Heads Up, Overnight Tire Thieves Targeting Local Vehicles

Chevy Silverado missing its tires. Photo courtesy of Twitter user @1F525 

Twitter user Blaise (@1F525) tweeted photos yesterday of this Chevy Silverado with a broken window and four missing tires that appear to have been stolen (the lug nuts can be seen lying on the ground). The vehicle is parked in the 1100 block of K Street NE. I haven't seen much tire theft in my years here, but responses on Twitter indicate that this is not an isolated incident. Kingman Park Kaleidoscope (@KPKinDC) tweeted that this has been happening in River Terrace too. The thieves in River Terrace are reportedly using a white Ford F150 truck and a van to target Toyota and Nissan vehicles. The thieves take all four tires and seem to operate between 2am and 5am. Police reportedly suggested that drivers park with tires "tight to the curb" and "cars close together." I've since received word that a vehicle was spotted on Levis yesterday up on cinder blocks with all four tires removed, suggesting another possible instance of this sort of theft. Further, I'm told two Jeeps at 10th & Massachusetts Avenue NE each had two tires stolen.

Stabbing Yesterday Afternoon in the 1100 Block of Queen Street NE

Per a crime alert that went out yesterday afternoon at 4:38pm there was a stabbing in the 1100 block of Queen Street NE. No lookout information was provided. This is on the eastern edge of Trinidad. Event #I20180171490.

Don't Miss Dyngus Day at Biergarten Haus 4/2

It's almost time for the 2nd annual Dyngus Day D.C. celebration at Biergarten Haus (1355 H St. NE). 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.

WaPo Covers the History of One Local Church & an Art Installation in a Converted Church

Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church in 2005

Two interesting pieces involving local churches (one active and one former church building):

The Washington Post has a fascinating story on the history of Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church (800 11th Street NE).

Not far away from Douglas there's something very interesting happening inside another church building. The website for the art installation CARNE y ARENA describes it a "groundbreaking and immersive virtual reality exhibition...unlike anything you’ve experienced before." A review in the Washington Post suggests that's true, and that the exhibit is something amazing you'll definitely want to see. The installation is the work of award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who uses virtual reality to "[explore] the human condition of immigrants and refugees." CARNE Y ARENA is housed inside a converted church at 1611 Benning Road NE (formerly Trinidad Baptist Church). You'll need tickets to visit the installation, which should remain open until late summer. Tickets are free and available on the exhibit's website.

Toki Underground is Turning 7 & Inviting Guests to Join the Celebration

Toki Underground, DC’s first Ramen house, is turning 7 years old in April and to celebrate this lucky birthday, Toki will host a celebration consisting of hour long parties featuring its signature dishes, a fortune teller and alcoholic beverages for guests on Tuesday, April 3rd, starting at 6pm. The number seven symbolizes luck and togetherness in many cultures and shows up in astrological and religious concepts from different countries and civilizations.

Fatal Stabbing Saturday in the 1300 Block of Florida & Arrests in Two Other Violent Incidents

A man was stabbed early Saturday morning. At 3:03am officers from "the First District responded to the 1300 block of Florida Ave NE for a report of an assault. An adult male was found suffering from an apparent stab wound and transported to an area hospital." Efforts to save the man's life were unsuccessful. The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Derrick Wright, of Upper Marlboro, MD. If you have any information about this incident please call police at 202-727-9099, or anonymously text tips to 50411.

A Stabbing & Two Shootings Yesterday Afternoon

There was a stabbing around 2:34pm yesterday in the 900 block of Mt. Olivet Road NE (north of Gallaudet University on the southern border of Ivy City). According to an email sent by a police representative "[t]he victim was stabbed several times in the stomach," and later received treatment at a local hospital. The text alert sent out contained a lookout for a black male "5'5 to 5'7, med complexion, gray hooded sweater, gray hat, blue jean, black and red shoe" and a knife. Event #I20180159400.

Fancy Radish Opened Last Night

Their website still says coming soon, but you can make reservations through it

The much anticipated vegetable focused restaurant Fancy Radish (600 H Street NE) opened its doors yesterday. The Washington Post has a night write-up on the place, which comes to us from the same team behind Philadelphia vegan restaurants VEDGE and V Street.  This  article from Washingtonian has more details and lots of photos of the space.

Food writer Laura Hayes over at Washington City Paper gives us a further taste of what to expect from the menu at Fancy Radish in her article "Don't Be Saddish, Try These Five Must-Order Dishes at Fancy Radish." If you want to know more about the burgeoning vegan/plant-based food scene on H Street these days you might also wish to read another of her pieces, "Garden Variety: How H Street NE Became D.C.'s Vegan Dining Destination."

Man Injured in Shooting Yesterday Evening at the Pentacle Apartments

 
A man was shot in the parking lot of the Pentacle Apartments (1507 Benning Road NE) yesterday evening about 5:44pm. According to an email later sent to a local listserve by an MPD representative "[t]he victim fled to Starburst Plaza where he flagged down 5th District members who were in the area," and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. If you have information relating to this even please contact police at 202-727-9099, or you can anonymously text info to 50411.  The alert gave event #I20180157979.

A March for Our Lives Fundraiser at Hill Prince Saturday

A reader writes in with news of how you can support March for Our Lives at the same time you enjoy a fun night out drinking with friends at Hill Prince (1337 H Street NE). From one of the organizers:

You know the stats.  Mass shootings occur in the U.S. at a rate of nearly 1 per day.  We average about 13,000 gun homicides per year.  And 100 lives are lost here each day on account of guns.  It's no surprise then, that 94% of Americans want background checks; 82% want the age of purchase raised to 21; and 72% want an outright ban on assault-style weapons.  But cowardly legislators consciously ignore these realities, choosing NRA dollars over American lives.  Some incredibly courageous kids are trying to do something about that, and we ought to support them, first, by marching with them, and second, by drinking with our friends.  Here's how you do the latter...

Heading Out into the Snow?

 

Here are some incomplete lists of places I know to be open or closed today. Feel free to leave additions and updates in the comments.

Open
&pizza
AtlasVet (closing at 4pm)
Ben's Chili Bowl (closing at 5pm)
The Big Board (will also still be hosting Market Crash upstairs tonight at 9pm).
Buredo
Craft Beer Cellar
CrossFit DC
Cusbah
The Daily Rider
Dangerously Delicious Pies
DC Sharp (closing at 4pm)
Dio Wine Bar
Dirty Water
Granville Moore's (starting at 11am)
H Street Country Club
Harvey's Market (closing at 4pm)
Maketto (reportedly open)
NUBOXX
Peregrine Espresso (closing at 4pm)
The Pug
Qualia Coffee
The Queen Vic
Sally's Middle Name (dinner)
Sospeso
Stable (per a Washingtonian post they opened at 2pm w/limited menu & hot drink specials)
Star & Shamrock
TaKorean (closing at 3pm)
Toli Moli (closing at 4pm)
Union Market (closing at 4pm)
Wilson Epes Printing
W.S. Jenks & Son Hardware
Wunder Garten (opens at 4pm)

Closed
Ben's Upstairs
CAVA
Cotton & Reed
DC Harvest
District Fishwife
Farmbird
Joy of Motion
Salt & Sundry
Spot on Training (classes canceled tonight)
Turning Natural

The Wedding Present show at Rock & Roll Hotel tonight is canceled.

Transportation
The streetcar has suspended operations is up and running again.

WMATA has Metrobuses running on a Severe Snow Plan for the remainder of today (buses every 15–30 minutes). Check the link for details on what that means, but here's a quick look:

• B2 - no service
• D4 - no service
• D8 - no service
• X1 - no service
• X2 - regular route
• X3 - no service
• X8 - no service
• X9 - detouring
• 90 - regular route

Meet the MPD Officers Who Patrol Your Neighborhood [UPDATED]

Detail from an MPD map showing Patrol Service Areas in our neck of the woods

The Metropolitan Police Department's Fifth District is implementing a new initiative to strengthen ties between residents and the officers who patrol communities. Once a week, each of the Fifth District’s Sector Captains will designate a date, time and location that their Patrol Service Area (PSA) officers will be available for the community to come out and meet them.  Community members can bring their concerns directly to the officers. Casual conversation is also strongly encouraged as this will only increase the relationship.  The days of the week, locations and times will change weekly to make it easier for community members to participate.  Each meet and greet will be announced on the MPD-5D listserve. This week officers from PSA 507 will be in our general area at 19th & Benning Road NE on Wednesday at 11am. This event has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 27th at the same place and time.

Shooting Saturday in the 1200 block of Simms Pl. NE

A woman was shot just after 9:30pm Saturday night in the 1200 block of Simms Place NE. According to an email from an MPD representative officers were already in the immediate area at the time, and on the scene while 911 calls were coming in. They found an an adult female with a gunshot wound and rendered aid, applying a tourniquet to control bleeding before the victim was taken to a local hospital. The original test alert included a lookout for two "males wearing all black clothing." The email indicated that police "on the scene stopped an adult male in reference to the investigation." Officers also recovered a handgun at the scene. If you have any information relating to this incident please call 202-727-9099, or you can anonymously text information to 5044. The event number listed in the alert is #I20180150222. This is in the northwestern corner of the Trinidad neighborhood, not far from the border with Ivy City.

Join Walker's Legacy 3/17 to Celebrate Graduates of Girls Who Enterprise at Browne EC

Join Walker's Legacy tomorrow at 10am at Browne Education Campus (850 26th St. NE) to celebrate graduates of the Girls Who Enterprise Program. It's a 10-week leadership, development, self-actualization, and entrepreneurship program for girls ages 10-–16. Participants in the program will discuss their projects, hear from featured teen entrepreneur speakers, and present for an opportunity to win college savings bonds and more. Featured speakers for the event are Egypt "Ify" Ufele and Grace Griffin. Ufele started the clothing line Chubiiline [LINK PLAYS MUSIC] and founded the charity Bully Chasers. Grace Griffin is a co-founder of Tendresse & Sage, which produces handmade soaps and personal care products.

Stop by the Pug Tonight to Support Greater DC Diaper Bank & Try the Exciting New Food Menu

 

The Pug (1234 H Street NE) is hosting a fundraiser tonight starting at 8pm for Greater DC Diaper Bank. A $20 donation gets you open drafts until the keg from DC Brau is kicked.  Greater DC Diaper Bank  (formerly known as as DC Diaper Bank) "provides diapers to social service organizations that are already helping families in need through comprehensive programs and services. Diapers act as a 'gateway' to introduce hard to reach families to social services and other vital resources." If you can't make the fundraiser, or just want to do more, you can also donate time, money, or supplies directly to Greater DC Diaper Bank. Those who do head down to tonight's event can take advantage of the opportunity to sample the new food offerings at the Pug.

Celebrate Pi Day at Dangerously Delicious Pies

Celebrate Pi Day today with Dangerously Delicious Pies (1339 H Street NE). Stop by their special Pi Day Happy Hour 6–8pm and get a slice of one of their sweet pies for only $3.14.

Chupacabra Reopens as Spring Approaches

Local Latin kitchen and taqueria Chupacabra (822 H Street NE) has reopened for the season. They are operating on their spring schedule, which means you can stop by Thursday through Sunday 11:30am–10pm. They've added some new menu items including queso blanco and a quesadilla, plus local beers from Atlas Brew Works, DC Brau, and Right Proper. As always, the restaurant offers delivery and catering.

Draft Agenda for Tonight's Public ANC 5D Meeting

 

ANC 5D Meeting from video shot by Edward Milton

Here's the draft agenda for tonight's Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D monthly public meeting that will be held at 7pm at MPD's 5D headquarters (1805 Bladensburg Road NE)

Welcome/Unity Prayer & Introduction

• Call to order Roll Call (Commissioner Lee)
• Adoption of the Agenda (Commissioner Lee)
• Adoption of Minutes February & March 1 (Commissioner Lee)
• Chairperson’s Report (Commissioner Lee)
• Commissioners’ agenda meeting 3/27/18
• April 10th meeting location change
• Treasurer’s Report (Commissioner Shropshire)

Fox5: Shoplifting Suspect Steals Security Guard's Gun Following Scuffle

Fox5 reports on MPD's search for a man who stole a gun dropped by Special Police Officer (armed security office) at the Hechinger Mall Safeway. It all started when the officer approached the suspect, who was attempting to shoplift some Tide, and a struggle ensued. The officer's gun slipped from its holster and the suspect grabbed it and ran. At one point MPD officers chased the man, but they lost track of him and he escaped with the gun.

Surprise! Betsy DeVos is an Investor at a Local Ivy City Distillery

 

There was a bit of Twitter chatter yesterday as people realized that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos appears to be an investor in local Ivy City distiller Jos. A. Magnus & Co.  (2052 West Virginia Avenue NE). This may explain a DeVos sighting some time back at the distillery's Murray Hill Club. Jos. A. Magnus & Co. is best known for their award winning bourbon.

Shooting Friday Night in the 700 Block of 19th St. NE [UPDATED]

There was another shooting in our area on Friday night about 9:15pm. This one happened in the 700 block of 19th Street NE, which places it in the Rosedale/Kingman Park area just south of Benning Road NE. No lookout information was provided, and I don't have any information on the status of the victims. The crime alert identified this as event #I20180133941. If you have any information for police you can call the tip line at (202) 727-9099 (you can ask to remain anonymous), or anonymously text a tip to 50411.

+++++++++++++++++++UPDATE+++++++++++++++++++

Apparently this was actually a triple shooting and per a story in the March 10th print edition of the Washington Post all three victims were conscious and breathing when located by MPD ("Three shot, wounded in Northeast, police say"). That was not clear from the original alert which simply read "Alert: Shooting at 2115 hrs in the 700 block of 19th St NE. No Lookout at this time."

+++++++++++++++++++UPDATE+++++++++++++++++++

Man Shot Last Night in the 2100 Block of I Street NE

A man was shot last night in the 2100 block of I Street NE (Carver-Langston) around 10:48pm. An MPD representative later sent an email to the MPD-5D listserve indicating that "the victim was shot once in the right arm and once near his thigh" and "was treated at a local hospital." No lookout information was provided for any suspects. Anyone with information about the event is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or anonymously text 50411. This is listed as event #I20180131919.

Local Running Clubs to Host Runner Motivation Station

H Street Runners and Argonaut Running Club are proudly joining forces again on Saturday, March 10th, to host a special RUNNER MOTIVATION STATION on H Street NE during the DC Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.  Join us at 1206 H Street, outside of the Queen Vic (1206 H Street NE), as we gather to rock out and cheer (loudly!) for runners as they approach Mile 12 of the race course.

Plan Ahead for Saturday's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon [UPDATED]

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is headed our way this Saturday, and even if your plans for the day don't include turning out to cheer on the runners, this event is a little hard to ignore. Don't get caught off guard. Be aware of the courses that wind their way through our neighborhood and through much of the District. The map below shows the courses in our area, but if you are traveling you'll want to see the full map showing all courses.

Stabbing Last Night in the 1500 Block of Benning Road NE

There was a stabbing last night about 9:20pm in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE. The alert, which went out at 9:55pm, included the following lookout information: "2 black males, one is brown skin armed with a knife." The event ID is # I20180127676. No information on the status of the victim.

ANC 5D Meeting 3/13

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D will hold its regular monthly meeting this coming Tuesday. I haven't seen an agenda yet, but I will try to post one if it's circulated prior to the meeting. As always, if you can't attend the meeting but want to follow along at home (or just enjoy unofficial live meeting tweets) you can search for the hashtag #ANC5D. There's typically at least one person using it for the night.

What: ANC 5D meeting
Where: MPD 5D headquarters, 1805 Bladensburg Road NE
When: 7pm Tuesday, March 13th

Free Community ASL Classes at Gallaudet

A limited number of spaces are currently available in a free community ASL class at Gallaudet University. The classes are designed for those ages 16 years of age and over. If you are interested, fill out this Google doc and someone will contact you to confirm registration (limited slots). Classes are held Thursday evenings 6–7pm.

Support Two Rivers PCS at the Framing the Future Annual Gala 3/9

Sip from local distilleries, taste bites from area restaurants, and dance your way through the 14th annual Framing the Future Art Auction & Gala. Join hundreds of DC residents and dignitaries on Friday, March 9th at 7:30pm at Union Market's Dock 5. Support the arts programs at Two Rivers Public Charter School by bidding on tempting auction packages and fresh artwork. Tickets are available online through tomorrow, or at the door the night of the event.

Featured Artists: Anne Barnes, Brooke Fierce Bronner, BroCoLoco, Halsey Berryman, Naomi Christianson, Mia Duvall, Judy Guenther, Wayne Guenther, Kristen Hayes, Mehves Lelic, No Kings Collective, Rodrigo Pradel, Lori Steenhoek, Tendani, Aniekan Udofia & Maggie O'Neill.

Follow the #FramingGala on Facebook: FramingtheFuture and Instagram @TheFramingGala.

What: Framing The Future Gala
When: Friday, March 9 from 7:30pm–12am
Why: Gala & auction to support arts education at Two Rivers Public Charter School
 Where: Dock5 at Union Market (1309 5th St. NE)

Call for Artists for Art in the Alley 2018

Trinidad's Art in the Alley has issued a call for artists for this year's event on Saturday, April 28th from 6–10pm. Art in the Alley is a fun and free event that celebrates local art in the local space. Specifically, Art in the Alley takes place in a public alley behind the 1200 blocks of Florida Avenue NE and Morse Street NE.

AtlasVet to Show Off New Space During Open House Friday

AtlasVet construction selfie courtesy of Matt Antkowiak

AtlasVet (1326 H Street NE) invites everyone to check out their newly expanded space tomorrow (Friday) 4–6pm. Head over to chat with the awesome doctors and staff who care for local pets. Learn about the inner workings of their clinic as they pull back the veil. Glimpse the surgery suite! See an X-ray machine up close! Do it all in an informal and friendly setting.