Two Stabbings & a Kidnapping & Sexual Assault in Our Area this Week

Police are asking for the public's help to identify the suspect in a kidnapping and sexual assault that took place at 3 a.m. Saturday in the 1600 block of Holbrook Street (Trinidad). The suspect forced the victim into her own car with an unknown weapon and instructed her to drive around. He then sexually assaulted her as she drove. She was able to escape when the car came to a stop. MPD released a description of the suspect as a black male with a dark complexion, 20-40 years of age, with shoulder-length dread locks. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans. If you have any information about this crime you should call the police at 202-727-9099, or anonymously text them a tip at 50411. There is a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible.

Local News Brief: NoMa Building Sale, Bruner-Yang Responds to a Yelp! Review, & Photographing Ivy City

Tickets are on sale now for a November photo walk through Ivy City with the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

I'd like to draw your attention to a couple of local news stories I found of interest. The first is from the Washington Business Journal, which reports that "[a]n affiliate of Tokyo-based Unizo Real Estate" recently purchased the building at 820 First Street NE. According to the article they paid $472 per square foot ($140.5 million total).

Art All Night & Art in the Alley are Both September 24th

Art in the Alley

With September being the District's unofficial festival month, the weekends do tend to get a bit crowded. Last year you could hit Crafty Bastards and Art All Night in the same day (and I did), and this year you can make stops at both Art All Night events and Trinidad's Art in the Alley in an attempt to hit peak art September 24th.

Local News Brief: First Folio at Gallaudet, Sushi Burritos, & Local Crime

The exhibition First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare is traveling the country, and it's making a stop at Gallaudet University (800 Florida Avenue) October 7th through the 30th. The university will hold a number of events that are free and open to the public to celebrate (the opening ceremony is not among those, and some other events require registration).

WAMU: Streetcar to Launch Sunday Service

WAMU reports that the streetcar will begin Sunday service (8 a.m to 10 p.m.) September 18th. I would guess this to fall pretty high on the list of most requested service changes. In another bit of great news, the article also says we can likely look forward to shorter wait times for streetcars generally.

Pop Up Caribbean Food, Trinidad Crafting Salon, & Photography at Capital Fringe

The Capital Fringe Festival may be over, but that doesn't mean things are anywhere close to quiet down at Capital Fringe (1358 Florida Avenue). Check their website to see the full line-up of events, but here are a few you might want to check out.

On August 28th (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Fringe hosts Chop Bar: a Global Food Experience. Chop Bar is "a local West African phrase for makeshift small restaurants where people gather over food, music and positive vibes." In this case the tasting menu features Caribbean inspired fare from Chef Jonathan Harris.

Get Ready for this Year's H Street Festival

I'm sure you all marked you calendar for the H Street Festival back when the date was first announced, but now we have more details on some of this year's attractions.

Once again the festival will stretch over ten blocks. Within that span you'll find 14 staging areas, and dozen of interactive attractions. Over 250 businesses, community organizations, and vendors will participate. As always, the festival will feature a variety of live entertainment, food, drink, contests, and fun for folks of all ages.

Separating Fact from Fiction on the Maryland Avenue Road Diet

A map from the Toole Design project website

There's been some rather heated discussion both online and offline recently about the Maryland Avenue Road Diet. The Road Diet is an attempt to mitigate traffic concerns and make the street safer for all who use it, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Some opponents of the project have recently cried foul, claiming that this project has offered little in the way of outreach or opportunity for public input, and accusing others of trying to "ram through" the proposal. None of those things are true. This project has been in the works for many years and it's getting closer to implementation. I'm providing links to some information sources below so that anyone who wishes to learn more about the project can do so. I am also reposting (with his permission) an email from Bill Schulteiss, who is not only a long time resident of the area, but also a former two-term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and worked as a project manager for the planning study. Please read up and familiarize yourself with the facts.

Local News Brief: Cubano Groove at the Starburst, Coffee at Pow Pow, & a Kingman Park Historic District

A YouTube video of Cubano Groove performing in Silver Spring in 2014 

Cubano Groove will perform salsa and Latin jazz music at the Starburst Plaza tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 8 p.m. This is part of H Street Main Street's efforts to bring more programing to the plaza, which is located at the intersection of H Street, Florida Avenue, Bladensburg Road, Maryland Avenue, and Benning Road.

Whole Foods is Slightly Delayed, So What?

The helpful folks at Ivy City Smokehouse want to sell you great seafood

Washingtonian revealed yesterday that the Whole Food on H Street won't open until sometime (no one is saying exactly when) in 2017. Previously, we had heard late 2016 (probably November). I know a lot of people are very eager to shop for fancy cheeses and organic produce, but the delay is likely not a large one. Plus, I'm pretty sure one can already get virtually everything locally that the Whole Foods will offer. We've got a ton of great sources for food in the larger neighborhood. I tweeted a bit about this last night on my way home, but I think it's worth noting here as well.

Local News Brief: Cleaning Up Local Schools & Hechinger Mall Safeway Breeds Discontent

 

Wheatley Education Campus in Trinidad

Saturday is beautification day at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (659 G Street) and Wheatley Education Campus (1299 Neal Street). Come out and help parents and neighbors get the places looking good for students heading back to school on the 22nd. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Ludlow-Taylor and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Wheatley (Old City CrossFit is pitching in on this one). Many other locals schools are holding similar events this weekend. Times vary, so check with your local school for details.

 

One local resident who is frustrated with the Safeway at Hechinger Mall is collecting stories about the store on Twitter (#hechingerhellsafeway) with the aim of encouraging the chain to improve the location. One possible stumbling block is that this particular outlet has been long rumored to be closing at some point in the not too distant future. Which reminded me of an interesting post Trinidad resident (and blogger at BeyondDC and Greater Greater Washington) Dan Malouff wrote a while back about the potential of Hechinger Mall (or the land it sits upon). Malouff is a transportation planner in Arlington, and the piece is definitely worth a read when you have a spare moment.

The Daily Rider is Moving (Down the Street)

 

The Daily Rider (1108 H Street) is moving. The owners announced the move on Twitter yesterday. Fear not, they aren't going far. Just down the street a few blocks to the new Apollo building that will also hold a Whole Foods. The move won't happen until 2017, and the Rider will remain open at its current location until moving time. Borderstan interviewed the owner who said the Daily Rider had outgrown its current space, and that the new space will be nearly twice as large as the current one.

Video from the August 9th ANC 5D Meeting

Edward Milton uploaded video of the latest meeting

Here's the first video in a playlist showing the last ANC 5D meeting Unsurprisingly, public safety was a big topic of discussion. Commissioner Lewis again expressed concern that there is not always an officer representing each PSA present to deliver the public safety report. Commissioner Shropshire mentioned an emergency meeting she recently held with Councilmember McDuffie partly in response to recent crime (some neighbors objected on Twitter Nextdoor to the short notice of only a few hours).

D.C. Streetcar Rolls Out New Tool Highlighting Local Spots

The streetcar folks have rolled out a pretty cool guide to local attractions along H Street and Benning Road. It's organized by streetcar stop for easy and practical navigation.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Candidates on the Ballot

The general election is getting closer and the Board of Elections has finalized the names of candidates for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner whose names will appear on the ballot. You find listed below the names of candidates for three local races covering much of our local area. As always, I invite those running to send me candidate statements for publishing on this blog. You can find maps of ANC boundaries here. I have bolded the names of incumbents. I'll attempt to have more coverage of the races and candidates as we draw closer to the election. The Hill is Home generally has very solid coverage of ANC candidates and races, so I would suggest checking in with that blog too if you are not already doing so. Those residing in ANC 5D might also follow the Trinidad Neighborhood Association and its blog for related news.

Local News Brief: Florida Ave Market May Get Historic Landmark Status, Everlane at Maketto, & ProFish Hiring

 

Portions of the Florida Avenue Market (Union Terminal Market) are up for historic landmark designation. You can read the submission online, and the Washington Business Journal also has a story up about it.

Two Local Stabbings, a Shooting, & a Juvenile Struck in the Head with a Brick

MPD reports two stabbings yesterday. The first stabbing happened around noon in the 1500 block of West Virginia Avenue (Trinidad). The victim was conscious and breathing, but sustained wounds to the neck and chest. A second stabbing was reported a little before 3 p.m. in the 2000 block of Gallaudet Street (Ivy City). Later that evening streetcar service was temporarily suspended from about 7:30 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. The first tweet from the streetcar attributed the shutdown to "an auto accident" (not involving) the streetcar, and an update about the continued suspension sent 45 minutes later mentioned an unspecified "active crime scene at 18th St." A WJLA report suggests that at least that second tweet refers to an incident in which a juvenile was hit in the head with a brick during a fight on the street with another male. The reports indicates the juvenile was conscious and breathing after the assault.

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Update

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When I originally wrote this I overlooked an early morning shooting in the 900 block of Mt. Olivet Road (border between Trinidad and Ivy City). WJLA reports that police said they were called to the site around 1:50 a.m. and that the male victim did not survive. I didn't get an alert for this shooting, but it looks like MPD tweeted something about it at 3:13 a.m.

Argonaut License to Be Placed in Safekeeping

As you can see below (and as Barred in DC noted on Twitter last night), the Argonaut's (1433 H Street) liquor license is being placed in safekeeping.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE REGULATION ADMINISTRATION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD
NOTICE OF MEETING SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016 AT 1:00 PM
2000 14TM STREET, N.W., SUITE 400S, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009
Review Application for Safekeeping of License - Original Request. ANC 6A. SMD 6A06. The Argonaut, 1433 H Street NE, Retailer CR, License No. 072672.
Decision: Approved through September 30, 2016, 5-0.

What does this mean? Not a lot. ABRA's website states that a "alcoholic beverage license that is temporarily discontinued for any reason must be surrendered to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for safekeeping." Expressed another way "Safekeeping: A license would need to be put into safekeeping if the business is not currently operating." The Argonaut is currently locked up, so this is basically just the business asking the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to hold onto the license through September 30th. The Board can hold onto licenses for extended periods, so further extension is certainly possible (if requested) in any such situation.

Two Stabbings & a Double Shooting in Recent Days

A victim was stabbed late Thursday night in the 1200 block of Bladensburg Road. Another stabbing was reported early Saturday morning in the 800 block of Florida Avenue. Then mid-day Sunday there was an incident in which two people were shot, and another grazed by a bullet. According to an email from MPD a man approached three victims standing on the corner, produced a handgun, and opened fire. Two of the victims sustained non-life threatening injuries when they were shot in the legs.

Local News Brief: Mason Dixie Pop Up, Yin & Gin, & Granville's Birthday

Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. pops up at Big Chief (2002 Fenwick Street) Saturday, August 13th (2 p.m.) with biscuits, chorizo, and side dishes. 

Local News Brief: The Haymaker Opens & New Orleans Jazz at Gallery O on H & Big Chief

 

The Soggy Po Boys (photo by Shawn E. Dailey) perform tonight at Gallery O on H

 
The Washington Post takes a look at the Haymaker (1015 H Street), the new tavern that recently opened in the space previously occupied by the Atlas Room. If you know chef Matt Cordes from the Atlas Room you might be surprised to find a very different atmosphere and menu (still evolving) at the Haymaker. The new project is more of a neighborhood bar, one that includes big screen tvs for sports and news, and a menu to match.

Local News Brief: Ðôi Ðũa at Maketto, Atlas Beer Launch, & Aunty's Tea Party

Ðôi Ðũa will serve their Vietnamese fare during a pop-up at Maketto (1351 H Street) this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Stabbing Last Night at Mt. Olivet & Capitol Avenue

There was another stabbing reported last night. This one took place at Mt. Olivet Road and Capitol Avenue (west and north of Trinidad, east of Gallaudet, and on the southern boundary of Ivy City). It happened about 1 a.m., and MPD issued a look out for a black male in a green minivan, and a heavyset black female wearing blue jeans.

Craft Beer Cellar Grand Opening August 6th

This past weekend I got a sneak peek at the new Craft Beer Cellar (301 H Street), and chatted with owner Erika Goedrich. Goedrich told me that CBC will stock around 500 to 600 different beers at any given time, and that stock will rotate frequently. The store aims to be your go-to spot for everything from a summery gose, to a hopped up American IPA, a deep double chocolate stout, a crisp pilsner, or a tart Flemish red. That huge selection is broken down by country to help you navigate. The American beers are further organized by region, which is terrific if you are looking to try a new beer from a brewer you favor. Over in the fridge section the beers are arranged by style.

Local News Brief: Vandals Target Cars, Soggy Po' Boys at Gallery O on H, & an ANC 5D Meeting

Two of the vandalized vehicles. Photo courtesy of Mark Eckenwiler

An unknown person (or persons) spray painted graffiti on clusters of cars parked at multiple locations in the area, including blocks near 7th and L Street, and 5th and G Streets Sunday. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen estimated that about fifty cars were vandalized. He tweeted that MPD is actively investigating the matter, and urged anyone with a private video camera that may have caught the criminals in the act to please turn the footage over to police.

A Shooting and a Stabbing Overnight in Trinidad

Last night was a violent one in the Trinidad neighborhood with an alert going out at 9:34 p.m. for a stabbing in the 1200 block of 16th Street. MPD put out a look out for a black male 5'5" in a blue shirt. MPD also reports a shooting at 3:36 a.m. at the intersection of Childress and Trinidad. They did not provide a look for the shooting.

Biscuit Jam Brings Music, Food, & Art to Ivy City Aug 6

Mason Dixie Biscuit Company is turning two, and they are throwing a dog friendly music, arts, and food festival in Ivy City to celebrate. The event takes place Saturday, August 6th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1900 Kendall Street. They've got a full line-up of seven local bands, including Johnny Grave and The Bumper Jacksons. Plenty of local food trucks will be on-site to keep you fed. Look for BBQ Bus, Red Hook Lobster, Arepa Zone, and more. Graffiti artists from One Love Massive's collective will create live graffiti art. In a pop-up Southern-inspired "camp site" you'll find cocktails by Southern Efficiency, Southern-style pastrami and Kool-Aid pickles, as well as dollar oyster shucking from Ivy City Smokehouse. Also keep an eye out for a full bar featuring cocktails made with spirits from local favorites One Eight Distilling and Jos. A. Magnus & Co. Distillery, as well as from Jim Beam (apple and white). Local culinary incubator Union Kitchen and a selection of its vendors will be on hand. The four-legged set can visit Petco's pop-up dog park. Proceeds from Biscuit Jam will benefit the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, which raises money for arts in DCPS. Tickets are $20 for general admission and two drink tickets, to $125 for the VIP package (unlimited drinks, front row stage access, and a gift bag full of goodies from many of the Biscuit Jam vendors, swag from Union Kitchen, free meals from Munchery, gifts from Jim Beam and much, much more).