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4th of July, Supreme Court Rulings, and Many Updates

Posted July 1, 2023 in News
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Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter
June 30, 2023
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Dear Ward 5 neighbors,

Devastating rulings have come down from the Supreme Court over the past few days. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ended generations-long precedents in racial progress when they struck down affirmative action. Today, they rolled back rights for the LGBTQIA+ community, and struck down President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. These decisions come from a far-right Court that wishes to use race neutrality and imaginary scenarios to exacerbate inequalities for marginalized groups across our country. 

While I know these rulings don't reflect DC values—and there is much in this newsletter that highlights the many Ward 5 and District updates we have for you—they are no less stunning and a reminder that we must continue to fight for the world we wish to see: a world of welcome, belonging, equity, and justice.
These decisions come ahead of next week's 4th of July celebrations. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday! I also hear the words of Frederick Douglass, in his famous What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? speech, "The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed." The proximity of unjust rulings to the celebration of national independence and freedom is not lost on me.

Keep in mind that a number of District activities will be affected on July 4:
  • Metro will be free after 5 p.m.
  • DPW trash and recycling collection will be suspended on July 4 and pick-ups will "slide" one day for the rest of the week.
  • DC Public Libraries will be closed.
  • DPR recreation centers and indoor pools will be closed (outdoor pools will be open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). 
  • Please note: The Ward 5 Council Office will be closed Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4 in recognition of the holiday.
For a full list of modified government services, click here. 
This newsletter includes a recap of our Providence Redevelopment Town Hall, an invitation to testify at the hearing for my street designation bills honoring prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5, public safety updates including a recap of the hearing on Mayor Bowser's Safer Stronger legislation, and lots of events to connect you with neighbors across our community. 
Week in Review
Last Saturday, I got to connect with neighbors at the Turkey Thicket playground for my monthly "Chat with the Councilmember" event. It was wonderful to connect and have discussions on a range of issues. One highlight was a visit from Dierdre Spauling, daughter of William R. Spaulding, the first Ward 5 Councilmember, whose legacy we are seeking to honor with a street designation bill. Sign up for the hearing on all the street designation bills honoring prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5 on July 13!
On Sunday, I joined the Young Doctors DC program for their white coat ceremony. These inspiring young people are the future of building healthy communities, and I was honored to participate in this event.
On Monday, the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, chaired by At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, held a public roundtable on the Board of Elections. That evening, I was able to join the SMD 5A02 and Edgewood Civic Association meetings to hear what's top-of-mind for neighbors and give updates from my office. 

On Tuesday, the Committee on the Judiciary and Pubic Safety, chaired by Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, held a hearing on Mayor Bowser's Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023. It was a marathon day, hearing from community members, advocacy organizations, and government witnesses. You can read a recap of the hearing in Kendra's Corner below.

Tuesday evening, I held a Virtual Town Hall on the Providence Redevelopment. Neighbors joined to hear from the developer about the plans for redevelopment, ask questions, and hear from my office on how they can continue to share their input to ensure the project prioritizes the community's needs moving forward. Check out the longer update on the Providence Redevelopment in Ward 5 Updates below.

After the Town Hall, I joined DDOT Director Lott for the unveiling of the new DC Smart Streets Lighting in North Michigan Park on Emerson St NE. Work is happening to update all lights across Ward 5, and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The new lights are more energy efficient and reduce the negative impacts of light pollution. You can learn more here. If neighbors have concerns about the brightness of the light or construction work, please notify 311 or reach out to our office. 
Wednesday morning, I had an introductory meeting with MPD's new Interim Police Chief, Ashan Benedict. We discussed various concerns within the agency, the request for more portable MPD cameras from the Edgewood and Trinidad communities, and vehicle pursuits. I also attended the Committees on Health and Hospital & Health Equity's (chaired by At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson and Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray) Joint Roundtable on Combating the Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis in DC. I was able to ask questions on a number of issues touching this crisis, including about the peer support that will be available to neighbors who will benefit from the soon-to-come sobering center. A more comprehensive recap is available in Kendra's Corner below.

Wednesday afternoon, my office hosted the Brookland Manor Health and Wellness Fair. Many thanks to the wonderful sponsors and co-sponsors who made this event a success! A special thank you to Ivy City Smokehouse, DCity Smokehouse, and DC Central Kitchen for providing delicious food. More than 30 organizations connected residents to resources on education, health, financial support, legal assistance, employment, housing, and more. And of course, our deep gratitude goes to Brookland Manor residents, like Ms. Minnie Elliott, who have long organized in the community and played a vital role Wednesday. Neighbors were laughing, dancing, eating, playing, connecting and sharing what they love about our neighborhoods and what they want to see change. This is what community looks like!
I ended my Wednesday at the Cure the Streets Remembrance Day Vigil. Every life lost to gun violence is mourned by our community. I'm grateful for the work of our violence interrupters and I am standing with them in calling for an end to gun violence now. 
Thursday, the Committee on Housing, chaired by At-Large Councilmember Robert White, held a hearing on two bills: The Rent Stabilization Protection Amendment Act and the Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Amendment Act. I also met with the Brookland Manor Coalition to check in on their activities and the needs of residents. Additionally, I met with long-time school advocate Cathy Reilly along with our Ward 5 State Board of Education Representative, Robert Henderson, to talk about school safety needs. My team also attended the second Information Gathering Meeting of the State Health Planning and Development Agency regarding the closure of the Urgent Care Center and Diagnostic Imaging Center at Providence.

Yesterday and today, the Supreme Court issued devastating rulings on affirmative action, LGBTQIA+ rights, and student loan forgiveness.

This afternoon, I attended the farewell for Children's National Hospital's CEO Kurt Newman. Many thanks to Mr. Newman for his years of faithful service and partnership with the Ward 5 community. We are excited to welcome and partner with new CEO, Michelle Riley-Brown, who is the first Black woman to hold this position.
My team also stopped by 3400 Banneker to celebrate the retirement of Doris Foreman, who has faithfully served for years as the 3400 Banneker Resident Council President. Our communities are driven by dedicated neighbors who love and invest in each other like Ms. Foreman. 
Ward 5 Updates
Public Safety Updates
There have been several significant updates in public safety across the District this week:
  • Federal prosecutors issued a sweeping indictment of 12 members of the Kennedy Street Crew. This is a critical step for the District as MPD reports in this case seizing 40 firearms, including 8 machine guns, along with hundreds of pounds of various drugs. 
  • MPD also reported a significant arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for ten armed robberies in the Trinidad neighborhood, primarily targeting construction site workers. Special thanks to Ivy City Smokehouse for providing camera footage which helped lead to the apprehension of the suspect involved.
  • On Monday evening, I spoke with local news station WJLA about a recent robbery at the newly opened Aurora Market on Rhode Island Ave. MPD is increasing monitoring in the area and has released a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) report.
    • I encourage neighbors to stop by Aurora Market to make a purchase and show our support for this wonderful new small family-owned grocer in our Ward.
    • We must do more to protect and support our small businesses. Next week, I am meeting with business owners in Ivy City to discuss solutions to issues with crime that they face. 
  • At my Wednesday meeting with Interim Police Chief Ashan Benedict, he agreed to follow-up regarding requests from neighbors for more portable security cameras in Edgewood and Trinidad.
  • A public safety meeting and walk scheduled for yesterday with neighbors in Truxton Circle has been postponed due to the air quality alert. We will keep residents updated.
  • The Deputy Mayor for Education and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice are kicking off the new School Safety Commission soon. This task force will work to learn more about the needs of schools to effectively address safety issues, and is responsible for reporting back to the Council on their findings. 
  • The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and Cure the Streets violence interruption programs are teaming up to kickoff beautification projects around Ward 5. The first event will be July 5, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m., meeting up at West Virginia Ave and Mt Olivet Rd NE. 
In addition to these updates and efforts, I have recently co-introduced legislation on public safety with Councilmembers Pinto and Allen. The Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023 is aimed at strengthening protections for victims, especially victims of domestic violence, children, and senior citizens, as well as filling gaps in our current criminal code. The Ensuring Safe Forensic Evidence Handling for Sexual Assault Survivors Amendment Act of 2023 aims to support sexual assault survivors by requiring the District to preserve all evidence collected after a sexual assault, even if the survivor chooses not to report the assault to the police. Right now, if a victim chooses not to report the assault immediately, there is a real risk that any medical forensic evidence collected–including the testing and collection commonly known as a “rape kit”–may not be preserved. This means that survivors who later come forward may not have that evidence available for prosecutors to bring a case, and the assailant could remain free.
 
Recap: June 27 Virtual Town Hall
on Providence Redevelopment
Thank you to those of you who joined us for the Providence Redevelopment Town Hall on Tuesday. It was a productive time of hearing from the developer, asking questions, and sharing information from our office on how to be involved moving forward. SHPDA (the State Health Planning and Development Agency) held its second Information Gathering Meeting yesterday, June 29, and I sent this letter elevating some of the concerns we heard from neighbors on Tuesday evening. You can continue to submit your own written testimony to the SHPDA at 899 North Capitol Street, NE, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20002 or SHPDA@dc.gov until the record closes at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
 
Additionally, you can find slides from the evening’s presentation here. We hope this is helpful for neighbors who were unable to attend.
 
I want to emphasize that my office is here to elevate neighbors’ concerns and to collaborate with you to ensure the project meets and addresses the community’s needs. You can call our office any time at 202-724-8028, and email us at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
 
Testify at Street Designations Hearing - July 13!
In February, I introduced legislation to symbolically designate several streets throughout Ward 5 in honor of prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5. Chairman Mendelson has now set a date for a hearing for the first group of these bills! We're inviting the neighbors who have contributed to these bills, as well as those who live in the areas of the designations, to come testify in support on July 13 at 11:30 a.m. Learn more here.
And great news: you can use the Council's new system for testifying when you sign up! It is very exciting to see one of the first actions I took as Councilmember come to life on the Council's website—a more streamlined process for public witnesses to sign up and testify for Committee hearings and roundtables. It is now being piloted for Committee of the Whole hearings. At the Council's Organizational Meeting on January 3, the Council adopted an amendment I'd sent to Chairman Mendelson to create a more consistent process for signing up to testify so that we can better accommodate neighbors who want to weigh in on issues that matter to them. It is vital that we make government processes and accountability as accessible to neighbors as possible. This is an important step in the right direction.
 
Update on Crummell and Ft. Lincoln
Capital Improvement Projects
The Mayor recently sent to the Council a reprogramming request, to move $1.6 million from the New Community Center at Crummell School to the Fort Lincoln Rec Center, to later be replaced back into Crummell from the Land and Water Conservation Funds in FY24. By making this change, it saves between 6-8 months and allows the Fort Lincoln project to move forward more expediently, which we know is a priority to neighbors. One concern we raised with the Mayor's office was the question of whether or not this will cause a delay in the Crummell project, and we have been assured that this reprogramming of funds will not delay the progress at Crummell. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
 
July 20: Ward 5 Day at the National Building Museum
Come to the National Building Museum on July 20 for Ward 5 Day for complimentary admission, including hands-on crafts and story-time at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For Look Here, architect Suchi Reddy has designed a constellation of reflective fractals that visitors encounter on the oval ramp that fills the Museum’s Great Hall. The installation fills the Museum’s colossal Great Hall while engaging, delighting, and even challenging visitors. Overhead are three oversized mirrored elements resembling fortune-teller toys, whimsical folded paper playthings beloved by generations of kids. The reflection of the Museum’s interior, the constant movement of the prismatic elements, and the changing sun create a spectacular contemplative space during the day and a lively entertainment space at night.
 
DC Youth Free Summer Meals Program
This summer, DC youth ages 18 and younger have access to free meals at more than 100 sites across the city. Find Ward 5 sites, days, times, and more here. 
 
Metro Announces New Courtesy Stop Program

Metrobus customers who travel at night will have the option to get off between bus stops along the route, closer to their destination to provide a safer, better bus experience. These “courtesy stops” put customer safety first during times of day when it is darkest outside. Beginning, June 25, customers can now request a courtesy stop between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. If the bus operator determines it is safe to do so, the bus will pull over to the curb and allow the customer to exit. In some cases, it may not be safe to exit, such as along busy highways, at or approaching intersections, or locations without a curb or place of safety. When exiting, customers should use the front door of the bus.
 
Truxton Circle Vacant Lot Survey
The vacant lot at 1600 North Capitol St NW and Florida Ave NW is also known as the "Joe Mamo" lot. This survey is to learn from DC residents what they would like to see happen at the vacant lot while development is still being planned. Complete the survey here. 
 
Notices of Intent - Modifying Traffic/Parking Requirements
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required to give written notice of their intent to modify traffic and/or parking requirements to the Council and affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) to allow for a public comment period on the modifications. The following Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Ward 5 are open for comment: 
  • Closes for comment on July 13: Conversion of 17th Street NE between Monroe Street and Newton Street NE to one-way northbound and conversion of 17th Street NE between Monroe Street and Lawrence Street NE to one-way southbound - Read and comment here
  • Closes for comment on July 26: Close 3rd St NW between Shepherd St NW & Rock Creek Church Rd NW - Read and comment here
     
ANC and Civic Association Meetings

This week, my team attended the Bloomingdale Civic Association, Edgewood Civic Association, and ANC SMD 5A02 meetings. Here's a brief recap: 

  • SMD 5A02 (June 26 at 6:30 p.m.): I joined residents of the Queens Chapel Neighborhood for the ANC Single Member District 5A02 meeting with Commissioner Karlus Cozart. He shared updates around Providence Hospital and the concerns about the closure of the Urgent Care on the site. We also heard concerns from neighbors who live on Eastern Ave NE who shared that many of their 911 calls are rerouted to Prince George's County, MD.
     
  • Bloomingdale Civic Association (June 26 at 7:00 p.m.): My team heard concerns about public safety in the neighborhood, especially with respect to gun violence and carjackings. My team shared updates about efforts to activate the vacant lot at Florida and North Capitol Street as well as progress on several DDOT projects. We also shared about construction starting at Dave Thomas, the NY Ave trail project resuming, and North Capitol St concept study starting in earnest. 
     
  • Edgewood Civic Association (June 26 at 7:00 p.m.): I shared with the seniors at 635 Edgewood about upcoming events, budget wins like security cameras for Edgewood Commons, and more about my vision for public safety and healthy communities. Seniors shared requests for MPD cameras on either end of the complex, vocational education and trades being integrated into graduation requirements, and better communication and assistance for city programming that would make it easier for Edgewood kids to get preference for programming at the Edgewood Rec Center.   
Have a need, or want to share important information for ANC and Civic Association Meetings? Get in touch with one of our Constituent Services Coordinators:
  • 5A & 5C: Carlos McKnight, cmcknight@dccouncil.gov
  • 5B & 5D: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
  • 5E & 5F: Sam Bonar, sbonar@dccouncil.gov
Kendra Wiley is our office's Legislative Director. In this section of the newsletter, she provides updates on the Councilmember's legislative activities and educational pieces about the legislative process.
Recap of this Week's Hearings

At Tuesday’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee hearing on the Safer Stronger bill introduced by Mayor Bowser, most testimony focused on pre-trial detention, DNA collection changes, and changes to the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) also known as the second look legislation.  

The Safer Stronger legislation would:  

  • Increase penalties for violent crimes against vulnerable residents with physical or mental impairments. 

  • Increase penalties for illegal gun possession. 

  • Make strangulation would be a type of felony assault. 

  • Create a rebuttable presumption that pre-trial detention is required for children where it’s probable that a dangerous crime was committed, or a gun carried without a license. 

  • Increase the reimbursement for the District’s Private Security Camera System Incentive Program. 

  • Require the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to report more data on process and outcomes. 

  • Propose collecting DNA earlier in the process for First Degree sexual offenses after the probable cause hearing. 

  • Expand the District’s representation on the DC Sentencing Commission. 

At the public roundtable on Tuesday held by the Committee on Transportation and Environment, public witnesses and Councilmembers discussed creating a sustainable green workforce in the District. The city will receive once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act for projects such as electrifying buildings, green infrastructure, and resiliency. The committee is considering:  

  • Creating programs and model for implementing a coordinated green jobs strategy; 

  • Creating service opportunities through existing AmeriCorps funding similar to President Biden’s Civilian Climate Corps proposals along with what how other states are creating more green jobs. 

At Wednesday’s joint roundtable held by the Committees on Health and Hospital & Healthy Equity on the opioid and fentanyl crisis, advocates, government witnesses including the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Health, the medical examiner, and the epidemiology lab all testified on prevention strategies, improving treatment and recovery approaches, addressing stigma around opioid use, and long-term solutions. Last year, 458 people died from overdoses, make DC the highest death rate per capita in the country. A majority of overdose deaths happen in Wards 5, 7, and 8, and are predominantly middle-aged Black men. Last year 99% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl, up from 65% in 2016.

We heard compelling testimony about structural changes needed in DBH and across DC to help save lives including:  

  • Revamping contractual system with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Contracts to provide life-saving services are taking too long.  

  • We need more actionable and up-to-date data. The Rhode Island Department of Health: Drug Overdose Surveillance Data Hub could serve as a model. It provides real time data of non-fatal and fatal overdoses, Naloxone (Narcan) distribution, and prescription monitoring drug programs. DC’s data is lagging many months behind which hinders identifying overdoses.  

  • Providers need pay increases. 

  • There are discrepancies in the types of treatment allowed in hospitals verses other providers. Naloxone must be prescribed by a doctor in hospitals, but in clinics a non-doctor can prescribe it.  

  • DBH is finalizing the nominees for the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and should be done by the end of July. The new sobering center is set to open this summer and will offer peer support and counseling for those dealing with opioid addiction.
You can always find information on upcoming hearings, including information on how to submit testimony, here.
Programs for the People
Metro Procurement Fair - August 15

Metro is open for business and looking to expand its regional opportunities and partnerships. With more than 18,000 purchase orders awarded annually, qualified vendors support a wide range of departments, including information technology, construction, facility maintenance, real estate, and inventory for day-to-day operations. Companies interested in doing business with Metro are invited to register now to attend Metro’s Procurement Fair, Tuesday, August 15. The event will give business leaders an opportunity to meet with Metro’s procurement team, network with other vendors and government contractors, and attend workshops geared toward business growth and expansion.
 
Summer Ready DC Home Weatherization Kits
Through the DCPSC Summer Ready DC campaign, District residents can prepare their homes for high temperatures and summer storms by: At outreach events, attendees can choose to receive one GE Lighting CYNC smart full color A19 LED light bulb ($10.99 value) or one Frost King white rubber self-stick weatherseal tape ($8.67 value), while supplies last. Note: Only residents of the District of Columbia are eligible for this promotion. There is a limit of one weatherization item per address AND one item per customer. Ward 5's event is on August 16 at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library (5401 South Dakota Ave NE) from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 
Become a Neighborhood Health Ambassador
with GW Cancer Center
Become a Neighborhood Health Ambassador with the GW Cancer Center, and help guide your community to a healthier lifestyle. Must be 18+ years or older, reside in Wards 1-8 or adjacent MD/VA counties. Get 144-hour training as a Community Health Worker and a paid stipend for training and service hours. Visit here for more information. Applications due by July 14.
 
Free Weekly Veggie Giveaway

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosts three weekly free veggie giveaways of local, fresh organic produce including kale, collards, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, herbs, flowers, and MORE! They occur May 9 through November 30 (weather permitting). In Ward 5, the weekly giveaway is at the Edgewood Rooftop Farm (at the Edgewood Recreation Center - 301 Franklin St NE) every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
 
Know Your Power - A Civic Engagement Art Contest

Pepco, the DC Public Library Foundation and DC Public Library are calling on youth between the ages of 13 - 19 to use their creative voice to make a difference. 

Between May 22 and August 15, youth can submit an original work of writing, photography, film, visual art, or music that expresses their feelings on a social issue that matters to them. They’re looking for pieces that are not only well-crafted but have a strong voice and perspective on a subject pertaining to civic engagement.

Winners will be selected in the categories of Visual Art, Writing, Music, and Film & Photography. Entries will be judged by representatives from Pepco and D.C. Public Library's Teen Council. Prizes include:

  • Prize for Writing: Laptop
  • Prize for Film & Photography: Canon EOS 4000D
  • Prize for Visual Art: Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
  • Prize for Music: Fender Electric Guitar
Learn more and submit your original work here!
 
2023 Student Air Quality - Art & Comic Contest
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites 9th - 12th graders attending a public high school or public charter high school in the District to submit 2-D artwork that celebrates and portrays a clean air future in the District. Themes that students may choose to focus on for their artwork include: Air Quality & Transportation, Air Quality & Climate Change, Asthma & Your Health, Community Science, and Wildfires & Smoke. Contest winners will be selected for Best Comic ($200), Best Artwork ($200), Second Place ($125), Third Place ($75), and 8 honorable mentions. The deadline for submissions is July 31. Learn more and submit artwork at on the contest website!
Team Zachary in the Community
Ward 5
Eckington:
Black Queer Joy Happy Hour
July 7
@ STABLE Arts (336 Randolph Pl NE)
Join Councilmember Zachary Parker, our city’s first Black openly gay Councilmember, for a happy hour and photobooth celebrating queer Black joy at STABLE Arts’ Eagle Creek Saloon exhibit. The exhibit is a replica of the first Black-owned gay bar in San Francisco and drinks will be served. Bring your most joyful accessories and fiercest looks and leave with both a professional headshot and a joyful portrait from @QueerPortraitsFromThePark. RSVP here.
Throughout Ward 5:
Northeast Summer Nights - Outdoor Dinner Party + Movie Series
July 12 - August 9
@ Across the Ward
DC Squared presents Northeast Summer Nights: outdoor dinner parties and movie series across Ward 5! Learn more here. Here's the summer line-up: 
  • July 12 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
  • July 19 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
  • July 26 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
  • August 2 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
  • August 9 - Rhode Island Ave, Bryant St
Langdon:
Jump Into the Night
July 12 - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
@ Langdon Park Rec Center (2901 20th St NE)
Join neighbors for this nighttime jump rope event with Double Dutch, music and more! Learn more and RSVP for the event here.
Brookland:
Brookland Community Picnic
July 15 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
@ 14th and Quincy St NE
Join the Brookland community for an afternoon of food, music, fun, and connection with neighbors. 
Fort Totten:
Fridays at Fort Totten
June 2 - August 25 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@ Modern at Art Place
Summer nights just got cooler. Join DC Fray and The Modern for a free concert series, happening Friday nights from June through August. Bring your own chair and sit back to enjoy live tunes, food trucks, games and community vibes from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Here's the summer line-up:
Around DC
National Mall:
Sawasdee DC Thai Festival 
July 2 - 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@ National Mall (3rd/4th St)
The Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. is pleased to invite you to the "Sawasdee DC" Thai Festival to celebrate 190 years of Thailand-U.S. Diplomatic Relations. In the festival, you will experience a series of both Thai and American cultures and traditions, including Thai fruits, traditional Thai dance and music, American jazz band from New Orleans, Thai female pop artist, Thai LGBTQ+ pop music band (4Mix), Muay Thai (Champion "Buakaw"), traditional Thai massage sessions, many Thai food vendors, as well as various exhibits displaying historical stories & products. Learn more here.
Palisades:
Fourth of July Parade & Picnic
July 4 - 11:00 a.m.
@ Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur Blvd NW
The 57th Annual July 4 Palisades Parade and Picnic will begin at 11:00 a.m.! The parade goes from Whitehaven Pkwy down MacArthur, takes a left on Edmunds, a left on Sherier, and ends at the Palisades Rec Center. Following the parade, there is a free picnic for all at the Palisades Rec Center featuring hot dogs, drinks, live music, and moon bounces. Come one, come all!! Learn more here.
Barracks Row:
Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade
July 4 - 10:00 a.m.
@ 8th St SE (by Eastern Market Metro)
The 21st Annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade is a local tradition that is considered one of DC's best events. Learn more and join the fun and festivities here.
Federal Triangle:
Fourth of July in the District Concert
July 4 - 5:00 p.m.
@ Pennsylvania Ave NW between 12th St and 13th St NW
On Tuesday, July 4, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the United States Air Force Band, Events DC, and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will host the first-ever ‘Fourth of July in the District Concert’ featuring performances by the U.S. Air Force Band, Wale, Black Alley, and Sirius Company. The concert will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Pennsylvania Ave NW, between 12th and 13th Streets NW, and is free to the public with first come, first served seating. Residents are encouraged to RSVP HERE.
News You Can Use
Most-clicked links from last week's newsletter (not just news!)—
One highlight of my week was having Deirdre Spaulding (daughter of William R. Spaulding) and her husband stop by the Wilson building for a visit. After connecting at the Turkey Thicket event on Saturday, she came to the Wilson building for a chat and we had the opportunity to take a picture next to the portrait of her late father, the first Ward 5 Councilmember. I am honored to follow in his foot-steps.

As always, we invite you to use this form to provide feedback on how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you anytime. 

Yours in service and community, 

Zachary

Want to reach one of our staff members?
Save this directory to stay in touch with us.

Chief of Staff, Rachelle Roberts -
rroberts@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8918
Deputy Chief of Staff, Conor Shaw -
cshaw@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8172
Legislative Director, Kendra Wiley -
kwiley@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8192
Communications Director, Melissa Littlepage -
mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028
Constituent Services Coordinator, Carlos McKnight -
cmcknight@dccouncil.gov, 202-478-2456
Constituent Services Coordinator, Oliver Stoute -
ostoute@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8107
Constituent Services Coordinator, Sam Bonar -
sbonar@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-1344
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