14 Year Old Shawday Cunningham is Missing [UPDATE: She's Home Safe]

[UPDATE: She's home safe.]

The police are seeking the public's help to located 14 year old Shawday Cunningham, who was last seen the evening of Friday, April 28 in the 1600 block of Kramer Street. She's a black female, 5'7" tall, about 187 lbs, with brown eyes and black hair. She was wearing her hair braided in a bun, and was last seen wearing a burgundy shirt, khaki pants, and burgundy Puma sneakers.

IMM Thai on H Expanding into 1362 H St.

The above tweet caught my eye, and I followed up with Tim, who often tweets from his account @TheX2BusDC about goings on in the neighborhood. He said he saw folks from IMM Thai on H (1360 H St.) working in the long-vacant space next door (1362 H St.) and they confirmed the expansion plans. That's great news for fans of the Thai eatery and its upstair sushi bar. It also got me thinking about how much this block has changed over the past decade or so.

Stabbing Last Night at Bladensburg Road & K Street

 

There was a stabbing last night at about 6:42 p.m. at the intersection of Bladensburg Road and K Street. The text alert that went out at 7:11 p.m. provided a lookout for a black male about 5'11" tall, roughly 55 years of age, dressed all in black, with a bald head. Event # I20170238599.

A MegaBus Obliterated a DC Streetcar Stop in the 300 Block of H Street Yesterday

The @DCPoliceTraffic tweet above shows the scene after a MegaBus plowed in a streetcar stop yesterday a little before 11:30 a.m. yesterday. The street was partially closed for about three hours following the crash. DCist reported that no one was injured. That's amazing, especially considering the photos below tweeted by a local ANC Commissioner.

.@megabus @DCStreetcar Here's what's left of the streetcar platform & shelter. pic.twitter.com/4qj3l0Oaz1

— Betsy Kübler-Ross (@20002ist) April 26, 2017

Non-Fatal Overnight Shooting in 1300 Block of H Street

A man was shot last night in the 1300 block of H Street. According to an email from Lieutenant Darnel L. Robinson of Patrol Service Bureau in the First District the man suffered gunshot wounds to the legs about 12:45 a.m. and was transported to the hospital. I did not receive a text alert about this, but I see that @AlertDCio (an unofficial feed of the DC Alert System that reproduces the exact text of alerts) received and tweeted at 3:11 a.m. about an alert for a shooting at this location at 2:44 a.m. A minute later (3:12 a.m.) @DCPoliceDept sent a tweet about the shooting, but it's short on details. It does appear that no lookout information was provided (event #I20170237157). I assume there's a typo in the time given in either the original alert, or in the email mentioned above.

If you have any information about this event, please call MPD TIPLINE at 1-888-919-CRIME or CRIMESOLVERS TIPS at 1-866-411-TIPS, or text 50411. You can remain anonymous.

Local Briefing: FONA Plant Sale, Video of Suspect in 4/12 Shooting, & a Prescription Drug Take Back

 

Go for the plant sale, but stay for the Arboretum's many botanical delights

A Garden Fair & Plant Sale from FONA

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will hold their annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale this weekend. It's a great place to snag rare and hard to find plants, as well as all the usual crowd pleasers. Learn from expert advice (they take questions). Meet garden supply vendors. Get your imagination and your garden growing with a selection of books that will guide and inspire. Enjoy fun for young and old with refreshments, entertainment, and children's activities. Admission is free.

Dine & Dash "Customers" Skip Out on Bill & Steal Plates From Queen Vic

 

Local pub the Queen Vic (1206 H St.) was visited on Sunday night by a large group of patrons who ordered and received food, and then proceeded to skip out on their bill. To add insult to injury, the group also stole the plates on which their food was served. The members of the dine and dash crew can be seen in these security camera images provided by the Queen Vic. The restaurant posted about the incident on Facebook, writing "Bit of a weird night at The Vic last night. All these lovelies came in, ordered food and then ran out without paying AND stole the plates. SMFH!"

Local Briefing: BalletX at Dock 5, Chick-fil-A Opening & a Rescued Eaglet

Dive Into Choreography with Septime Webre

Halcyon Stage's artistic director Septime Webre will discuss BalletX's upcoming production at Union Market's Dock 5 (1309 Fifth St.). The production will include two premieres: Trey McIntyre's work set to the music of Amy Winehouse and Matthew Neenan's choreography accompanied by the sounds of indie-rock band Beirut. Examine the music, and how two renowned choreographers responded to it. The talk will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. You can register online for the free talk. A light lunch and snacks will be provided. The actual performance is Saturday, May 13 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (including a meet the artist after-party with a dj). Tickets to the performance are $40. You can also catch the performers at a free pop up event the next day (Saturday, May 14) from noon to 2 p.m. The pop up is described as "a scavenger hunt-like musical experience," and you get a map.

Local Briefing: Check It at Filmfest DC, Girls Pint Out Cookies & Beer, & Historic Preservation 101/201

Check It at Filmfest DC

The documentary Check It, that tells the story of LGBT youth in the Trinidad neighborhood who band together to form a gay gang for self-defense, is playing at the E Street Cinema as part of Filmfest DC. The website was telling me earlier they were sold out, but they now appear to have tickets available. Unfortunately, you are out of luck if you want to score a ticket, as they appear to have sold out of single tickets to both showings. Hopefully we'll have additional opportunities to catch this one soon, but until then You can also watch the trailer.

Local Briefing: Shooting on Florida Ave, Mini BBQ & Earth Day Swap Shop

Shooting in the 200 Block of Florida Avenue

The Metropolitan Police Department tweeted news of a shooting that occurred just before 10 p.m. last night in the 200 block of Florida Avenue. They provided lookout information for a black male wearing a black hat with white trim, a black jacket, and black pants. The suspect was last seen heading on foot from the Metro station towards First Street NE. Event # I20170221974.

Local Briefing: Details Emerge in C Street Stabbing, Street Named for Local Activist, & Hendrix Starts Leasing

Details Emerge in the Murder of David Norwood

The Washington Post has more information on the Easter Sunday homicide of 79 year old David Norwood in the 600 block of C Street, and 21 year old Malcolm Amir Cunningham who is charged with second degree murder while armed in the killing. Norwood was stabbed multiple times, and an anonymous text tip about a man disposing of a knife in a recycling bin led police to the discovery of his body inside the rowhouse. Cunningham had reportedly been living living in the home, but had moved out in the weeks before after making threats to kill Norwood and others.

Gallery O on H Call for Entries: Who's Looking Back

Gallery O on H (1354 H St.) has issued a call for submissions for an upcoming show, and it sounds like an interesting one. They are seeking images from any and all rallies, marches, or demonstrations since Jan. 10 of this year. The goal is to collect a broad range of submissions from ALL levels of photographers for a comprehensive look at the impact of the 2017 Inaugural from January 19-21 and beyond. They would also like to use some placards and posters carried in the marches. The collective body of ALL submitted photos will be installed as a visual time tunnel challenging the viewer to reflect on how they have related / reacted / resisted and/or engaged in the 6-months since January 20th.

Local Briefing: V Street Heads to H Street, It's Dyngus Day, & a Little Neighborhood Love

Last week's full moon as seen from Trinidad

A Veggie Take on International Street Food

The Washington Post reports that the team behind Philadelphia's famed vegan restaurant Vedge will bring their V Street [LINK PLAYS MUSIC] concept to a space in the Apollo building (600 H St.). V Street serves vegetable-based takes on street food from around the world, as well as some tempting sounding cocktails. The food menu for their Philadelphia location has items such as dan dan noodles ($13, five spice mushrooms and zucchini, with red chile-sesame sauce), and carrot asado ($11, red chile bbq and smoked black beans with curtido, and avocado).

Fatal Stabbing Today in the 600 block of C Street

The victim in a stabbing this afternoon about 1:40 p.m. in the 600 block of C Street was declared dead at the scene according to an email send by an MPD representative. The victim suffered several stab wounds and was unconscious and non-responsive when police arrived. Journalist Alan Henney tweeted earlier that the male victim was located inside a rowhouse. Police have indicated that the suspect was possibly known to the victim. Anyone with information should contact the MPD Violent Crime Branch (VCB) or the Command Information Center on 202-727-9099, or text 50411 to give an anonymous tip.

DPW to Launch Food Waste Drop-Off Program

The Department of Public Works will launch its new Food Waste Drop-Off program on Earth Day, April 22. Under the new program, one Saturday farmers market location in each Ward will serve as a collection point for residents to drop off compostable food waste that the District will take to a local composting facility for processing. The locations have yet to be released, but the program launch will take place at Eastern Market, near the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (activities begin at 10 a.m.).

Local Briefing: Developer Snaps Up Smokey's, Shooting Near 9th & H Street, & A Wagashi Pop Up

Smokey's in 2014

Smokey's Barbershop & Oldies Building Sold to Developer

The Feldman Group of Marcus & Millichap announced that they brokered the purchase of 1338 H St., which has long been home to Smokey's Barbershop & Oldies, by 11th Property Group. You can read the complete press release over at PoPville, but the release indicates that 11th Property paid $835,000 for the 1,656 square foot structure. Bisnow reports that 11th Property Group is led by 28 year old CEO Jay Gross, and that Gross intends to combine 1338 with next door 1336, which his group acquired last summer. Smokey's has operated at 1338 H St. since 1999, but it has links to the previous barbershop at that location, which went by Jake's Barbershop, and Jake's Ultra-Modern Barbershop; that business opened in 1951. Interestingly, the space appears to have been home to Jake's Restaurant (serving Kosher food) for a period of years, during which the barbershop address was given as 1350 H St.

Americans for Self-Rule PAC Launches with an H Street Country Club Tax Day Party

A neighbor writes in with news about the Political Action Committee Americans for Self-Rule and their Launch Party on Tax Day, April 18, from 6 p.m. to 8pm at the H Street Country Club (1335 H St).  The PAC "is creating a war-chest for DC residents that have paid federal taxes while we lack representation in Congress to end any Congressperson who meddles in local DC affairs (ahem, Jason Chaffetz)!"

Local Briefing: Metro Mutts Shifts Gears, Maketto Easter Orders, Open Mic at Rosedale Library

Metro Mutts to Close Store & Expand Pet Services Offerings

Metro Mutts (508 H St.) will close the doors to their H Street retail shop on in order to focus completely on their pet services business. The store will remain open through May 14. As part of this change, they announced plans to expand the boundaries of their dog walking and cat sitting area. A statement on their website cited growing demand for these services in the areas surrounding Capitol Hill. They are currently hiring additional cat sitters and dog walkers. Metro Mutts turn seven this month, and they were recently a runner up for Best Pet Shop in a Washington City Paper reader poll. Cash in any outstanding Loyalty Rewards Points now, because they will not transfer over to the pet services business.

An H Street & Trinidad Kitchen Tour Fundraiser from the Junior League of Washington

The Junior League of Washington has selected the H Street NE Corridor and Trinidad for their Sixth Annual Kitchen Tour. It's one of the group's signature events, and the proceeds from the Kitchen Tour go directly to their D.C. area community partners and grants programs.

Buy a ticket and you can join a walking tour of selected homes for tastings and demonstrations by local chefs and mixologists. The general admission tour includes six homes (four of which are in Trinidad), and the VIP tour includes an extra home. One of the organizers lives in Trinidad, and she assures me the VIP home is worth it. Sample food from local restaurants like Cava Grill and BlackFinn Ameripub and beverages from breweries and distilleries like Stella Artois and Lagunitas, as well as get new ideas for cocktails and appetizers. Many of the featured homes have been recently remodeled or have specific features unique to the particular home, and homeowners will be available to share information about their experiences with home renovations and decorations.

Local Briefing: H Street Farmers Market Returns Tomorrow & a Femme Fatale DC Pop Up

Still early for tomato season, but look for these at market soon

The FRESHFARM Market returns to its home at 13th & H Street tomorrow. They'll ring the opening bell at 9 a.m. All you favorite vendors will be back this year, and Zayt & Zaatar will join them. Zayt & Zaatar serves Mediterranean flat breads with a breakfast focus. Also keep a look out for a monthly pop up from Just Juice Smoothies and Mechelle's Baking Company.

Local Briefing: Rally Cry IPA Release Party, ALDI Renovated, a Rooftop Return, Argo License Lingers in Safekeeping

Add the Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H St.) to the list of places reopening their outdoor spaces for the season. The Hotel's rooftop bar will be open every Wednesday through Saturday.

I still haven't heard about future plans for the Argonaut's old home at 1433 H St., but the Argo's liquor license will likely remain in safekeeping a little longer. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board recent approved a request to hold the license through Sept. 30 of this year.

Pierogies, Pazcki & Polka for Dyngus Day DC

Thanks to our own Dr. Matt Antkowiak of Atlas Vet (1326 H St.), you can look forward to the first annual Dyngus Day D.C. celebration at Biergarten Haus (1355 H St.). Dyngus Day is a Polish-American version of Śmigus-dyngus (pronounced SHMEE-goose-DING-goose), also known as lany poniedziałek, which means Wet Monday in Polish. The celebration marks the end of Lent, and falls on the day after Easter Sunday. Śmigus-dyngus, which has some rather obvious pagan roots, traditionally involves boys splashing or soaking girls with water, and striking them about the legs with pussy willows.

Local Briefing: Stable Opens, Scammer Alert, & RAMMY Award Finalists

Swiss restaurant Stable (1324 H St.) opens today at 5:30 p.m. Here's a link to their main menu page where you can find their offerings for dinner, drinks, dessert, and brunch.

A neighbor in the 1200 block of Florida Avenue reported that a longtime scammer showed up at his door seeking help yesterday. The man, who called himself Doug yesterday, but has previously gone by Phil and Gene, is an older white man. "Doug" knocks on a door, and pretends to be a neighbor who has locked himself out of his house. He asks whoever answers the door to help him by calling two phone numbers, and then later asks for money. He's been doing this for quite a while, and there are plenty of reports about it on neighborhood email lists. I haven't heard of him trying this in Trinidad before, but he's definitely worked the Capitol Hill, Hill East, and Shaw neighborhoods. Here's a photo of Doug/Gene/Phil, and an account that appeared on PoPville a little over a year ago of one of the man's visits. Apparently "Doug" was all decked out in Nationals gear for opening day yesterday. Doug doesn't seem to be violent, he just wants money.

Local Briefing: Jenga at the Pursuit, & Expanded Patio & Brunch Options on H Street

The Pursuit (1421 H St.) will hold a Jenga tournament Wednesday, April 12 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. It's limited to 16 players, so email thomas[at]thepursuitwinebar.com to register.

Warmer weather is (mostly) here, and that means outdoor dining is once again an option at many H Street spots. Sally's Middle Name (1320 H St.) will reopen their patio open April 5.