2nd Man Charged in Slaying of Teen

Larnell Allen, 19, has been arrested and charged in connection with the November 8th murder of 17 year old Alonzo Sharps. Sharps was walking home from the corner store with a friend when a group of men began yelling at the two youths and then opened fire with no apparent provocation, killing Sharps, and injuring his friend. Sharps was a senior at Spingarn, and had planned to attend college in either New York, or Florida. Allen's co-defendant, Kwan Kearney (also 19) has been charged with murdering another man within the same week.

GGW: Why NoMA Has No Parks

Greater, Greater Washington examines how parks were left out of the NoMA equation, and what Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells wants to do about it.

BBC: H Street Heats Up

BBC Travel checks out the burgeoning local nightlife scene.

CP: Meet the New HR-57

The City Paper reports that HR-57 is moving to 816 H Street, which was most recently the Fusion Mental Health Clinic. You might also remember 816 as the home of Nat's Records, before the owner retired. HR-57 is a well known jazz spot currently located on 14th Street NW.

Near North East History With CHRS

It's a while off, but mark your calendars now because you don't miss this free, and interesting chance to learn more about our neighborhood:

Learn about the Development History of the Near Northeast
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
(Ebenezers Coffeehouse – 201 F Street, N.E. (lower level) accessible

Read more »

The Pug is Open for Thanksgiving

I've just been informed that the Pug will open Thanksgiving night at around 8:30 or 9pm and they'll be offering $2 wild turkey shots. 1234 H Street.

Arrest in Joseph Sharps Murder

MPD has arrested 19 year old Kwan Kearney is the November 8th murder of Jospeh Sharps (17). Sharps had walked to the store to buy candy with a friend, as was his nightly routine. Apparently the two were laughing as they walked down the street when a group containing Kearney took offense to the laughter, and Kearney pulled out a gun and shot both teens (the friend was shot in the leg). Sharps was a senior at Spingarn, and was making plans for college. He lived with his parents in the 1500 block of Queen Street, and died a couple of blocks away from home. Kearney was leading a different lifestyle. He's been charged, in an unrelated incident, with murdering someone else a week later. The Post has the full story.

Reader Question: Where to Buy for $175-215k?

A reader writes in:

Inked,


I’ve been renting [just south of H Street, on the Hill] for the past 2 years, and I think I’m finally ready to buy something. I’ve always had the idea that I will need to move away from this area to afford a place. But I’ve been looking and I found a place in my price range on 18th and Benning Rd NE. So in your opinion, do you think this area is going turn around? Right now it is still pretty rough, but I’m thinking once the [streetcar] is up and running the whole area might turn around (??)...


Also, do you know any areas around here that you can see turning around soon, that has pretty low housing prices (low as in 175,000 to 215,000)?

I've already sent him my advice, but I'm curious what others think.

No Shooting in the 1600 Block of L Street

Dcfireems reports a shooting in the alley of the 1600 block of L Street. This is in Carver Terrace. This is also a preliminary report (meaning 911 got a call about a shooting), not an MPD report.

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UPDATE

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The reported shooting didn't happen. I called in to verify, and it really was just someone who was on pcp, or something similar who believed he had been shot.

Granville's Adds Saturday Brunch

Get your Belgian on every Saturday from 11am-3pm. 1238 H Street.

Chuck Brown in Trinidad Tomorrow

Chuck's Wagon Bar-B-Q Closing

Chuck's Wagon Bar-B-Q is closing its H Street location due to a dispute with the landlord. The owners have stated that they want to continue to be part of the H Street scene.

HR-57 Relocating to H Street

Washington City Paper has confirmed that the jazz bar HR-57 (which I LOVE) is relocating to 9th and H Street. This is major news for HR-57, and for us in the H Street Corridor, and for all local jazzheads. I'm calling it the story of the week.

WP: Assistant Chief Groomes Suspended

A bit of surprising news was released late today that hugely popular MPD Assistant Chief Diane Groomes has been suspended. Groomes, who previously held a key position in the 1st District, is now embroiled in a scandal. The Washington Post writes that:

"A top official of the D.C. police department has been suspended amid allegations that she was involved in "compromising" a test given to members of the department's command staff, the department said Friday."

Groomes supervises the department's patrol services and school security bureau. She is a 20 year veteran of MPD.

Via the Post, which further reports that her paycheck status is unclear.

Best wishes from here that Groomes is cleared of all charges. She has done great work, and I hope/believe that she did nothing to undermine that work.

Everyone's Talking War of the Worlds

War of the Worlds is playing at H Street Playhouse, courtesy of Scena Theatre, and lately everyone seems to have checked it out. Through November 28th. Tickets $25 - $40 ($18 on Thurs. for 30 & under)

Washington City Paper

Washington Post

DC Theater Scene
We Love DC

TBD: ANC/7-11 Negotiations Break Down

mmm. chicken., originally uploaded by mustardgreen.

TBD reports on the discussion process, and the, um, bones of contention.

HSGS: Notes From the Streetcar Hearing

Get them at H Street Great Street.

Don't Forget the Cannoli

Taylor Gourmet sweetens the deal with new cannoli offerings.

The Atlas Holiday Sing Along 12/5

Caroler, originally uploaded by cheekycrows3.

This is a very fun all ages event held annually at the Atlas. Join the Capital City Symphony, Congressional Chorus, and the American Youth Chorus for an interactive holiday celebration. This event it free, and the are two shows (3:30pm and 7:30pm) but you must reserve tickets early because they always "sell out."

I'm Burning, I'm Burning, I'm Burning For You

Not only does Sova (1359 H Street) have a brand spanking new bar menu, they also have a bevy of new craft cocktails for you to sample (typically around $9-12). I stopped in last night and watched the bartender create a Burning Man. The Burning Man consists of Plymouth Gin, St. Germain, house made Sour Patch Kids liqueur (trust me on this one), and prosecco. A Sour Patch Kid is then floated on a leaf in the beverage. Add a tiny drop of Everclear, and ignite! Not only is it a fun show to watch, but also a tasty drink. Definite pink grapefruit notes.

From the Flickr Pool: Rosedale Rowhouse

rosedale rowhouse, originally uploaded by AWard Tour.

A nice addition to the pool indeed. Want to see more boarded up rowhouse photos? Follow the jump!

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Young and Hungry: Ethiopic Wins Another Fan

Young and Hungry walks away satisfied after dining at Ethiopic (link plays music, 401 H Street).

The Hilly Awards Are Friday

The Hilly Awards are Friday, but you still have time to get tickets.

Streetcar Hearing Tomorrow

Hearing: Streetcar Project Comprehensive Plan Approval Resolution
When: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Where: Room 120 in the Wilson Building, 1350 Penn Ave NW
What: A public hearing on the DDOT Streetcar Plan. DDOT released its updated version on its overall Streetcar Plan for DC, including many specifics for the H Street and Benning Road line. The plan details DDOT's plans for the design, construction and operation of the system and covers topics such as operations, safety, fare collection, and funding. The hearing is to get feedback on DDOT’s plan.

Read more »

End of the Year Farmers Market

This Saturday is the last day of the season for the H Street Farmers Market. They've got a couple of end of the year special events at market to celebrate.

1) Red Apron will be at market selling its delicious cured meat products and will be giving away cooked hotdogs to customers. Joining Red Apron will be Cooper Pot, who makes artisanal jams and hand made pastas.

2) The H Street market is working with a local church on a end-of-season Thanksgiving food drive to benefit needy families in the area. The Market organizers would really love to get tons of people donate; if the food drive is a success it might be something they could do on a more regular basis.

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Friday's Benefit at the Cap City Diner

The folks from the Capital City Diner asked me to pass on their thanks  to all who donated to the fund to help out the server who was shot by some teens who stole his backpack after his shift was complete. The benefit drew quite a crowd, and Councilmember Harry Thomas, and ANC Commissioner Tina Laskaris came out to lend their support. Here's the note, and some photos they sent along:

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East City Art Roundup

Saturday November 13

Evolve Urban Arts presents “Into the Quietude” featuring painter James Halloran and mixed-media artist Lisa Rosenstein. The opening reception is Saturday, November 13 from 5-8pm. The exhibit runs through January 8, 2011. The Project space is located in the Pierce School Lofts at 1375 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC

Anacostia Fotoweek ends this Saturday. Anacostia Fotoweek is spread across four venues this year including Blank Space SE, Big Chair Coffee & Grill, Vivid Solutions and Honfleur Gallery.  See the works of Melani N. Douglass at Blank Space, a group show at Big Chair Coffee and “Neither Nor“ by Khanh H Le at Vivid Solutions. Of note, at Honfleur Gallery, visitors will find an exhibit entitled “Likeness” which juxtaposes a photograph with its street art interpretation on the opposite wall.  Addresses for the venues and extended Anacostia Fotoweek hours can be found here.

Sunday November 14

The Corner Store presents a solo show by Anna Demovidova Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 5pm – 8pm.  Demovidova, a Russian born painter explores women's beauty, strength, desires, dreams and their fear of both the inner and outer worlds.  The corner store is located at 900 South Carolina Avenue SE, Washington DC.

Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art.  You can get more information about East City Art on Facebook  or follow them on Twitter

New Windows

12th and H.

Open Soon: The Atlas Room

Stop by 1015 H Street for a bite, or a drink, tomorrow and check out the newest addition to H Street. The Atlas Room opens at 5:30.

DCmud: Big Plans in the 1100 Block

DCmud covers the latest on massive five(!) story building coming to the south side of the 1100 block of H Street.

Property Taxes Too Taxing for H Street?

Many of you have probably already read the letter in the new edition of the mail railing against tax hit take by H Street businesses. One of the signatories on the letter is Anwar Saleem of Hair Rage, and H Street Main Street. Recall that there was legislation passed (Tommy Wells initiated) that postponed property taxes for H Street property owners to help alleviated the negative business impact of all the construction. Here's a list of stuff that went to the tax sale. Many of these owners have totally paid up by now, so don't freak out if you see a familiar address.

Read more »

Plant Daffodil Bulbs in NoMA

Daffodils at Blumenthal, originally uploaded by Wagsome.

Last year NoMa BID planted 4,800 daffodil bulbs that brightened our streets and corners in March. This year, we’re planting more than 15,000 daffodils, and we need your help! Bring your children, friends and dogs, and come out for a few minutes to help beautify the neighborhood.

Date: Saturday Nov 13
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM
Project: Plant 1250 bulbs on the north side of the 300 block of M Street NE.
Plant 650 bulbs at corner of 4th and M Street, NE.

For more information, email Merrit Drucker at mdrucker@nomabid.org.

Crime DC, (Census) Block By Block

Urban Institute-Brookings Institution’s District of Columbia Crime Policy Institute has put together a really cool and easy to understand crime map, broken down by census blocks, of the entire District. The data is, as the map indicates, from 2000-2009. The following types of crimes are included: homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and theft from a motor vehicle. I think it helps put things in perspective a bit. You should definitely download the brief, which has the map, and more useful info. And, you can stop by their website to check out other briefs related to life in DC.

Ok, let's take a look at Trinidad, H Street, and all that other stuff around here.

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Reflections on H Street

Reflections on H Street, originally uploaded by mediaslave.

A cool shot from Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user mediaslave.

La Muse de l’Opéra

Saturday November 13th 11am
Family Performance (FREE)

A concert with chamber ensemble featuring a member of Opera Lafayette's Young Artists program and a chamber ensemble from the Opera Lafayette Orchestra. The program will also feature participation of DC public school students who have participated in Opera Lafayette's in-school program. Tickets available online.

The Case of the Missing Melody

Capital City Symphony Annual Family Concert
The Case of the Missing Melody

The Capital City Symphony's popular Family Concert, preceded by an Instrument Petting Zoo 30 minutes prior to each performance (2pm and 4pm - in the Main Lobby).
This year, Maestra Gau tackles "The Case of the Missing Melody," featuring Three Pieces for Kids and Chamber Orchestra by Adolphe, the Barber of Seville Overture by Rossini, the Flying Dutchman Overture by Wagner, and Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz.

Tickets for kids 16 and under FREE.

Nov 14th 2:30 and 4:30 pm

Want to Support Streetcars? Learn How

The Sierra Club's offering up some nifty training:

For those of you who have never testified at a DC Council committee hearing or who would like advice about how to testify, we are holding a testimony prep session. We'll provide information about the hearing process and one-on-one assistance to help you feel confident about testifying.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 16 at 6:00 pm

WHERE: SOVA - Espresso and Wine, Upstairs (1359 H Street NE)

Please don't forget to sign up to testify at the hearing by Monday, November 15 at 5:00 pm by sending an email to April Hawkins-Mason at the committee at ahawkinsmason@dccouncil.us.

360º H Street Moves One Step Closer

Giant has officially confirmed that it is coming to H Street as part of the 360º H Street Development that Steuart Development plans to erect on the north side of the 300 block of H Street. Key facts:
-290,000 square feet;
-LEED certified;
-street level retail;
-215 luxury rental units upstairs;
-Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc. act as architects;
-61,000 square foot site;
-buried parking (125 spaces);
-construction scheduled to start in Spring, with the Giant scheduled to open first quarter of 2013.

Bar Food at Sova

Accompaniments

Gherkin Pickles (cornichons)- $4 

Medjool Dates - $5

Turkish Figs - $5 

Organic Mixed Olives - $4

Marcona Almonds - $5 

Apricots - $4

Read more »

Rail Station Lounge

There's an upcoming ABRA hearing regarding a jazz/neo soul place called Rail Station Lounge that hopes to open at 2001 Benning Road. The hearing is November 29th.

-occupancy 200
-no dance floor
-cover charge for entry, and djs
-free bar snacks like nuts and pretzels

Via Rosedale Citizen's Alliance.

Lost Dog: Aldi

The info from the flyer:

Hello, My name is Adi. I chased a cat down the street one night about a week ago and got away from my Mommy. I have brown spots on my back and face. I really miss my bed, all my toys, and my Mommy. If you see me could you call her PLEASE.

Read more »

Tonight at Red Palace: Capital Tassels & Tease

Haven't made it to the newly open Red Palace yet? Check it out tonight and take in a burlesque at the same time:


CAPITAL TASSELS and TEASE (on new RED PALACE stage)
Doors 8pm; Show 9pm
Price: $10
The burlesque debut on the all-new Red Palace stage!! Capital Tassels and Tease: DC's Budding Burlesque Beauties!

Brought to you by L'il Dutch and Rev. Valentine --- the return of Capital Tassels and Tease brings new acts, new dancers and a new venue!

You don't want to miss this inaugural event! Capital Tassels and Tease is also joined this month by comic Michael Foody!

One big show at 9 p.m.!!

Examiner: War of the Worlds at H Street Playhouse

The Examiner discusses War of the Worlds, which you can catch on stage at the H Street Playhouse through November 28th. Scena Theatre.

WP: After Death, Grief & Questions

The Post interviews the family of slain teen Little Joe Sharps. Sharps was walking with a friend last night when the individuals approached the two and opened fire killing Sharps, and striking his friend in the leg. He lived in the 1500 block of Queen Street, and died a couple of blocks away where Oates meets Holbrook Street. Sharps was a senior at Spingarn. He had hoped to attend college in Florida or New York.

Now THAT'S a Line!

The crowd outside Sticky Rice after the Stewart/Colbert rally.

WP: Good to Go at Chuck's Wagon Bar-B-Q

The Post checks out Chuck's Wagon Bar-B-Q, and finds it quite satisfying. 650 H Street. Open Monday-Thursday from 11am-3pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11am-7pm.

Benefit for Wade From the Diner

As I mentioned before, an employee of the Capital City Diner was robbed and shot (this occurred after his shift)  by some teens Saturday evening. Wade underwent surgery and is recovering well. The folks from the Cap City Diner have put together a little benefit to help him out. Here's the announcement:

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$25 for $50 at Langston Bar and Grille

Photo courtesy of Langston Bar and Grille

Like Southern style comfort food? You've got to try the fare at Langston Bar and Grille (link plays music). Lucky for you Groupon has stepped in to sweeten the deal. Now you can save money while enjoying the intimate atmosphere.

The Atlas Room: Opening Mid-Week

As you may have heard, the Atlas Room, which replaces Napa 1015 at the 1015 H Street location, had a soft opening this weekend. The long awaited restaurant plans to officially open its door sometime later this week. Thrillist has more details on the neighborhood oriented restaurant.

12th & H

GGW: The Big G

Greater Greater Washington launches a short series examining what we talk about when we talk about gentrification.

Murder on Holbrook Street

Apparently we had a double shooting (one fatality) last night. A male shot two teens in the 1300 block of Holbrook Street. The kid that died was between 16 and 18. The survivor is 17. The shooter is still at large. Sorry to be short on details, but MPD somehow didn't send an alert out for this one, and Fox news is reporting that it is going to occur tonight. TBD reports that the call came in a 8:47pm. This is in Trinidad.

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UPDATE

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PSA 102 Meeting 8/9

Sherwood Recreation Center - 10th and G Streets NE
Tuesday 9 November 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.

Special Guest: 1D Detectives Office

Join in a discussion on a variety of recent crime issues, and get an update from the 1D Detectives office on a number of current cases within PSA 102.

Little Diner

little diner, originally uploaded by AWard Tour.

Frozen Tropics Flickr pool user AWard Tour shares this shot of the Capital City Diner.

Lots Happening Last Night

To start the evening we had one opening (Red Palace), and one soft opening (the Atlas Room).

Later that night an employee of Capital City Diner was shot and injured when he pursued four youths who had stolen his backpack. Such shootings (involving robberies) are actually quite rare around here. Please send good thoughts Wade's way, and hope for a speedy recovery. Last I heard he was out of surgery and doing well.

Argo Gets a Paint Job

The Argo has traded its green for a light gray shade.

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Drink/Dine For Good at the Pug or Cap City Diner

10% of yesterday's and tonight's ring at the Pug goes to the fund set up for the widow of MPD Officer Paul Dittamo, who died last week when his cruiser lost control as he responded to a call.

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UPDATE
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Saturday and Sunday Morning Brunch at the Pug

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PoP: Judging the Star & Shamrock

Prince of Petworth scopes out the Star and Shamrock.

25% off Pirates of Penzance

Would you like a 25% discount on all seats to see the Washington Savoyards production of Pirates of Penzance now playing its final run this week at the H Street Atlas Theater? Use promo Code: RUTH for this discount. Additional discounts for senior citizens.

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CHNNA Meeting Saturday

This Saturday, November 6th at 10 AM the Capitol Hill North Neighborhood Association (CHNNA) will be holding its next general meeting at Two Rivers Elementary School at 1227 4th Street NE. Featured speakers will be Scott Kubly and Sandy Castor from DDOT, who will be on hand to discuss the new streetcar line under construction on H Street, as well as the future proposed line on 8th and Florida that will also serve our neighborhood. Other topics will include reports and discussion on our efforts to secure land for parks in Near
Northeast, as well as public safety information from Douglas Klein of the US Attorneys Office, and other news items.

Bikers in the 1300 Block

Costumes on H: Skeleton Cowboy

Thanks DCBOEE!

Yeah, you might need to wait a while.  I just glanced at the election results so far and discovered that a friend appeared to be losing badly percentage wise. Except that DCBOEE only has recorded one vote in that race. That particular race is in 5B. Some of the races in 6A are further along.

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UPDATE

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Costumes on H: Pollyanna and the Leather Daddy

Costumes on H: Zombie Eats Oktoberfest Brains

Photo by Laura C.

DC Metrocentric: Vintage Photo Near Union Station

Check out this 1976 shot of the construction of Union Station's parking garage (via DC Metrocentric).

Rebuilding Place: More on ANCs

Richard Layman takes the Housing Complex article, and digs a little further into how we might improve ANCs..

Don't Forget to Vote Today

The polls in Trinidad's Pricinct 77, where I vote, opened a little over 20 minutes late. I was told there were further delays for electronic voting.

What were your voting experiences like?

Costumes on H: ??

Photo by Laura C.

Hmm, can anyone help with this duo spotted at LMW?

Did You Catch the Gallery Ghost?

The ghostly piano player visited H Street on Saturday and Sunday nights giving visitors a fright, and an excuse to dance.
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Costumes on H: The Rent is Too Damn Low

You can actually vote for this guy for funniest costume on the Huffington Post.

Housing Complex: Building a Better ANC

Housing Complex is thinking about how to improve local ANCs. Do your part by voting for your chosen local representative tomorrow.