after the gallery opening, Kost will stage a performance at the Rubell family's Capitol Skyline Hotel.

Kost's work was recently exhibited in Paris, France , New York, NY and will also be seen in an upcoming exhibition Spring 2010 at The Warhol Museum, Pittburgh, PA.

TAYLOR BALDWIN

In "Living Fossil," sculptures and drawings by Conner/*gogo artist, Taylor Baldwin, explore personal, economic, and environmental relationships between people and objects. The artist explains, "The role I see for my objects and installations is of creating actual physical anomalies: finding the point where the physical world oscillates between raw material and known form, familiarity and disorientation." Baldwin sculpts familiar forms, such as chainsaws or skulls, out of various matter that he finds, salvages, barters, or steals. Inherent in his complex amalgams are material histories, anecdotes, and provenances, which posit a problematic framework of transaction and ownership.

Baldwin's sculpture "The Sun Never Sets" will be featured at the opening of new permanent space at the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson, AZ in March 2010.

MATTHEW SUTTON

In "Sounds a Grown Man Shouldn't Make," Conner/*gogo artist, Matthew Sutton, presents a selection of sounds, which, he explains, "I make on a regular basis. These sounds sometimes meet with disapproval from friends, family, and coworkers." Sutton elaborates, "Sound making is probably my longest established, most consistent, and maybe most personal activity." This will be Sutton's second solo exhibition with the gallery.

>>>

There will be an opening night reception, Saturday, January 16th from 6 to 8pm. Artists in attendance.

Jeremy Kost performance + after-party at The Rubell Family's Capitol Skyline Hotel (video lounge),
January 16th: 9pm –until. rsvp essential.

Also opening: Industry Gallery celebrates their Grand Opening with the first US solo show of NY-based artist Shlomo Harush and his functional pieces of sculptural art made from stainless steel and aluminum.1358 Florida Avenue, NE, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20002 / info@industrygallerydc.com

Additional information and online catalogue may be found at: http://www.connercontemporary.com.
For further information or images, please contact the gallery @ 202-588-8750 or info@connercontemporary.com.

Conner Contemporary Art is located at 1358 Florida Avenue, NE –Washington, DC 20002 in the Atlas / H Street Historic District. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm.

Azul @Studio H Gallery

Studio H Gallery hosts its first show of the year. The exhibiting artist is Geoff Ault. Ault is known for his dreamlike photographis images. He uses film cameras, toy cameras, digital cameras, and a flat bed scanner to produce the initial images. He the uses Photoshop to transform them into the final work.

He has been working with original images produced by Gregg Friedberg and Andrei Vishnyakov.

Studio H Gallery and Workshop
408a H Street

Opening: January 9, 2010 6pm-9pm

The exhibition runs through January 31st

Pug Fundraiser January 23rd

This is a Belfast Beltway Boxing match fundraiser. More details to come, but mark your calendar.

Filling Those Vacant ANC Seats

We have two local races of interest here. One is for the 5B06 seat vacated by Wilhelmina Lawson. Here's who's running:

Bernice Hall-Gates
George Jackson
Tontalya Terceiro-Wright
Thalia Wiggins

Election to be held Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm at Joseph Cole Recreation Center.

They are also holding a candidates forum:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B
SPECIAL MEETING AND CANDIDATES FORUM
ANC 5B06 VACANCY
Thursday, January 14, 2010
7:00 TO 8:30 PM
Joseph H. Cole Recreation
1200 Morse Street NE

The second is for the 6A02 seat vacated by Joseph Fengler. Here's who's running:

Drew Ronnenberg
Robert Pittman

The election will be held at the February ANC meeting.
2nd Thursday, February 11, 7 p.m.
Miner E.S., 601 15th St. NE

It's very important that people show up to these meetings and actually vote. Really, it can all come down to 1 or 2 votes.

Information on both of the 6A candidates is widely available on the internet. Not so for the 5B candidates. So Google around, ask around, and attend the ANC meeting because they will probably give short speeches. If any of the candidates wishes to send me a short statement/bio I can post it. The following is a small amount of info on the candidates that I either know, or managed to find online:

ANC 5B06:

Bernice Hall-Gates: I swear that DCBOEE says the name is Hall-Gates, but it always pops up as Gates-Hall everywhere else. She's listed as the contact person for the religious non-profit Family Healing Headquarters, Inc. Be careful with Google because this is a more common name that it seems and there is at least one other Bernice Gates in some old newspaper stories. I don't know if it's same person.

George Jackson: a former ANC for 5B05. He was elected ANC 5B Vice-Chair in 2002. Jackson also pops up in a challenge to the validity of signatures for ANC 5B09 candidate Joan Black. The complaint was dismissed when both parties failed to appear for the hearing. He also served as the PTA President for Webb Elementary, and was involved with other groups working with local recreation centers. Some of the facts here come from Jackson's candidate information he provided when running for a Board position with the Trinidad Neighborhood Association.

Tontalya Terceiro-Wright: a former ANC for 8A02. She ran as an independent for the Ward 5 seat last time around.

Thalia Wiggins: a student who I know through various neighborhood activities. She's long been interested in neighborhood affairs, and works hard. I've known her about six years.

*Give me tonight to see what else I can figure out, because I'd like to provide a bit more info for the crew in ANC 5B.

ANC 6A02:

Drew Ronnenberg: current Chair of the ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Commission. Ronnenberg's been heavily involved in the community for quite a while now. He's very accomplished, and I think he's the natural choice to succeed Joseph Fengler.

Bobby Pittman: a well-known local figure. Pittman currently serves as Co-Coordinator of PSA 102. He's a former ANC in Adams Morgan.  There's a notable quote from Pittman in that 1997 City Paper Article on a liquor task force. He's talking about the owner of Adams Morgan, and how Pittman feels that "the city's liquor regulators have helped [the owner]." Pittman's quote: "To him it's just a game. It makes you feel...I don't want to say raped. I want to say vulnerable." There was also the key incident where Pittman refused to give up his office to his newly sworn in replacement. His work with PSA 102 is great, but he has an out there streak that I think makes him a poor choice for Commissioner.

Shooting @19th & H Place

Notice I said H PLACE, NOT H STREET.  This is in Carver-Langston, not on the H Street strip. No word yet on who was shot, or the victim's condition. The alert appears below, along with a map.

Shooting/1714 hrs/19th St and H Place NE/L OO: B/M APPROX 20 Y/O, BLK HAT, RED JACKET. DO NOT TAKE ACTION. CALL 911 WITH EVENT #I20100006552.

"No 'Entitlement' on H Street" Letter

You may have read the letter published in the Post responding to Colbert King's recent column condemning funding of the H Street shuttle. The Post limits letters to 150 words, but I've got the original version. Check it out:

It was with disappointment and dismay that I read the recent column by Colbert I. King regarding the H Street Shuttle ("Earmark and entitlement on H Street", Saturday, December 19, 2009). The column was chock full of unsubstantiated and veiled allegations of racism and seemed rooted in the fear, distrust and reverse racism of the last generation. The overt race baiting in the article was shocking and demands a strong rebuttal.

Mr. King alleges that there "seems to be a perception that some of the Metrobus's X2 clientele can be... rough around the edges," yet he provides no supporting evidence that such a perception exists or that it is unfounded. Given the context, it seems a deceptive omission that no mention was made of the fatal shooting of a passenger boarding a Metrobus at 14th and H Streets earlier this fall. It would have also been helpful to provide statistics regarding crime rates along different bus routes if in fact the X2's clientele is no "rougher" than those riding other lines in the city.

Mr. King uses a quote from the Atlas Theater website to suggest that the H Street Business Cooperative seeks patrons from elsewhere in the city and not from the surrounding neighborhood. A review of the original language and context of the quote online suggests that the intent is to widen the appeal of H Street and make it easier and more attractive for dollars to flow into our community from across the entire city, not to exclude local residents from participating in the new activity on the street. Many local businesses actively seek engagement with, and participation of, the surrounding community. For example, the H Street Theater provides free tickets to its performances for anyone who lives within a 5 or 6 block radius of the theater. To suggest that the H Street business community is trying to draw customers from elsewhere to the exclusion of its neighbors is unsupported by a review of the quote in its original context and simply untrue.

Entrepreneurs on H Street do want, and in fact need, patrons from "different areas of the city and surrounding regions." They need them because the surrounding neighborhood, in and of itself, is not dense enough to support a robust local retail economy. Most businesspeople are concerned about the vitality of their operations, not where people come from. H Street, to be economically successful, needs more people, not different people.

Mr. King presents a derogatory caricature of our neighborhood by suggesting that people want to go out and have a good time on H Street "with folks of similar tastes" and without having to "deal with any unpleasantness of the surrounding territory." We have a racially, socially, economically and culturally diverse community in the blocks surrounding H Street. This is one of the few areas of the city where people from a variety of backgrounds do live side by side and do mix together in social settings, including at nightclubs and bars. If anything, it is both Southeast and Upper Northwest that are the racially segregated areas of town, not H Street, Northeast.

The city and its taxpayers have a vested interest in making H Street economically successful. There is a comprehensive strategic plan for the corridor designed to provide much needed housing, urban retail, and a culturally vibrant arts and entertainment district. The city is expending tens of millions dollars for infrastructure improvements along the H Street corridor. The $428,000 being spent on the shuttle is insignificant in comparison.

Most importantly, the City, in developing and implementing the strategic plan, is providing for the needs of its citizens and is trying to staunch the flow of retail spending leaking out of the District, as well as lost income and property tax revenue. Mr. King is correct that local entrepreneurs have taken on substantial risk by locating new businesses on an economically depressed corridor, but it is all of us who will gain, both economically, and in the ability to participate in a socially and culturally vibrant urban experience. If the shuttle helps H Street's entrepreneurs survive and prosper, we all benefit. So let's leave the race baiting of the last generation behind and enjoy the renaissance of one of Washington's great streets.

Joel Kelty

And here's a letter from Adele Robey of the H Street Playhouse.

Round the Corner @Industry Gallery

Round the Corner, the first solo exhibition by artist Shlomo Harush opens Saturday January 16th. The exhibit will feature unique stainless steel and aluminum sculpture.

This is the first show at the new gallery, which is located directly above Conner Contemporary (1358 Florida Avenue). The gallery's normal hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm.

The opening is 6-8pm January 16th.

Intersections Arts Festival @the Atlas

A "New America" is center stage at the Atlas in DC this winter.  INTERSECTIONS: A New America Arts Festival runs weekends, February 19 - March 7, 2010, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE.  This multi-disciplinary, multi-ethnic and multi-generational line-up of more than thirty-five arts events celebrates the cultural dynamics shaping America today. Experience boundary-crossing theater, dance, music, film, visual arts, opera, literary and spoken word.

Six different performing spaces will be alive with innovative art including:
* Productions from Arena Stage
* A world premiere from Washington hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon
* Scott Joplin's ragtime opera, Treemonisha, presented by The Washington Savoyards
* Legendary folk singer and activist Tom Chapin with a gospel choir.
* Literature live with Selected Shorts from NYC's Symphony Space
* Hands-on arts experiences with visual artists Bill Adair and Kevin Reese.
* Over thirty more performances by and for artists of all ages, races and cultures.

Dance parties, café concerts and workshops add to the celebration.  "Family Day," with special performances and activities for children, is Saturday, February 20th.  Festival EasyPasses are available, too.  For more information and tickets please visit www.intersectionsdc.org or call 202-399-7993

Ping Pong @the Hotel

This is a new offering at the Hotel. Stop by and check it out:

Monday January 4, 2010 will see the launch of the new weekly event creatively named, Rock & Roll Ping Pong.   Ping Pong will be played from 6pm - 10pm every Monday at Rock & Roll Hotel, located at 1353 H St NE. 
In January, it will be first come, first serve open tables.  Leagues and Tournaments are scheduled to take place starting in February.
This is Rock & Roll Ping Pong;  fun, unpretentious, casual, and taking place at one of DC's most popular music venues and nightclubs.

Mondays, Starting 1/4/2010
6pm - 10pm
Free
21 and over welcome
http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=256598751755&ref=nf
http://www.twitter.com/rocknrollhotel
http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

Door Smashed @Sova

I received word of a break-in attempt at Sova. The writer sent along this photo.

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UPDATE

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I'm now told that they were open when after someone ran off with the tip jar. I had received the photo, and the email heading saying attempted robbery. I assumed the author was just using it in place of burglary (apparently not the case) because it looked to me like the glass was smashed, and the metal bent (I guess that was just because the door is actually open). Sorry for the confusion.

Two Cats to Adopt

Nick at age 12

At a party last night I heard about two adult cats that are leaving home due to allergies. I don't have an age yet. I assume they are healthy with all shots. If you are looking to adopt please email me.

I recently lost my cat Nick, who I adopted at age 12. We had a great 6 years. He had FIV, and lots of people won't adopt a cat who is FIV+, or older.  I say that one can take in an older/FIV+ cat and be happy. Nick ate normal food, and required no meds. He wasn't more time, or money, intensive than an FIV- cat. But he did ROCK. He (until he was super old) did greet me at the door every day (even when his food bowl was full).  He did always try to snuggle. He did live through contractor work on the house. Kittens can't do the last one. If you are thinking about adopting a cat, think about adopting an adult cat. They need homes, and they can be great pets.

Lots of Work for 2010

2010 will bring many changes to H Street, and it should be an exciting year. Happy 2010 to all!