VOH: ANC Questionnaire Omission

I'm posting this ANC Commissioner candidate Q&A because it was inadvertently left out of the recent Voice of the Hill voter guide. Since the voter guide gets pretty good circulation, this Q&A is not only being posted here, but sent out on plenty of listservs as well. My posting of this Q&A is not intended to be an endorsement of Mr. Rauch's candidacy. You can read Q&As from all the other candidates in the latest issue of Voice of the Hill.

ANC Questionnaire Omission

The Voice of the Hill inadvertently left out Jesse Rauch’s response to our questionnaire sent to all advisory neighborhood commission (ANC) candidates, whose responses were published in the Oct. 26 issue.

Here are Rauch’s responses with our sincerest apologies:

Jesse B. Rauch
Single-member district (SMD): 6A03
Occupation: Research Assistant, American Federation of Teachers
Age: 24
Years in D.C.: 2 ½ years
Years in your SMD: 2 ½ years
Incumbent? No.

1. What experience do you have that you feel qualifies you for the ANC?

Since moving to D.C., I worked to improve our community's quality of life. Working with city council, the Riders' Advisory Council, Dan Tangherlini, WMATA staff, I saved late night D6 bus service. During my tenure as DCPS teacher, I observed how important community was in developing a neighborhood, so I involved my community to push my students to make significant gains in reading & math. I learned that improving our schools requires community activism. Also, as a member of the ANC 6A Schools & Library Committee, we are attempting to reach out to support our neighborhood schools.

2. Why do you want to be an ANC commissioner?

We live in a great neighborhood during exciting times. However, our schools need help, our children need safe places to play, we are threatened by inappropriate zoning, and our streets are plagued by burgeoning traffic and parking problems. The only way to make progress in our community is to work together. I pledge to unite our neighborhood to protect it. I want to listen and advocate for my neighbors. The operative word in advisory neighborhood commission is “neighborhood.” Currently, “neighborhood” is a concept; as commissioner, I will make it a reality. I want to bring community back to Capitol Hill.

3. What do you feel is the primary responsibility of an ANC commissioner?

Capitol Hill is a historic community undergoing significant changes. Thus, the primary responsibility of an ANC commissioner is to advocate and represent the concerns of the neighborhood. This can only be done if the commissioner involves the community at-large by informing and collaborating with them. A commissioner must be relentless and innovative in the pursuit of answers and be creative problem solvers. I promise to do all these things. If I were to define the ideal ANC commissioner, it would be a committed, active, energetic, person who unites residents and community members to advocate for the concerns of the neighborhood.

4. What do you see as the single greatest issue facing your ANC in the next year? The city?

Conversations with my neighbors have led me to believe that a “lack of community” is a looming threat to our neighborhood. If we are able to re-unify our neighborhood, by working with local schools and community members, including local businesses, we will be more able to maintain the integrity of our neighborhood. The continued economic development of our city, while it brings tremendous capital and great diversity, is also pressuring us and forcing us to reexamine our values. If we do not elect strong, thoughtful leaders, then the historic vitality of our neighborhoods will be challenged.

5. What do you want voters to know about you that will help them in deciding whom to vote for?

If I am elected, I pledge to bring my energy and relentless drive to build and strengthen our community. And I want to do it with your help. It is only when we act together, as a unified voice, will we accomplish our goals. I have extensive experience and contact with members of the city council, Board of Education, WMATA, D.C. Public Schools, and local businesses. I have experience with many of the diverse issues affecting our neighborhood. I am excited to utilize my resources to make “neighborhood” a reality in Capitol Hill. Also, anyone can contact me by email.

6. If you are an incumbent, list three successes from your time as a commissioner. (If you are challenger, list three things you would bring to the ANC or three things the current commissioner has failed to achieve for your single-member district/ANC.)

Our SMD deserves a lot of attention and my work will involve three prominent themes: community, collaboration, and communication. These concepts are what allows our neighborhood to function and allows us to work together to solve problems. Three things that I would bring to the ANC in particular are that I will build stronger relationships with our schools to turn them into blue-ribbon institutions; engage police on issues of public safety to make our neighborhood safer; and address zoning and parking concerns. Essentially, as commissioner, I want to build and strengthen our neighborhood through a better sense of community.

Sober Ride

Don't forget that Sober Ride is providing free cab rides tonight for those who find themselves in need. Get the details here. Call the for a ride at 800-200-8294 (TAXI).

Got Halloween Plans?

Tired of house parties, but don't want to spend the evening pausing the Exorcist to answer the door? Try these H Street alternatives:

Check out Palace of Wonders' (1210 H Street) Freakshow Halloween and Female Zombie Arm Wrestling. Drink specials. Costumes encouraged. No cover.

Or catch tonight's show at the Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H Street). Here's what $10 buys you:
Kayo Dot

• Grails
• Wooden Wand
• Kohoutek
• Piasa

Red and the Black (1212 H Street) is also hosting a Halloween party. This one's entitled "Night of the Living Skulls." They'll be 4 djs (including one, Mellie Mel, local to our own Trinidad), and a band. No cover. This is one of DCist's Halloween picks.

WP: Fernandes Out at Gallaudet

The Board of Trustees has voted, and Jane K. Fernandes will no longer replace I. King Jordan when he leaves office in January. Instead, the search process will be reopened. Protestors are currently disassembling their tent camp.

H Street Farmers Market Tomorrow

What: the last H Street farmers market of the year. Don't miss out on the bread, fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, and more.
When: 9am-12pm
Where: middle of the southside of the 600 block of H Street.

Cheeky Monkey @Palace of Wonders

Tonight's your chance to check out the Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Halloween Hullabaloo at Palace of Wonders (1210 H Street). Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.

DCist Review of Rock & Roll Hotel Show

A look at the recent show featuring DJ Spooky, the Gray Kid & Person. The Rock & Roll Hotel is located at 1353 H Street. Here's tonight's line-up:
The DAM! Festival present:
LongwaveTravis MorrisonHopewellFalcons
***AFTER PARTY AFTER THE SHOW***
DJ SETS BY:
John Davis (Georgie james/ Q and Not U)
Sharkey

Tragedy Strikes the Ohio Restaurant

Bethlehem Ayele, better known to Ohio patrons as "Betty," was murdered late Wednesday night. Ms. Ayele stopped at a traffic light in Del Ray when a man approached her car and fired through the window. Ms. Ayele was struck in the head. Though motive was not immediately clear, it has now been ascertained that Betty Ayele offered testimony during the Murder Inc. trial. The trial involved a gang of drug dealers who operated, during the 1990s, in the area just north of H Street and participated in widespread witness killings.

Betty Ayele was known for her friendly and welcoming personality. She worked with her sister in the the Ohio Restaurant (1380 H Street), which their family acquired less than a year ago. She had high hopes of turning the Ohio, which was once downtrodden, and suffering for a reputation for violence, into a a success story. Since the two sisters took control, the Ohio has received numerous enthusiatic reviews, including endorsements from the Washington Post, and the City Paper. The Ohio is maintaining its normal hours, so feel free to stop in and enjoy a bit of Betty's dream in her memory.

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Oops
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The Ohio was open yesterday, but closed last night. Not sure what the deal is with the hours. Sorry for the misinformation.

Employment & Training For District Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Diana Johnson
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Donna Henry
(202) 671-2100


Hundreds of Employment and Training Opportunities Await Out-of-School District Youth

(Washington, D.C.) The Department of Employment Services’ Out-of-School Youth Employment Program currently has employment and training opportunities for District residents, ages16 through 24, who are out of school.

Program participants will gain hands-on experience in Construction Trades, Emergency Medical Technology, Hospitality and Education, Information Technology, including Web Development. Interested youth may also participate in career awareness workshops, work-readiness and occupational-skills training, and basic education/GED preparation offered through the department’s program.

The D.C. Department of Employment Services plans, develops, and delivers employment-related services to all segments of the Washington, D.C. community. Eligible residents interested in the District’s Out-of-School Program should contact the Department of Employment Services, Office of Youth Programs, at 202.698.5242 or visit 625 H Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.

Post/Non-Post Gallaudet Update

Washington Post
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1. Here's a story about a construction vehicle being used to clear an entrance blocked by protestors. A few students suffered minor injuries.

2. Here's a transcript from the radio interview with a sociology chair and a student.

3. Protestors took their message to Congress, now so has the university.

4. And here's an interesting piece disputing the characterization of Gallaudet as the center of deaf culture in America. Thanks to Brendan for leaving this one in the comments.

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Non-Washington Post (i.e. other sources)
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1. A post from Central Floridians for FSSA responding to an endorsement of Fernandes from one of the students murdered at Gallaudet a few years ago.

2. Interested in seeing more of the protests? Click here for some videos.

3. The handful of student participating in a hunger strike continue.

4. Here's a Washington TImes article focusing on the hunger strikers.

5. The Times (UK) has a story (Oct. 17th, but this is a bit off my radar) on the protests.

6. NBC Nightly News offered (during the May protests) this segment on the issue.

VOH: Voter's Guide & More

Highlights:
-Candidate info (massive amount)
-Rivera mistrial
-Timeline for H Street streetscape project
-Anwar Saleem's letter re: H Street Main Street's depiction in a recent article
-William Barrow's letter re: H Street CDC's depiction in a recent article
Get the pdf.

VOH: Mistrial in Rivera Case

The strange saga of an alleged conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering (involving a pyramid scheme committed by one of the men) that may have involved two men (one, Robert Hall, was convicted at trial to some charges, and pled guilty to others) who served as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners in 6C (Hall resigned from his seat after moving out of district, and current Commissioner Anthony Rivera replaced him after an election). An additional man, involved in business with Mr. Hall was just acquitted at trial (notably, an expert testified that this defendant's name had been forged on a key document). Mr. Rivera has been on trial for a number of charges involving the laundering and movement of funds generated by Mr. Hall's ponzi scheme. In yet another twist this trial has ended in a hung jury (9-2-1). A retrial undoubtedly looms in Mr. Rivera's future (as does an election, since his name is on the November 7th ballot). Get the full coverage from Voice of the Hill.

Disagreements on the Florida Market

Both Richard Layman and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (5B) Kathy Henderson testified at the October 20th hearing on the proposed legislation regarding New Town at the Florida Market. Mr. Layman has posted his testimony here (and described the meeting here), and it was mentioned in the headlining subject in DC Watch's the Mail on October 22nd (Dirty Deeds). Commissioner Henderson, who took offense to some of Mr. Layman's comments, has a response in the latest edition of the Mail (Travel and Seizure). Here is Mr. Layman's reponse to Commissioner Henderson's commentary. Though the proposed legislation (pdf) appears pretty straight forward on the surface, the deal itself is another matter (and one that I think merits a closer look).

DC Crime Map

Brought to you by DCMPD. Check out the map, and check out this story on it from the Post.
By the way, the map won't work with Firefox.

Montello Ave

DCist: The Bluest Eye -H Street Triumph

Read the review here of the Bluest Eye (playing through November 12th at the H Street Playhouse). Get tickets online. Don't forget that residents within a certain proximity to the theater can get free tickets.

DCist: Fernandes WP Chat Rehash

DCist remarks on the Washington Post online chat with Jane Fernandes (President Designee of Gallaudet University). You can also read this recent online chat with one of the student protest leaders.

Morse

Voice of the Hill Candidates Debates

Voice of the Hill is sponsoring two debates.

These are not a forums, but debates. No softball or planted questions from
the audience. The candidates will get to ask questions of each other on the
issues facing the new school board and D.C. Council members.

District 3 School Board debate - Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7 pm
Ward 6 D.C. Council debate - Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 pm

Doors open at 6:30 pm on both nights.

H Street Playhouse
1365 H St., NE

Moderated by Voice managing editor Patti Shea

NE Gateway Meeting Tonight!

Sorry for the late notice, but here are the details:

What: (from the Office of Planning website)

During the Fall of 2003, the Office of Planning launched a comprehensive community planning process to develop a revitalization strategy for Cluster 23 which was dubbed "The Northeast Gateway" by community participants. Over an 18-month period, an Advisory/Outreach Committee was established, the area boundaries were confirmed, five public meetings were held with an additional meeting held in Ivy City. The community identified key issues they wanted addressed. These issues helped to set the goals of the plan which include: improving the image of the area, protecting affordable housing, and increasing neighborhood amenities.

Four opportunity areas are discussed in the study, the DC Wholesale Market, Ivy City, the Destination Retail Triangle, and the Bladensburg Road Hechinger Mall Node.

When: 6:30-8pm
Where: Youth Services Center 1000 Mt. Olivet Road NE

Joe Cole Fitness Center (1200 Morse)

We're going to have a little repetition extra repetition in the random photos this week because we're approaching Halloween and that seems like a decent excuse to use some of the shots I consider a little spookier. I realize the particular photo above is slightly off kilter (I have straight versions), but I feel that adds a bit to the effect. This is what the Rec looks like on a Saturday morning before they've turned on all of the lights.

WP: BoE Candidates Forum

The Post reports on last night's Board of Education candidates forum.

5th Annual School Information Night

Press Release:

5th Annual School Information Night organized by Moms on the Hill. (MOTH) It's a great event if you're looking for preschools, elementary schools or just want a good overview for what is in and around the Hill. This year we have added junior High and middle schools.

Make sure you make your plans to attend School Information Night -- it's Wednesday, October 25 from 5 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Church basement (2nd & C Streets, SE). Tell your friends in nearby neighborhoods as well! There will be dozens of schools in attendance. Confirmed schools and programs so far include:

Apple Tree Early Learning PCS
Brent ES
Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Capitol Hill Co-op Playschool
Capitol Hill Day School
Capitol Hill Learning Group
Christian Family Montessori School
Cornerstone Community School
Davette's Day-to-Day and Summer Adventures Program
DOL Ester Peterson Child Development Center
G Street Cooperative Playgroup
E.L. Haynes PCS
Hill Preschool
Holy Comforter/St. Cyprian Catholic School
Holy Name Catholic School
Kingsbury School
Little Scholars Daycare
Ludlow-Taylor ES
Maret School
Maury ES
Model Cities Child Care
North East Stars Montessori Learning Center
Peabody Elementary (Capitol Hill Cluster School)
Potomac School (VA)
River Park Nursery School
Rock Creek International School
Sheridan School
St. Peter's Interparish Catholic School
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School
Two Rivers PCS
Tyler Elementary
Reggio Emilia Program at Peabody [Capitol Hill Cluster School]
Washington International School
Watkins Elementary (Capitol Hill Cluster School)
Watkins Montessori (Capitol Hill Cluster School)
World Language School of Washington
Stuart Hobson [Capitol Hill Cluster School]
St. Anselm's Abbey School

Atlas Homecoming Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
October 23, 2006 Jen DeMayo
202.399.7993
jdemayo@atlasarts.org


Atlas Performing Arts Center Invites Neighbors to Homecoming Celebration!
Free Performances of Coming Home, a Story of H Street


The Atlas Performing Arts Center [1233 H Street] will hold a series of Grand Opening events the week of November 8-12, 2006. The final day, Sunday November 12th is designated for the H Street Community. All are invited to reserve their free tickets to the performances.
The events are a way for the Atlas to thank the various donors, designers, artisans and community members who believed in the project and gave their time, money and energy to make it come to life.

There will be performances at 2pm and 5pm with pre-show treats and festivities beginning an hour before each. Audiences will tour the Atlas and enjoy splashes of performance by DC’s finest a.k.a. Doo Wop cops, an a cappella group of singing police officers, and RyhthmiX a children’s hip hop troupe from Joy of Motion at the Atlas.

The Homecoming Day event will showcase a musical commissioned specifically for the Grand Opening. The play, called Coming Home, was written by award-winning local playwright David Emerson Toney, and is being directed by noted director, Mary Hall Surface. The music and lyrics are by Chris Youstra, and musical direction is in the capable hands of George Fulginiti-Shakar.

Coming Home chronicles the histories of four families- African American, Irish, Jewish and German-who live in the H Street neighborhood from its bustling early years through the hard times of the late 20th century. Their lives, hopes and dreams are intricately entwined with the street they call home.

For the artists involved, Coming Home presents an opportunity to tell the rich, multifaceted and uplifting story of the neighborhood that nurtured the Atlas. “The H Street story is a tale of human compassion and resiliency and it deserves to be told,” says playwright David Toney.

The Homecoming Day is open to all. Anyone who is interested in attending one of the performances must call the Atlas Box office at 399-7993 to reserve their seats.

Open Your Eyes

Rowhouses in eastern Trinidad.

WP: Turmoil Source Up For Debate

Another story on isolating the issues at Gallaudet.

WP: ShotSpotter

The Post has an article on a pretty cool bit of technology that is currently being used in SE DC to pinpoint the location of gunshots very quickly (allowing for greater possiblity of catching shooters & reaching victims faster). You can read other articles about ShotSpotter here.

Testimony from Florida Market Hearing

Here is a link to testimony given by Richard Layman at Friday's hearing regarding proposed legislation for the New Towns development at the Florida Market. Definitely worth a read.

Trinidad Nets DDOT $80K Beautification Grant

The money will likely be spent on banners and treebox creation/beautification.

Meeting Re: 9 Story Building in 600 Blk of H

From the listserv:

The H Street NE Zoning Overlay and associated Design Guidelines were incorporated the DC Municipal Zoning Code to help implement the H Street Strategic Plan. The proposed development on the 600 block of H Street will be the first application of the the Zoning Overlay and Design Guidelines, and as a result, this case will set the precedent for other developments on H Street.

The developers will be presenting revised plans to the October 24th meeting of ANC 6A's Economic Development and Zoning Committee. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at:

ANC 6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee
Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 7-9 PM
Capitol Hill Towers (900 G St, NE)
Community Room

Rendering of the revised plans are in the full Agenda package at
http://www.anc6a.org/EDZAOct2406.pdf

The H Street NE Zoning Overlay can be found at:
http://www.anc6a.org/hstoverlayFinal.pdf

The associated design guidelines can be found here.

The H Street Strategic Plan is locate at:
http://planning.dc.gov/planning/cwp/view,a,1285,q,571665.asp

Hope to see you on Tuesday,

Drew Ronneberg
ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee, Chair

Photos: Gallaudet Protestors March on the Hill

You can get the idea from these shots on the webpage for the Gallaudet University FSSA Coalition.

And here we have a blog opposing the actions of the FSSA (the protests generally).

One last link to what is probably the best selection of Gallaudet protest photos that I've seen yet.

Gallaudet on Front Page of NY Times

Read the article here.

WP: Gallaudet Round-Up

A protestor on the night 133 protestors were arrested. The printed material on his shirt reads: "WARNING I'm not anti-social, I just don't like you," under which he has written "JANE!!"

A recent Post editorial (that I missed) on the situation at Gallaudet (specifically regarding the shifting support for Jane Fernandes among board members).

Here is a short Post piece talking about the difficulties many are having in isolating the issues that may be at play in the protest.

Also see this Post piece A Lonely Voice For Inclusion In a Redout of the Radical Deaf (from metro columnist Marc Fisher).

The Post will feature an online Q&A with Fernandes Monday (Oct. 23rd) at 2pm.

Farmers Market Tomorrow

What: a producers only farmers market on H Street! Features: fruits, veggies, breads, cakes, cookies, cheeses, cider, eggs, yogurt, meats & more.
When: Saturday from 9am-12pm
Where: middle of the south side of the 600 block of H Street.

PSA 504 Meeting Tomorrow

What: a Police Service Area meeting for PSA 504 (includes all of Trinidad)
Where: Developing Families Center 801 17th Street, NE
When: 10am-11:30am Saturday, October 21st

Learn How the CSOSA Sex Offender Unit Works Their Purpose in the Community & How That Impacts YOU!! Did You Know? Our Community Has the Highest Number of Registered Sex Offenders in the City. Sponsored byThe Metropolitan Police Department—5DFor More Info Contact: Lt. Judith Anderson 698-0268 or judith.anderson@dc.gov

WP: Fernandes Expresses Resolve

Embattled Gallaudet president designee, Jane K. Fernandes, reiterates her refusal to back down, even amid the news that support for her among trustees is slipping.

WP: Low College Grad. Rate for DCPS

9%. That's the percentage of DCPS high school freshmen who will graduate from college within five years of completing high school, according to the Post (the report the story is based on actually says something slightly different). The national average is 23%. Others numbers of interest:
43% of DCPS high schoo; students graduate within 5 years (68% is the national average)

The report aparently does more localized breakdowns as well (making it a far more useful tool).
Read the story here.

DCist: Horace & Dickies

DCist recently paid Horace & Dickie's (a fried fish & chicken joint on 12th Street, just north of H) a visit & came away satisfied. Get the write-up here. One thing the write-up doesn't mention (but that I find endlessly amusing) is that, a couple of years back, Horace & Dickie's actually received an honorable mention for best fried chicken in the south...from Southern Living Magazine!

WP: Support for Fernandes Wanes

Check out this Post piece stating that Jane Fernandes' (the president designee for Gallaudet University) support among the trustees is beginning to erode.

Slate: Gallaudet Protest

Slate takes a look (or two) at goings on at Gallaudet:
What Happens at Gallaudet the Protests?
Gallaudet's Sign of the Times

Dissident Display Gallery on H

I somehow missed this until today. Apparently, another art gallery is scheduled to open on H Street (416) in two days. Check it out here.

A Few Music Suggestions on H Street

http://www.dcene.com/

11.16.06/DCene Concert Series presents

ADHD with special guests WELBILT & MINUS-ONE

Location:

ROCK & ROLL HOTEL, 1353 H Street, NE Washington, DC Time: 9:00PM, Cover: $10

11.18.06/DCene Concert Series presents

3STARKARMA with special guests MAN IN GRAY (NYC) , BRAIN FANG, and THE BEANSTALK LIBRARY

Location:

THE RED & THE BLACK, 1212 H Street, NE Washington, DC Time: 9:00PM, Cover: $8

Art Installation @the Atlas

For Immediate Release: For More Information Contact
October 16, 2006 Jen DeMayo
jdemayo@atlasarts.org

Art and Elements-The Second Installations of Street Scenes: Projects for DC opens tomorrow at the Atlas Performing Arts Center Dirt Mosaics and Sand Drawings to be installed throughout DC

Washington, DC-

Art & Elements, the second project of an ambitious public arts program, will launch the morning of October 18, 2006, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street) as two artists, Cal Lane and Linn Meyers, will create temporary installations on the streets of Washington, DC. Art & Elements is an installation of Street Scenes: Projects for DC, which has been established by local independent art curators to mount temporary public art interventions.
Art & Elements—which was created in collaboration with leading art galleries, art institutions, and commercial enterprises of Washington—will showcase the works of two artists who usually work in different mediums. Using sand and dirt, they will create temporary art works at different times and different locations throughout the city over the course of seven days. Cal Lane, an artist and a welder, has created large-scale outdoor sculptures. Most recently, she created a work for the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, NY. Linn Meyers is
well-known within the Washington art world for producing precise and colorful line drawings.
The project will start on October 18 with an installation at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in the vibrant new arts community on H Street NE. It will end on October 24, with three installations in Chinatown. In contrast to the premier project of Street Scenes, Art not Ads (during which mobile billboards cruised the streets of Washington with poetry, painting and video works), this October project will showcase artists at work at fixed locations. The dirt and sand installations will be on public display at the following locations from October 18 through October 24, weather permitting:

Wednesday October 18 / H Street Corridor NE
Atlas Performing Arts Center,1333 H Street NE

Art & Elements is curated by Nora Halpern and Welmoed Laanstra. Halpern is an independent curator and Vice President for Leadership Advancement at Americans for the Arts. Laanstra, an independent art curator, was the curator and organizer of Found Sound, a public art program that last year presented sound art in sound booths placed on sidewalks across Washington. Found Sound was the first collaboration for Halpern and Laanstra. galleries, artists and local governments.

WP: No Confidence for Fernandes

The Gallaudet faculty has produced a no confidence vote in president designate Jane Fernandes last night. The non-binding resolution, which called for Fernandes to resign, passed by a vote of 138 to 24, with 6 abstensions. They also narrowly passed a no confience vote for I. King Jordan (Gallaudet's current president).

RP: Thoughts on Gallaudet

Rebuilding Place has a few thoughts on the situation at Gallaudet.

WP: Go-Go, Peacefully

The Post (yesterday's edition) has this article on a series of "peace-gos" being held in the District for teens. The peace-gos take place at the Market Lounge (Capital City Market). Peaceoholics, the organizing group, seeks an alternaive route to reducing youth violence.

A Message from the Argonaut

The Argonaut would like to thank everyone who came out and showed their support on Friday night! We were able to raise over 9,000 dollars for Quike!! Also the Argonaut begins construction today on our patio!! We are in the process of ripping up the paving and then pouring concrete. Followed by fixing and putting the fence back up!! We can thank the city for it taking so long!!
Scott Magnuson
General Manager

*Winners of items in the silent auction will be contacted in the next few days

WP: Gallaudet Classes to Resume, but Protest Continue

Today's addition to the library. Also in the Post is a very brief profile of Gallaudet.

Dr. Gridlock: H Street Trolley

Dr. Gridlock answers (sort of) a reader's question about the timetable for the H Street Trolley.

R&B Coffee, Sold, to Re-Open Soon

It's true, Alphonso Morgan, proprietor of R&B Coffee (1359 H Street) has passed on the reins. But never fear, R&B Coffee isn't going anywhere. The new owner plans to keep the coffee shot & also to continue Alphonso's efforts to obtain a liquor license for the 2nd floor (making evening hours more viable).

WP: Fernandes Statement

Jane Fernandes, the woman poised to become Gallaudet's new president in January has written something that appears in today's Post. And here is a blog reponse to the article.

WP: Gallaudet Students Arrested

Here's the latest from the Post.
The protesters place the total number arrested at 135 (DeafRead.com). Try Scallion Stallion, no bandwith issues there.

Arrests Made at Gallaudet

Police began arresting students sometime around 8:30-8:45pm. Originally, the bail was set at $250 per person, but it was later negotiated down to $50 per person. Protestors were charged with unlawful assembly. There were lots of interpreters present & some lawyers. Students were not handcuffed when arrested. There were tons of police. Brett Parson, of the gay & lesbian liason unit showed up at some point explaining that Gallaudet had a lot of members of his target community. At one point, the crowd became upset with him because he refused to tell anyone where the arrested protestors were being taken. He later explained that this was standard procedure. For this protest, however, there were some deviations from the norm. The location of the arrested was provided (and handcuffs not being used was also, obviously, a deviation).

Around 100 people were probably under arrest by the time I left (a little after midnight). The crowd chanted, shouted, & booed as protesters (who had gone limp) were loaded in wagons. In the photo below, a student raises his arms as a helicopter circles above.

Scallion Stallion appears to be the most up to date site & their arrest counter now reads: 109 (1:06am).

NBC4- Arrests at Gallaudet

NBC4 has coverage of the arrests of student protestors at Gallaudet. Protesters had reportedly begun to negotiate with Fernandes.
Also see the site Mishka Zena where reports of arrests conflict.

Gallaudet Alumni to Replace Students

Gallaudet alumni are scheduled (5pm) to replace students who have been manning the blockades. Will this alter the administration's approach regarding arrests?
Also, 4 students have apparently begun a hunger strike.

Palace of Wonders on WAMU

Check out this WAMU piece on Palace of Wonders (1210 H Street).

DCist: Argo Benefit

DCist has selected the benefit for its weekend picks. All this press should make for a full house for tonight's Quike Morales benefit at the Argonaut (1433 H Street). The event, which features a dj & a silent auction, starts at 7pm. There's a $20 suggested covercharge. Covercharge, & portion of the proceeds from food & beverage sales go straight to help cover Quike's medical bills.

WP: Ward 6 Race

A brief mention of the Ward 6 race from the Post (scroll down, it isn't the title story).

WP: Gallaudet Editorial

Here's a Post editorial condemning the protests at Gallaudet.

NYT: Gallaudet Protest

Coverage from the New York Times.

WP: DC Caught on Tape

Here's a article from yesterday on DC's new crime cameras.

WP: Gallaudet Remains Closed

The Post has the update, but not much has changed. Protesters are preparing in case police begin arresting them.

WP: Muggings in DC Neighborhoods

The Post looks at muggings in DC & finds neighborhoods with thriving nightlife & lots of activity are among those with the biggest mugging problems. Columbia Heights tops the list.

Here's the gist (but read the article, it's worth it):

The Washington Post analyzed years of police statistics, focusing sharply on crimes this year, and found the biggest share of robberies happening at night and on sidewalks in neighborhoods north of downtown, including Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights and the U Street corridor.

1st District, had the 2nd highest robbery numbers & a very unsettling string of (around) robberies involving the victim being knocked unconscious.

Wells Event on H Street

Press Release:

Come walk H Street with Tommy on Saturday

Come share the promise and progress of H Street, NE. Meet at 11 a.m. at the H Street Farmers Market in the 600 block, the site of a proposed 8-9 story mixed-use development. Walk with Tommy down H Street past the vacant properties in the 300 block to the site of the proposed 9-10 story Dreyfus development in the 200 block, across the street from the recently topped-out Abdo Senate Square development and past the proposed Stuart development with expected Harris Teeter. End with refreshments in the 400 block at two smaller-scale new enterprises: water at the new yoga studio or coffee across the street at a coffee shop which is opening soon.

Going Out Gurus: H Street Bars

A Washington Post online chat with the Going-Out-Gurus mentions tomorrow night's Argonaut benefit for bartender/waiter Quike Morales, who was shot in the eye (and is currently recovering) less then two weeks ago after leaving the Argonaut (enroute to his girlfriend's place) in what looks like a botched robbery. Patrons of the Argonaut (1433 H Street) will know Quike as a very friendly guy who aways made the visit even more enjoyable.

Other spots, including:
Palace of Wonders (Showbar) -1210 H Street
Rock & Roll Hotel -1353 H Street
The Pug (still in development) -1234 H Street

WP: Protests Intensify at Gallaudet

The situation at Gallaudet appears to be growing even more tense. The Post reports that, sometime after midnight, the school's football team decided to join the protesters in blocking access to the campus. Jane K. Fernandes, the woman chosen by the Board of Trustees to serve as the next president of the University, refuses to give in to the demands of protestors that she resign & the selection process be reopened. Current president I. King Jordan (who became president following the "Deaf President Now" demonstrations in 1988) is warning protestors that they could be subject to suspension, or arrest. A counter protest has also grown in size in recent days. Meanwhile, the protestors appear resolute, with one student leader of the protest saying that they had staged a "coup d'universit é and that they no longer recognized Jordan as president." Many sites are documenting/commenting upon the protests (and there are protests going on elesewhere in the US, and even outside the US). Here are a few such sites:
1. Gallaudet Protest Blog
2. Deaf Read
3. Gally FSSA Coalition
4. DeafDC.com
5. Deaf in the City
There are tons of sites talking about the protests & agreeing with one side or another.

NPR also has a relevant interview (from last spring) with I. King Jordan (listen online, or read the transcript).

WT: Zoning Review For Project in 600 Blk of H

The Times offers this piece on the Zoning Board's look at the proposed plans for 601-645 H Street (the plan calls for structures reaching up to 9 stories located on the south side on H Street). The decision to more carefully review the project follows the objections to some neighbors who feel the height increase is excessive & also question other aspects of the project.

Ice Cream on H Street?

A listserv message alerted me to this Post mention of a permit issued for an ice cream store 1360 (the white building in the middle (Cooley's)--I had earlier heard talk of a bakery at that location). According to the Post, the permit will cover an ice cream store on the first floor and the renovation of the 2nd floor.
1360 is across the street from R&B Coffee (pictured below).

WP: Argonaut Benefit Friday Night

The Post notes tomorrow night's Argonaut benefit for bartender Quike Morales, who was critically injured when he was shot in the head after leaving work early one morning. The $20 suggested cover charge goes to help cover Mr. Morales' medical bills, as do a portion of the night's food & drink proceeds. The event starts at 7pm and runs all night. The evening features a dj (upstairs) & a silent auction.

Talent Show Wednesdays @Palace of Wonders

Talent show...Palace of Wonders (1210 H Street). 'Nuff said, right?

NYC=Meatpacking District/DC=Florida Market

On the topic of markets, I found this Forgotten NY page on the Meatpacking District of interest (actually, I always find most of the stuff on that site to be of interest). One of the photos on the page looks like it could have been taken at the Florida Market (except that the Florida Market doesn't have that much graffiti). Anyway, check out the page (with nice links) & compare the photo in question (you'll know the one) with my photo above. For more photos of the Florida Ave/Capital City Market take a look at my flickr set (bottom of the sidebar).

VOH: Rivera Trial

Voice of the Hill has an update on the situation with embattled ANC Commissioner Anthony Rivera. The piece also discusses former ANC Commissioner Robert Hall's recent guilty plea (following his conviction on other charges).

Atlas Weekend Line-Up

The Embassy of the Czech Republic presents the Teatro Novogo Fronta in
DYBBUK

Czech-Russian physical theater company Teatr Novogo Fronta in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic presents their Washington debut of Dybbuk, Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 8:00 PM at Washington’s newest theatrical venue, the Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Freely drawn from Yiddish legend, Dybbuk is a powerful crescendo of visual incantations evoking the life of a disquieted mind. Using the body’s language, the actor expresses the soul’s changes. This solo performance is Irina E. Andreeva’s magisterial artistic confession.

A four-day workshop will be held from October 16-19, and can be booked through the Capital Fringe Festival at www.capitalfringe.org . The cost for the 4-day workshop is $75 if purchased before Sept. 22, and $100 after that date.
Presented by Teatr Novogo Fronta in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic

Tickets are $20-$25

The Capital City Symphony presents New Beginnings.
The program will include Beethoven, Consecration of the House; Haydn, Symphony No. 96 in D Major “Miracle” Walker, Lyric for Strings; Liszt, Les Preludes.

The Capital City Symphony strives to make great orchestral music approachable by presenting affordable concerts to the public, performing innovative programs in a relaxed concert format, and providing a musical outlet for talented amateur as well as professional players.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. There is no charge for children 16 and under accompanied by an adult.

The African Continuum Theatre Company
The African Continuum Theatre Company continues its acclaimed run of The Gingham Dog written by by Lanford Wilson and directed By Jeremy Skidmore.
The Gingham Dog focuses on the end of an interracial marriage in the
late 1960's. Racial politics of the time have indirectly caused
irreparable damage to the marriage of Gloria and Vincent. Old wounds are
reopened while the couple spars over the division of property. The
once-happy couple attempts to reach common ground about the end of the
relationship as well as the changing times.

Come out and see a production Nelson Pressley of the Washington Post
calls "red-blooded and elegiac."

Tickets are $22.00 to $27.00

Tickets can be purchases by calling the Atlas Box Office at 202.399.7993
Or online at www.atlasarts.org

WP: Ramsey on H Street

There's a brief mention of H Street in this Post online discussion with Chief Ramsey.

Rivera Trial Starts Today

Anthony Rivera's trial begins on charges flowing out of the alleged laundering of funds from a Ponzi scheme that Mr. Hall apparently ran. Other charges against Mr. Rivera include: bank fraud, wire fraud, & conspiracy. Mr. Rivera's alleged co-conspirator, Robert Hall, was convicted on one set of charges & pled guilty to another set. Over the course of the trial, Mr. Hall made some pretty out there claims & even fired his attorney in order to represent himself. Can Mr. Rivera, a sitting ANC Comissioner in ANC 6C, beat that? It looks like he's going to give his old buddy a run for the money. Back in March Mr. Rivera (representing himself, of course) sued former rival Alan Kimber for defamation. Also, his suit was for $1.2 million!! Let the wackiness ensue.

WP: Protesters Shut Down Gallaudet

Moving to the next level, protesters, who previously occupied an academic building have shut down Gallaudet university. Protesters are currently blocking all entrances to the school, but have issued a statement saying that they will allow students & essential personnel to pass through in both directions.

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UPDATE
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Fox News reports that current president, I. King Jordan, will meet with the protestors at noon today.

VOH: Fundraiser For Injured Bartender

The Voice of the Hill reports on the fundraiser (this coming Friday night) that the Argonaut has planned. The Argonaut hopes to raise funds to help defray medical costs for bartender Quike Morales who was recently shot in the eye while walking from work to his girlfriend's home.

WT: Condos on Raum

The Washington Times Home Guide has this piece on a condo development on Raum Street (upper Trinidad).

Market Tour Saturday Oct. 14th

Get the details here for Saturday's (morning) tour of the Florida/Capital City Market. This tour is metro excessible via the Red Line (NY Ave stop). To read more about the market & past tours of the market, follow this link. See the Market now & make an informed decision about pending legislation that threatens its existence. Read the proposed legislation here (really interesting stuff). Read this recent article from DC North--> Is New Town the End of the Florida Market?

1200 Block of H Street

Quike Morales Benefit

The Argonaut is still collecting items for the silent auction. See the Argonaut if you have an item to donate.

I'm Gone

A look back at the rowhouse that toppled over (the small one with the red board). The larger house with the red boards was previously demolished to make way for the now abandoned condo project on Morse. Recently, a friend of mine ran into the guy that controls the site & the guy promised that they did intend to finish the project, excusing the neglect of the half built structure by saying his guys had been busy with a second simultaneous project.

WP: Gallaudet Protests

Here's this weekend's story on the occupation of Gallaudet building by student protestors.

CP: Repro Men

The current issue of the City Paper has a story on the guys who used to sell bootleg cds over at Hechinger Mall.

Weekend Picks

Palace of Wonders

Friday
GO_GO_GO to the Palace of Wonders
A Free Night of DJs & Go-Go Dancing

Saturday
The Royal Blush Show
Albert Cadabra & Peekaboo Pointe visit from New York City to bring you magic, sideshow, burlesque & vaudevillian antices.

The Red & the Black (1212 H Street)

Saturday
4 Bands for $8 @The Red & the Black
DCense is hosting a concert featuring 4 bands. DCene is "a unique group in Washington, DC that manages local bands and organizes concerts with regional and touring bands" with the apparent goal of helping small bands get the word out about their shows.

H Street Martini Lounge 1236 H Street

Live R&B music with an undisclosed band.

Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H Street

Friday & Saturday
The Gingham Dog
A play about an interracial couple in late 1960s New York. Presented by the African Continuum Theater Company. 8pm both night. Tickets $27-32.

Sunday
5PM - Third Millenium Ensemble - A Touch of the Blues


H Sreet Farmers Market Tomorrow

What: a chance to get local fruits & veggies dierectly from the farmers who grow them. You can also get pork, beef, cheeses, sausages, breads, pasta sauce, honey, sorbet, tarts, & more directly from the producers.
Where: the middle of the southside of the 600 block of H Street.
When: Saturday Mornings from 9am-12pm

Injured Man Progressing Well

The Argonaut reports that bartender/waiter Luis Morales (also known as Quike "Kee-Kay"), who was shot in the head early last Saturday in the 600 block of 14th Street, has come out of a coma & is alert & talking. Quike's family is with him at the hospital & his family at the Argonaut is trying to put together a fundraiser to help cover part of the costs for the surgeries he has already had to undergo. A benefit dj night is in the works, but until then, anyone wishing to help out may drop off donations at the Argonaut (1433 H Street).

Message From BoE Candate Lisa Raymond

A message from a candidate for the Board of Education seat representing Wards 5 & 6:

Dear Neighbors,

I would like to introduce myself to you as a candidate for the Board of Education to represent Wards 5 and 6. I am running for this seat for the same reason I have dedicated the past eight years to working for DC students: because I want to ensure that all children have access to high quality schools. And I think the best way to achieve this goal is to improve the traditional public school system and make it the first choice for DC families. I am ready to work full-time to make this a reality.

I believe that traditional public schools and charter schools are vital assets in our city’s educational future. We must leverage the energy and innovations of both systems to improve academic achievement for every student. As the School Board member for wards 5 and 6, my top three priorities will be to:

(1) Fund Schools First. Ensure that all schools are always fully-funded—if cuts have to be made, let the administration take the hit, not our kids.
(2) Get Resources to the Classroom. Create an Independent Construction Trust to manage a verifiable process to construct modern classrooms in every school; ensure that teachers are paid on time and children have the materials they need to learn.
(3) Empower Principals and Teachers. Attract the best and brightest teachers and provide high quality professional development; give principals more control over budgets, authority to create school-wide educational strategies, the ability to purchase services on the open market, and the right to fire teachers and staff who fail to perform.

I am the only candidate in this race who has worked as both a teacher and a public school administrator. I bring extensive management and budgeting experience and a graduate degree in Public Administration, which has given me the training to approach problems from a rational, informed perspective. One of my endorsements includes that of EdAction – a volunteer group of DC-based parents, educators and concerned community members working to improve the quality of the city’s public education system:

“We feel that Lisa’s demonstrated commitment to public education, as well as background in policy and management, makes her the ideal candidate. Lisa has been working in education in D.C. for nearly a decade. She helped to launch and expand a school from the ground up. With that experience, she brings incredible knowledge and experience in management, program development, facilities, budgeting and fundraising - areas which will be critically important to her as a Board member.”

I encourage you to view my website (www.lisaraymond06.org) to see who is supporting me and to contact me at 460-9874 or at Lisa@lisaraymond06.org to share your ideas and concerns about DC public schools.

I hope I can count on your support during my campaign – and your vote on November 7.

Sincerely,
Lisa Raymond

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UPDATE: no more anonymous postings to this thread please. There is a bit of nastiness popping up in the comments. Use your name/a handle, or don't comment on this one. If you are worried about being sued for something you are thinking about posting, then you shouldn't post it because if it is tortious, it is tortious & irresponsible whether your name is attached to it or not. Be respectful & be polite. Act like adults, or I'll close the thread.
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Prevention Works!

I put this up there because I believe that needle exchange programs address a very important issue & one that particularly effects neighborhoods like ours. Full disclosure, my little brother both works for, & sits on the board of, a needle exchange in Austin, TX. I also have a friend that sits on the board of Prevention Works!. But I first came into contact with the group through a Capitol Action (a local volunteer group) event. Needle exchange is part of the harm reduction strategy. Most of the addicts they serve are long term users who would likely use with, or without clean needles. By providing clean needles, Prevention Works! helps to prevent the spread of HIV, & other blood borne illnesses, not only to the users, but to their sexual partners & any children the users may have. Needle exchanges also give an incentive for users to responsively dispose of their needles, rather than simply discarding them on the ground where others may inadvertently come into contact with them. Prevention Works! operates on a one to one exchange (you must give a syringe, for each syringe that you receive). Economically, such programs are a good bet because they reduce health care cost we must all shelter in the end should a user, a family member, or other individual, become infected with anything in relation to dirty needles. If you, like me, have ever found a syringe in your yard, or during a clean-up, then you probably already understand how important a role such programs can play in our daily lives.

VOH: Argonaut Employee Shot

The Voice of the Hill has a short piece on Luis Morales, the man shot in the eye (and seriously wounded) outside his girlfriend's home in the 600 block of 14th Place NE at 5:30 am on Saturday morning. Mr. Morales (also known as "Kee-Kay" -->Quike) had left work with a friend before breaking away to proceed to his girlfriend's. The last I heard Mr. Morales was undergoing multiple surgeries & remained in a coma. Police are asking that anyone with information regarding this crime contact the 1st District police, or call 727-9099.

Post: Protests Return to Gallaudet

A meeting of the trustees has renewed (as promised last spring) the protests over the woman chosen to take the role of university president this January. Last spring's protests included students camping on the front grounds for weeks before finally disbanding. Press coverage was heavy as Gallaudet is frequently viewed not only as the premier university for the deaf, but also as a cultural mecca for deaf culture worldwide. Protestors complained that Fernandes was too unfriendly, and not qualified. They also said the search should have included a greater emphasis on diversity. Fernandes' supporters claimed she was the best qualified candidate & dismissed the protestors as angry over deaf politics (Fernandes, who was born with some hearing & later became profoundly deaf, grew up speaking, & did not learn sign language until she was an adult). Gallaudet is fr Read the Post coverage here. Here are a few other sources. Here is the site set up by the protestors.

Capital City Synphony Concert Oct. 15

A message from the Capital City Symphony (now residing at the Atlas):

Join the Capital City Symphony for its first full orchestra performance in its new home -- the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The Oct. 15 concert will kick off the "DC Home-Grown'' season with Beethoven's Consecration of the House, played at the dedication of the Kennedy Center, and works by Haydn, Walker and Liszt.

The concert is at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Advance tickets are just $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and free to children under 16. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 202-399-7993 or at the Atlas box office on H St. You can also shop online at the Atlas Web site at http://www.atlasarts.org. Look for the concert titled `New Beginnings' in the Lang Theatre.

The Capital City Symphony is made up of volunteer musicians who strive to make great orchestral music approachable by presenting affordable concerts to the public and performing innovative programs in a relaxed concert format.

Join us!

Examiner: Ghost Town Coming Back to Life

Here's today's offering from the Examiner. I've got to say that I wouldn't consider Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill (4oo block of H Street) to be all that near to Stella Bleu (1200 block of H Street), but maybe that's just me.

More on Akridge Air Rights

See the Washington Business Journal article here, & a press release on Yahoo Biz here.

Live, From the H Street Martini Lounge

Tomorrow evening News Channel 4 will do a live broadcast from the H Street Matinin Lounge (1236 H Street). Doors open at 4pm & the broadcast takes place at 5pm.

RP: Thinking About the Florida Market

The fish room @Kang's Farm
Rebuilding Place features a few thoughts on the potential of the Florida Market area.

The Race is On

1300 block of H Street NE (during the festival).

Shooting @South of H Street

There was apparently a man shot around 14th, or 14th place early Saturday morning. The man is reportedly not dead, but just in very serious condition.

Post: Burnham Place (Union Station)

Today's Post features a story that mentions the Akridge air rights deal for "Burnham Place" (over the tracks) at Union Station.