Final Posting of 2005

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Since its inception three months ago, I, along with the help of others, have labored to post new content daily on this site for the benefit of the community. We have grown from focusing on robbery sprees to reporting on neighborhood events, the parking issue, and community service projects. We have incorporated postings from city resources, our friends at MPD, employees at the Mayor's office, and our local media teams. We update our poll to test the pulse of the community, and we have allowed commentary from various groups and individuals.

It's clear that the blog is in demand by the neighborhood it aims to serve. Since its creation, this blog receives hundreds of hits a day, and we continue to have a steady stream of faithful readers.

As we move into a new year, let me be clear on our goal: this blog has been and will continue to exist in order to bring about a stronger and more united Logan Circle Community.

While we have made great strides in reaching this goal, we still have far to go. And to speak frankly, I can't do it alone. In the new year, I will be working with the LCCA and their core of volunteers to develop this blog further. I hope to remain as an editor to the blog, working with a team of regular contributors. If you would like to sign up for this responsibility, please let me know.

Finally, a word on comments. It seems to me that, unfortunately, there are people who would rather be negative and attack their fellow neighbor rather than offer constructive solutions or helpful insight into current issues. While such behavior is beyond general netiquette and common courtesy, (observed by the majority of our readers) it doesn't need to be made easier with anonymous commenting.

Moving into 2006, should this trend continue, we will eliminate anonymous commenting and all will need to be a registered user in order to post comments. Remember that if we are to emerge as a stronger and more unified community, we'll need to identify our neighbors in order to work with each other.

In closing, I state sincere thanks to everyone who has given me support towards this blog. Thanks especially to Lt. Smith, Sgt. Emerman, Jennifer Trock, Frank Mobilio, Kevin Ivers, and Brian and Heather Vargas for their unwavering support.

To a better year for Logan Circle in 2006 - I remain,

Yours sincerely,
Chris Kohatsu

Plymouth Apartments

A Logan resident has forwarded this to us. The ANC Crime and Public Safety Committee recently issued letters regarding safety matters surrounding this property.

The Plymouth is a 74 unit, non-subsidized building located at 1236-11th St., NW, at the southwestern tip of Logan/Shaw. It is populated mostly by Central Americans from El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico.

The Plymouth 2005 Tenant Association was formed in late April, when the landlord officially notified the tenants of his intent to sell the building. With Manna CDC organizing assistance, the tenants quickly responded with their intent to purchase the building, getting 68 of the 69 occupied units to join the tenant association!! They are currently in the process of evaluating the feasibility of a tenant-sponsored purchase.

The Tenant Association is, at the same time, trying to deal with twice-yearly rent increases in the midst of severe housing code violations and a serious security problem. Because the building is currently exempt from rent control, rents have skyrocketed to as much as $1500 per month.

Manna CDC began working with the Plymouth in April 2005, as part of our ongoing commitment to create racial and economic equity in the Shaw community. We are developing the in-house capacity and external relationships to truly bring together the various communities of color within Shaw to work together for changes that will benefit all of us.

UPDATE! The tenant association at the Plymouth continues to work on the purchase of their 74-unit building to keep it affordable and make security upgrades and repairs needed.

They voted on November 19 to partner with Manna CDC and the National Housing Trust to buy their building and operate it as affordable rental housing, owned jointly by the three groups. The steep purchase price of $7.8 million means a lot of subsidy is needed, and a critical loan application will be made to DHCD next month.

For more information on the Plymouth or our Latino Tenant Organizing, please contact Benito Diaz at: bdiaz@mannadc.org.

Vehicles Blocking Entrances

From a resident at 13th & M Streets:

I am hoping that Sgt. Emerman or someone from the community can offer some suggestions here.

Our building has a three-car length no parking zone in the front that serves as the building entrance. This space is extremely important as we are currently completely surrounded by construction.

Unfortunately, some folks (very often the same cars) take it upon themselves to use the no parking zone as their personal free parking spots. This creates not only a serious inconvenience for building residents who need to bring up their groceries, but it also presents a hazard for any wheelchair-bound friends we may have.

I've requested that the parking enforcement folks respond to this serveral times, but the response is always along the lines of "no violations found at 4:50pm" and the service request is closed - well of course not, the parking happens overnight and on weekends, not during parking enforcement business hours.

The folks who do this have found a very obvious and easy loophole in the parking enforcement system, and we do not know how to get a better response out of the City. We don't think it would be appropriate to call 311 for after-hours enforcement, unless anyone disagrees?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Teenagers Arrested

An update from Sgt. Stuart Emerman:

On Friday, December 23, 2005 at approximately 9:00 pm, officers responded to a call for a robbery in the 1000 block of P Street NW.

Upon investigation, it was determined that 5 juveniles, ages 14-18 approached 2 citizens in the block and ordered them to give up their money. Taken from the victims was $10, a wallet, credit cards and a set of keys.

The juveniles then fled the area eastbound on foot. Responding officers arrived on scene and additional officers canvassed the area and located 2 of the 5 subjects at 7th and P Streets NW. A positive identification was made by the complainants, and they were placed into custody and charged with Robbery.

One of the arrestees is 15 and the other is 16. One resides in the area, and the other in southeast.

At this time, I do not know of the status of the charges with the office of the Attorney General, but will advise when I find out.

Enjoy the holidays.
Sgt. Emerman

Racism, Taxicabs, and Logan Commuters

Our thanks to fellow resident David Berger who alerted us to this:

One recent Saturday, I sat on my front stoop in Logan Circle and watched a Hispanic man attempt to hail a cab.

In the course of 15 minutes, no less than four cabs slowed, looked at him and drove on. These blatant acts of racial discrimination outraged me, yet didn't surprise me given the above-the-law hubris that I, a white male, have encountered from D.C. cab drivers.

Racial and ethnic discrimination by cab drivers, while perhaps the most outrageous of their practices, is not the entirety of the problem with cabs in this city. Continue reading David's letter here.

Fewer People in DC - How is it Possible?

From today's Washington Post:

Forget the swank loft condos rising everywhere, the rehabbed row houses, the abandoned public-housing complexes bulldozed and rebuilt. Forget the suburbanites and former urban refugees who are flocking to the city for its nightlife, easy commute and neighborhoods suddenly reborn.

The number of people living in the District has shrunk by nearly 4,000 in the past year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau: 3,718 fewer people, to be exact. Read the full article here.

Dupont Loses Its Luster

From The Washington Business Journal:

Dupont Circle is what some call a mature market. This, I think, translates as "washed up."

The area remains attractive because of the tourists. However, tourists think of it as a desirable place to go because it's supposed to be kind of local, kind of wild and crazy.

Then they get there and have nowhere to go but Starbucks, Subway and Johnny Rockets. About as crazy as it gets is a few people not using sunblock in the circle itself, a ratty little park with a fountain smack in the middle of a lot of traffic.

This may please some, but not someone looking for wild and crazy, a taste of something different from home. Read the full article here.

House Tour Photos

Pictures from the Logan Circle Holiday House & Gallery Tour are now available for viewing - please click here.

Our thanks to Parker Stanzione for sharing these!

Advice on Recycling

From a resident on 13th Street:

Hi!

My roommate and I recently moved into a single family home in Logan Circle and are trying to acquaint ourselves with both civic and green activities in the circle, from the neighborhood association to crime watch to recycling.

Our most recent concern has been recycling: As we've just moved in, we have TONS of cardboard and other recyclable goods we'd like to get picked up.

When is pick-up for Logan Circle? and how do we get nifty red and blue bins?? and will the recycling truck pick up large items like cardboard?.. we left our cardboard out with the trash for Monday pick-up, but nobody picked it up....lots of appreciation for your advice!

Logan Circle Crime Fighters

Our thanks to Brian Vargas for providing the following:

The lead story in this week's edition of the Washington City Paper chronicles the lives of four teen-robbers and their journey with crime into adulthood.

What brought them to justice? A Logan Circle resident who caught them in the act between Q & Corcoran Streets. The resident used his digital camera then turned the evidence over to authorities.

As the City Paper put it: "Apparently, they weren’t cognizant of NIMBY crime fighters in the Logan Circle area. "

If NIMBY is the label we wear for protecting our homes and loved ones - then let the tribunal begin!

GO LOGAN CIRCLE

Onwards and Upwards in 2006!

Talks Are Scheduled to Address Logan Church Parking

From Todd Lovinger (the author of the letter sent to neighboring churches) and the main contact for the group:

On December 6, a group of local residents sent a letter to city officials and the press complaining about the problem of illegal and double-parking by church congregants in the Logan community.

The issue has been placed on the agenda for the January 4 meeting of the Advisory Neighborhood Committee. In addition, a group of church leaders and local residents have agreed to meet in mid-January to open communication about the issue and discuss alternative solutions.

City officials and the police department are encouraging community residents and church members to work toward a mutually-agreeable solution. The police department will continue to exercise discretion in the enforcement of parking regulations on Sundays while the parties attempt to resolve the problem.

However, police representatives have notified both the churches and local residents that double-parking will not be tolerated on weekdays and that vehicles creating safety hazards by parking in front of fire hydrants, cross walks, intersections, and bus stops will be actively ticketed to ensure the safety of the community.

For additional information, contact Todd Lovinger at: LoganPkgEnforce@aol.com.

Comments will not be allowed on this post at this time.

You may send your comments to: logancirclenews@gmail.com.

Military Aircraft Fly Over Us Today

If you see Cessnas, a Learjet and an H-60 Blackhawk helicopter flying low along the Potomac River late Thursday and early Friday, it's just a drill.

Read the full story from WTOP here.

Recycle Your Holiday Items

As a public service (and to give us a break from rude and negative commenters) we are posting the following from the Department of Public Works:

Gift wrapping paper, holiday catalogues, gift boxes, and greeting cards are all recyclable!

The holiday season offers many opportunities to recycle, above and beyond the usual paper, plastic, glass and metal, according to the District Department of Public Works, Office of Recycling.

Rather than trashing those piles of gift boxes, tags, wrapping paper, and the rolls the paper comes on, put those items directly into your recycling cart or bin. Don't forget all those gift catalogues, holiday cards and shopping lists. When you're finished with them, they're recyclable, too.

For more recycling information, call: 202-645-8245.

Response from ANC2F

The next ANC meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at 7 PM at The Washington Plaza Hotel. In response to the comments from yesterday's posting, ANC Chairman Charles Reed has issued the following:

Just to remove any question on the point, the parking issue will be on the ANC agenda for January.

I hope Anonymous (whether one or more) will attend and contribute constructively to finding some solutions. There will also be representatives of some of the churches there.

It will be helpful in dealing with highly charged problems like this one to realize that simple solutions are not easy to come by. Sure, virtually all will agree that laws should be applied evenly throughout the City, and that even churchgoers need to obey the law. But we don’t write on a clean slate, and there is a strong feeling among some churchgoers that their parking practices, which have been followed for decades without dissent, have become an entitlement that should not be overturned.

Reasonable people ought to be able to come to mutually agreeable solutions that permit parishioners to practice their religion in a church many have attended for years (regardless of where they now live) and at the same time do not block residents from their own homes.

Now, if this sounds a bit too “political” for Anonymous, just keep in mind that the search here is for a solution. Not polemics, not civil strife and recriminations, and not one-upmanship.

Finally, I may add that there is an example of a successful effort to get a parking solution found. Residents of Corcoran street near John Wesleyan Zion Church were at war on the same subject a few years ago. Reverend Shannon, of that Church and his neighbors were able to get to a modus vivendi.

Let’s see if we can’t do the same.

Charles Reed
Chairman, ANC2F

Pedestrian Traffic vs. Vehicular

With all the talk about parking and Logan, it seems appropriate that we also report on pedestrian traffic, which has grown substantially in our neighborhood.

DDOT is currently exploring techniques to combat accidents and fatalities that happen on roads and sidewalks throughout the District. One of their experiments include pedestrians holding bright orange flags as they cross from corner to corner. In April, the Washington Post covered this experiment, and this week, the Washington Examiner did the same (see this article).

In terms of pedestrian fatalities (caused by vehicles) there is a 40 percent increase from last year. This is without adding bicycles into the mix. Walking around Logan, it's easy to see why. Traffic around the circle, up and down 15th Street, and even on P (between 14th & 15th) will keep any walker on their toes.

Until DDOT's experiments are concluded, and even then, it goes without saying that all pedestrians should stick to the sidewalk (even if it's more convenient to jaywalk from Whole Foods to Wachovia or Logan Tavern - and a lot of us have done it) and all drivers (especially those that are making turns) need to go slowly, and keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and even segways.

Mugging Near Giant Food

From a resident on O Street:

All,

My sister, and I were mugged at gun point Sunday evening (December 12th) around 10th & O Street. We needed something that we could not get from Whole Foods thus went to the Giant at 9th & O St. around 5:45 PM, and were mugged on our way home sometime around 6:30ish.

The muggers were three young black men between the ages of 16 - 20 yrs. and they were dressed in all black. One had a silver revolver, he was medium colored skinned, about 5'9", and wore a 3/4 length black puffy jacket with light colored fur trimming the hood and a black knit hat.

I did not get a good look at the other two but they were all under 6 ft. One of the others was maybe 5'11" with darker skin...again dressed in all black. In the small chance that they may have tossed our belongings somewhere they took my sister's pink & green flamingo wallet (containing her DC driver's license & credit cards), and my black satin coach purse with a black wallet (containing my entire life unfortunately with the exception of my house keys & check book), Samsung/verizon cell phone, and Nissan Altima car keys (with remote key access).

If someone happens to see either of these items lying around somewhere please call my
sister or I. (Contact information can be obtained by writing to: logancirclenews@gmail.com).

Please continue to exercise caution around our neighborhood. These three guys definitely knew what they are doing and appeared to be plotting the scenario before hand. As we were approaching 10th & O Street the one with the revolver peaked around the corner and walked back towards his friends hiding behind a building farther up on 10th.

When we came closer all 3 guys appeared, my sister and I received a weird vibe & both wanted to turn around but it all happened so fast. The three culprits were not aggressive, pulled out the gun and asked us to hand over our purses, when finished told us to walk away and if we looked back they would shoot us.

Later that evening when we spoke to a resident that lived on O St. around 10th he thought he saw these 3 guys fitting our description around 4:00 PM. He described them as lingering around and appearing to be up to no good.

It is my suspicion that these are the three guys that committed the armed muggings before hand and also with the incident involving the two younger black ladies. Hopefully these boys will be caught soon because they certainly do like to target
our neighborhood.

Attempted Mugging?

This email was submitted to us by a local resident:

I'm reporting this in case anyone else has witnessed similar behavior on the part of the muggers or knows whether there were any completed muggings last Thursday, Dec. 8?

I and two friends were walking down Kingman btw P and Q street last Thursday night at 9 p.m. when we were passed by a guy with a ski mask and hood on walking briskly in our direction toward Q, following a young man with a backpack.

Before we passed him, he whistled to his companion who was walking on the other side of the block, and gestured for him to cross the street. After he passed us, he and his companion started running after the guy with the backpack. Just before they caught up with him, a tall man walking a dog turned the corner right in front of backpack guy.

The two would-be muggers sprinted off in the opposite direction. Now, we do not *know* for a fact that they were going to mug this guy, but the whistling and the walking on opposite sides of the street and their focus on the backpack guy all felt suspicious.

Has anyone heard of someone being mugged by an assailant who whistled first to a companion? I ask because I've never felt before that I came so close to witnessing or being a victim of a mugging.

BORF Pleads Guilty

The artist known as "BORF" pleaded guilty in court yesterday, see story here.

Logan Circle was no stranger to BORF graffitti and tags, and today they continue to be present on street lamps, mailboxes, bathrooms, and trash cans (just look up and down 14th Street).

John Tsombiko's sentencing will be in February.

Churches, Logan, and Parking - Part II

For those of you who remember our first report on this issue, it seems that residents who are against discriminatory ticketing have gained substantial media attention in their campaign.

• NBC 4 did a story
• As did the DCist
• and WJLA - News Channel 7.

The Washington Times covered this story as well.

We will post further developments as this continues.

Pending Cases and Your Support

From Lt. Mike Smith:

We need to get this out to the community. The two listed defendants are the currently most active criminals in our community that have pending cases. Both have active cases in court and we need to write the judges and the prosecutors to ensure that we keep them out of Logan Circle. We can also testify at the sentencing.

JACQUELINE JOHNSON LEE
File Date: 11/10/2005
Docket Number: 05314865 / M11818-05
Judge/Officer: JOHNSON, RAMSEY
Sexual Solicitation
Next Appearance Date: 12/16/2005 9:00am
Appearance Type: Status
Judge: Johnson, Ramsey

Ms. Johnson has a long history of prostitution at 11th Street and P Street, NW; she is a white female, blond hair, blue eyes, 5-7, 160 lbs and has a rough face. Each time she has been arrested, she has claimed that she lives at 1331 11th Street, NW (She does not) so that the judge won’t issue a stay a way notice to her. I got a letter from the property owner that reported that she does not live there. We need to use this and the fact that she has a long arrest history to ensue that the judge is severe on this case and ensures that she does not come back to Logan Circle to disrupt our community with prostitution

Christopher Gaines
File Date: 10/31/2005
Docket Number: 05304971 / F06295-05
Judge/Officer: WINFIELD, SUSAN H
UCSA Distribution Cocaine
Next Appearance Date: 12/16/2005 9:30am
Appearance Type: Status
Judge: Winfield, Susan H

Mr. Gaines has also been arrested numerous times around 11th Street and N Street, NW, selling drugs. He is 5-6, 115 lbs, and walks with a severe limp. He lives on 7th Street and none of the judges have issued a stay a ways in any of his cases. So he keeps coming back time and time again. We need to use this and the fact that he has a long arrest history to ensue that the judge is severe on this case and ensures that he does not come back to Logan Circle to disrupt our community with dealing drugs.

Wary of the Red Line?

As reported in today's Washington Examiner, riders are becoming weary of the Wheaton Metro stop.

Crimes in and around Wheaton Metro station from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2005:

• Total crimes: 195
• Drug charges: 45
• Robberies: 26
• Larcenies: 37
• Aggravated assaults: 13
• Weapons charges: 5
• Rape: 1

Source: Combined statistics from Metro Transit and Montgomery County police.

Post Criticism of Civic Community

In terms of Logan Circle, The Washington Post editors got it wrong.

If you haven't read the editorial, you can do so by clicking here. Of particular note, are the last two paragraphs in the editorial:

The greatest threat to the District -- besides the shootings, robberies and assaults -- is the possibility of the city's civic leadership becoming inured to crime and violence; that they will grow accustomed to accounts of weekend murders and begin to accept death on D.C. streets as undesirable but inevitable. Let it come to that, and general lawlessness and a meltdown in community values will not be far behind.

Chief Ramsey should be commended for the action he has taken. "We have to keep the streets safe," he told The Post's Del Quentin Wilber. Citing the four people who were killed in apparently unrelated incidents within six hours of one another, the chief said, "These are the kinds of things that spread fear and panic in the community." Chief Ramsey sees the emergency.

When will the official inhabitants of city hall and the District's civic community open their eyes?

Logan Circle mobilized in the face of crime - remember the timeline:

1. The LCCA presented to the ANC on behalf of N Street residents to deter crime in our neigborhood.
2. When Operation Fight Back was cancelled, the LCCA began a furious letter writing campaign to the Commander, copying in our Councilmember.
3. Members of the LCCA and the ANC mobilized to confront Chief Ramsey at his press conference at the Reeves Center.
4. This blog was created for the neighborhood.
5. The ANC established a Crime and Public Safety Committee.
6. The LCCA will be hosting the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, Chief Ramsey, and Michael Latessa, Director of the Office of Unified Communications at their next membership meeting in January to follow up with neighborhood concerns.

If you have a response to the Post's Omsbudmsan, Michael Geller, be sure to submit it. Logan Circle's civic community is NOT inured by crime and violence - we are the force deterring it.

Holiday Advice and Safety Tips

If You Are Out for the Evening:

• Turn on lights, a radio, or a TV so it looks like someone's home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.

If You Are Traveling:

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home: shovel snow, pickup mail, and park in your space from time to time.
• Have mail and newspaper stopped - if it piles up, it's a sure sign that you are gone.

If You Are Shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, lock the car, close the windows, and hide bags and gifts in your trunk.
• Avoid carrying cash, pay with credit cards and checks whenever possible.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security if separated from you.
• See Pickpocket and Theft prevention.

These tips and more can be found on MPD's holiday safety page.

Our personal reminder to you - if you're gonna drink - don't drive. That's what cabs are for. And if you have friends visiting from out of town or even the suburbs, make sure they have a couch to crash on for the night. Cheers!

ALERT: Green Honda Robberies

From Sgt. Stuart Emerman:

Yesterday afternoon, an off duty police officer was carjacked in Prince George's County. The suspects took his green 1999 Honda CRV, MD Tags M337681.

That was around the dinner hour. At around 8pm or so the vehicle was involved in a robbery purse snatch at 16th and Columbia Road NW. Within several minutes, it was involved in a robbery/gun at 11th and Clifton Street NW.

In both events, the lookout is for 3-5 black males, approximately 15-20 years of age. In the second robbery, they did display a handgun. At this time, the vehicle has not been recovered.

Keep your eyes out for this vehicle and call 911. Use extreme caution.

Security Alarm Possibilities

This email was sent to MPD and we are posting here for community input and advice:

As a new resident of Logan Circle (which we love), I have installed a central station monitored alarm system in my condo. Primarily I am concerned about protecting my family while we are home (and more so while I am out of town), but I am also interested in protecting our belongings.

My question to the Group is, what would happen if the alarm were tripped and MPD is dispatched? Do officers have some way of accessing the building through our vestibule door security box?

Perhaps more importantly, what happens if a "panic" alarm is triggered - for instance my wife is home alone - do MPD officers have a mechanism by which they can enter the building?
We do NOT have a 24/7desk, it is only attended 9-5, M-F.

Thanks in advance,
- Name witheld

LCCA 2005 Season

The LCCA officially ended its membership year with the most successful House Tour event to date! So many people participated in this year's Holiday House and Gallery Tour - tickets were sold out!

Congratulations to Sherri Kimble, Gina Schaefer, and all the volunteers who made the event so wonderful -- what a day for our neighborhood!

LCCA returns in January - our featured speaker will be Deputy Mayor Reiskin and Chief Ramsey. See you then!

2006 LCCA Officers
President:
Jennifer Trock

Vice President:
Chris Kohatsu

Recording Secretary:
Heather Vargas

Corresponding Secretary:
Mike Benardo

At-Large Board of Directors:
Eric Korpon
Chasta Piatakovas
Sam Robfogel
Linda Sheaffer
Bob Simpson

Suspected Drug Sales on P Street

Originally posted on the ANC website, and we are also posting this here:

I need some help from my neighbors.

For almost two years I have been noticing what looks to be drug sales going on from 1305 P Street (basement unit of a multi-family). Day and night cars will pull up in the no parking zone on Kingman at P and honk their horns till a man comes out who makes an "exchange" in full view of the street.

Even worse he seems to offer a walk-up window - I see people walk down the front steps to the basement level and knock on the side-front window to do their business. The man also has a place he uses over on 9th and O (the well known, often raided crack house where he lived prior to moving to P Street) and he often can be seen loitering on the street there as well.

Two locations to better serve I guess. Sometimes he will sell out of his car - he always parks on P or Kingman and I'm sure you've probably noticed it - it's a '91 white BMW that ALWAYS has temp tags on it (sometimes VA, sometimes DC).

I'm not the only one who's noticed. Other residents of his building have complained to the management company but they believe that someone in the company is friends with him so nothing is ever done. I have complained to the company, the building's actual owner and MPD but no one seems interested.

If any of my neighbors have a view of the front of 1305 P can you please help by keeping an eye out? Can you call the police to report it too if you do see anything going on?

Thanks.

911/311 Director to Speak in Logan Circle

At the request of ANC2F, Michael Latessa, Director of the District Office of Unified Communications (OUC) has agreed to give a presentation on the OUC and take questions from the community at the upcoming ANC public meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at The Washington Plaza Hotel.

The OUC was created in FY 2005 and consolidates the emergency 911 and non-emergency 311 and 727-1000 call activities from the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the Customer Service Operations.

The OUC provides centralized District-wide coordination and management of public safety voice radio technology and other public safety wireless communication systems and resources. Read more on the OUC here.

Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced the appointment of Michael Latessa as Director of the Public Safety Communications Center (PCSS) on January 26, 2004. The PSCC, now known as the Office of Unified Communications, is the 911/311 operations center for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Department.

Please join us for this discussion.

Logan Circle Holiday House & Gallery Tour!

It's time once again for the Logan Circle Holiday House & Gallery Tour!

The 27th Annual Logan Circle Holiday House & Gallery Tour will be held this Sunday, December 4th, 2005, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

This year’s tour will feature a variety of Victorian homes and modern lofts in the neighborhood. The homes on the Logan Circle tour were chosen because they represent a revival of history and a sophisticated urban way of life.

The tour is expected to draw over 1,000 visitors from within Washington, DC and the surrounding metro areas. Tickets will be sold for $15 in advance on the Logan Circle Community Association Website or at the following locations:

• Logan Hardware, 1416 P Street
• Vastu, 1828 14th Street
• Home Rule, 1807 14th Street
• Barrel House Liquor, 1341 14th Street
• Lambda Rising, 1625 Connecticut Avenue.

Tickets can also be purchased for $20 the day of the event at 1324 Vermont Avenue, NW.

New to the tour this year are several 14th Street art galleries which will open their doors for the event participants.

As in years past, participants are welcome to join Logan Circle neighbors and new friends at a Wassail reception hosted at The Studio Theater, at 14th and P Streets from 3:00pm until 5:30 pm the day of the tour.

Crime Statistics

Would you like to see the numbers for yourself? Care to compare the Third District to other Districts?

Please visit the official MPD Crime Statistics page.

Our thanks to a Logan Circle resident for suggesting that we inform our readers of this site.

Lt. Smith's Fundraiser

In this season of thanks and giving, we are posting the following announcement from Lt. Mike Smith. If you would like more information, please contact him at: psa307@hotmail.com.

I will be raising donations for The National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial which is a tribute to all federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. To do this, I will be riding my bicycle from Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC in the Police Unity Tour.

The Officer's Memorial has engraved on it's blue-gray marble walls the names of almost 18,000 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 116 officers from our department (MPD) have died serving the city since 1861. The Memorial Fund receives no government or taxpayer revenue, instead it relies on the contributions of organizations such as ours and individuals such as yourself.

We strongly encourage you to stop by the Memorial the next time you are touring Washington D.C. Check out their web site too! www.nleomf.org.

Lt. Mike Smith
PSA 307

Logan Housing for Police Officers

Two officers in our PSA seek housing in our neighborhood. If you know of any rental properties that would be willing to offer reduced rent (in exchange for security and patrol duties), please let us know!!!

The officers are comfortable with street parking, and they ask that pets be allowed.

Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Churches, Logan, and Parking

An anonymous resident is distributing fliers about church-goer parking; parts of which we are posting here for community input and discussion:

• The author of the letter believes that church-goer parking practices (which include double parking and blocking access to streets) is not only illegal, but way "out of hand."
  
• The author is asking for residents to join in a letter writing campaign asking city leaders for help. If you are interested, send an email to: LoganPkgEnforce@aol.com
  
• The flier requests that neighbors always report violators - and to specifically call George Carr, DC Parking Enforcement Manager at: 202-541-6063
  
• You can follow up through the Mayor's call center: 202-727-1000.

Robbery Suspect Apprehended!

Our thanks again to Sgt. Stuart Emerman for providing the following, and our thanks to our good friends and neighbors who look out for one another!

On Sunday night, at approximately 8:10 pm, a female was walking in the area of 1314 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, when she was approached by a male who attempted to pull her purse from her.

The woman resisted, and was dragged to the ground, at which time the suspect gained control of the purse and ran from the scene. The offense was observed by a witness who was nearby.

Officers quickly responded and canvassed the area for a suspect. Lt. Smith located an individual in the 1000 block of 11th Street NW who matched the description. The subject provided his name and date of birth, and he was checked for warrants.

While this was going on, an officer on the scene located an ID card on the suspect, which provided a different name and date of birth. The suspect stated that the ID belonged to his twin brother, but it was determined to actually be the suspect.

A warrant was located on file for the correct name and date of birth. In addition, the witness responded to the location where the defendant was stopped and positively identified by the witness as the assailant.

He was charged with Robbery (Force and Violence) and transported to the Third District for debriefing by the Detectives and processing. The case was presented to the United States Attorney's Office this morning and do not know yet what the status was, and what he was ultimately charged with.

As soon as I get in touch with the officer today, I will let you know. Another excellent example of citizens helping one another out to catch this guy!

Thanks,
Sgt. Emerman

Dinner Photos and Awardees

To view photos from the LCCA Annual Awards Dinner, click here. Our thanks to LCCA Member and 2005 Awardee Don Smith for sharing these pictures!

2005 Award Winners

Don Smith
Thank you for your outstanding commitment to the supporters of Logan Circle Park.

Vikki Keys & Alice McLarty, National Park Services
In appreciation of your dedicated service to our Community during the renovation of Logan Circle Park, we thank you for your excellent accomplishments.

Ardeshir Nafili, DDOT
In recognition of your exceptional performance communicating between DDOT and the Logan Circle Community during the renovation of Logan Circle Park.

Margaret Coleman, National Park Services
In appreciation to your implementation of a ceremony honoring both General Logan and the newly restored Logan Circle Park.

Officer Jeffrey Carroll / Officer Michelle Caron, MPD
Presented to these outstanding officers in PSA 307 - Thank you for your continued commitment, service, and dedication to public safety in Logan Circle.

Whole Foods Market / Zachary Stein
In recognition of your generous contributions to all Logan Circle community events.

David Winer
Honoring you for your talent and vision in successfully establishing both Logan Tavern and Merkado.

Chris Kohatsu
Thank you for your work in organizing the Rededication of Logan Circle Park.

LCCA 2005 President’s Awards:
Jennifer Trock
For outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to public safety and excellence in leadership.

Gina Schaefer
For your generous commitment of time, support, and inspiration to our endeavors, especially the 2004 and 2005 Logan Circle House Tour.

Washington Plaza Hotel – 2005 Community Service Award
In appreciation of years of hospitality, dedicated service, and outstanding contributions to the Logan Circle community.

N Street Village – Community Improvement Award
Honoring the staff and volunteers who give their time, support, guidance, and hope to those in need.

Do You Know a CHAMP?

From MPD, we are posting the following:

Earlier this year, Officers Mikal Ba’th and Ronald Burgeson were working the Sixth District Crime Initiative during the first watch, when they responded to a radio run for a loud noise in the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Upon arrival on the scene, the officers observed a male subject standing in a walkway.

He appeared to be taking something from his front left pocket, so the officers began to approach him for questioning. As they drew near, the subject pushed his hand back into his pocket and began to flee, with the officers in pursuit. As the suspect stopped running, he turned toward Officer Burgeson with his arms extended and caused Officer Burgeson to lose control of his motor scooter and fall to the ground.

Officer Burgeson got up quickly, and he and Officer Ba’th placed the suspect under arrest for Assault on a Police Officer. They proceeded to handcuff the suspect, pat him down for weapons, and walk him to the street to wait for a transport vehicle. As they were escorting the suspect to the street, he was able to free one of his hands, push Officer Burgeson aside, and run from the scene.

Officers Burgeson and Ba’th again chased the suspect for approximately two more blocks. After apprehending him the second time, the officers observed the loose handcuff and discovered that it had been unlocked with a key that the suspect had hidden in the rear inseam of his pants. A search incident to the arrest revealed 46 grams of cocaine and $788.

It was later discovered that the suspect was wanted on an outstanding homicide warrant from Prince George’s County. Officers Ba’th and Burgeson were among 12 MPDC members who were recognized as “officers of the month” during this month’s CHAMPS awards lunch. Read about all of their outstanding efforts by clicking here.

FOOTNOTE I: CHAMPS (Capital Hotels Award Metropolitan Police Service) is a monthly awards program hosted by the Hotel Association of Washington, DC. The September awards luncheon was hosted by the Savoy Suites Hotel in Northwest.

FOOTNOTE II: Members of the public are invited to submit commendations for outstanding MPDC officers anytime, using this online form.

Iowa Follow-Up

As promised, we investigated the matter. Here is the official word from Lieutenant Smith:

Detective Jeff Folts went up there. He is the best investigator we have. He reported that the complainant gave several conflicting reports that did not add up. He didn't believe the complainant was telling the truth.

Michael A. Smith
Lieutenant
Police Service Area 307

Dedication from Rachel

Rachel Panay, is the Guest Speaker and Performer for the LCCA's Annual Awards Dinner & Reception. She recently issued the following letter to her fan base:

Dear Friends,

I am honored to support the Logan Circle Community Association in my hometown of Washington, D.C. As many of you know, Logan Circle is a vibrant and energetic neighborhood, just below the U Street corridor, filled with art galleries, exciting nightlife, eclectic homes, and wonderful residents.

In early October, I was asked to perform and act as guest of honor at the LCCA's Annual Awards Reception and Dinner. Every year they honor extraordinary volunteers, businesses, and residents who work to make Logan Circle a better neighborhood. I happily accepted.

Recently, Logan Circle was rocked by a string of robberies. In a time of crisis, the community came together, and rose up against the senseless crimes. The resilience of the citizens is truly inspiring, and because of that, I am dedicating my song "I Still Believe" to the people of Logan Circle, who still believe in their community, and to all of us, who as Washingtonians, love, cherish and believe in our city.

I hope you will join me on November 17 at The Washington Plaza Hotel for this momentous event. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Please forward this email to friends that you think would like to attend.

For more information, please see their website at:http://www.logancircle.org.

Sincerely yours,
Rachel

Update on PSA 307

Our thanks to Sgt. Stuart Emerman for providing the following:

From November 10 through November 13, 2005, the officers in 307, along with officers of the Major Narcotics Branch, Prostitution Enforcement Unit, made several arrests that address the concerns of the residents in the Logan Circle area.

In particular, on 11/10, four (4) females were arrested for prostitution related charges in the area of Vermont and N Street, NW. On 11/12, two (2) females were arrested in Logan Circle, and three (3) were arrested in the area of 13th and L Streets NW. On 11/13, two (2) more were arrested in the area of Vermont and L Streets NW.

Based upon the stats that I am looking at, there was also another female arrested on a failure to appear warrant on 11/11 in the 1100 block of 13th Street NW, but it is unknown if that was a result of a prostitution related stop.

In addition to these arrests, there were several others made during the weekend, but since the majority of "quality of life" calls that we get are related to prostitution, I wanted the neighborhood to know about these. I will post more information as I get it, and will attempt to answer any comments that are directed towards the MPD.

Thanks for your continued support and assistance.

Sgt. Stuart Emerman
PSA 307

Causing the Crime Wave?

As a matter of perspective, we are posting the following:

• On April 5, 2005, Councilmember Fenty praised the Mayor's and City Council's appointment of Vincent Schiraldi as Director of the District's Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. (You can read his comments and praises here).

• Upon taking office, Mr. Schiraldi committed himself to reducing the population at the problem-riddled Oak Hill Youth Center from 257 to 86 youth by September 30, 2005. Schiraldi said that he would use "a little more honey and a little less vinegar." See the Washington Post coverage of Schiraldi here.

• Slowly, but surely, less convicted juveniles were placed into custody of Oak Hill's detention center and more were left to the care of their families. Such was the case of Marcel Merritt.

• On October 15, 2005, Police Chief Ramsey announced at a press conference that robberies were up 43 percent city-wide, and that juveniles might be responsible for the sizable increase. See this article.

Your thoughts? What actions (if any) should we as a community take?

Sunday Night Mugging

From a resident at 10th & O Streets. . . .

My street's abuzz with the news that someone was mugged at 10th and O today around 5PM. I don't have any other details, I'm afraid, but I imagine you may be hearing from someone who does. I hope to read moreabout it on your site. Thanks for the service you are providing.

- Name Witheld

We will investigate and post details as they become available.

UPDATE

We learned from MPD that on Sunday evening, a woman was in her car parked at 9th & O Streets. Two African-American juveniles approached her and attempted to remove her purse from the vehicle.

The woman resisted and was physically assaulted. The bag was taken and later left in a nearby alley.

Reminder: LCCA Awards Dinner & Reception

The Annual Logan Circle Community Association Awards Dinner & Reception is just a week away! Please be sure to join your friends and neighbors as we celebrate the successes of 2005 and elect our leaders for 2006.

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer to help coordinate the event, please contact Chris Kohatsu. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Logan Circle Community Association's
Annual Awards Dinner, Reception, and
Election of 2006 Officers and Board of Directors
"Out of the Ordinary - Life in Logan Circle"
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Washington Plaza Hotel
5 Thomas Circle NW
7 PM

further details posted at: http://www.logancircle.org/

Committee Appointments Needed

Step up to the plate and serve your community! We are posting this as a courtesy to ANC2F Crime and Public Safety Committee Co-Chairs Mike Sheaffer and Jennifer Trock.

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

Volunteers are needed to serve on the ANC2F Crime and Public Safety Committee. We are looking for people that are willing to work on longstanding issues and are committed to improving safety in the community.

Members of the Committee will need:

• Access to e-mail
• Be willing to take a long view on the issues at hand and
• Have some project management skills.

If you are interested in serving please contact your ANC Commissioner (please visit: http://www.anc2f.org/) for more information.

Thanks,
Mike Sheaffer & Jennifer Trock

Drinking in the Circle

From a neighbor on the 1300 Block of P Street. . .

We live on the 1300 Block of P Street, and the drunks in Logan Circle continue to be a large
problem. This block in particular, seems to be on of the main traffic ways for the drunks, resulting in noise, making residents feel unsafe/uncomfortable and an enormous amount of trash, particularly empty liquor bottles and beer cans. Everyday, we leave our place, we have to pick up a whole new set of trash dumped outside of our door step.

Someone also smashed the vent window of my car, parked on Kingman street about a month ago (reported to police). To sum up the whole incident (obviously a non-pro job), there's an excellent possibility it was done by one of the circle's inhabitants.

Certainly not as horrifying as some of the more recent posts, and a common complaints, but needs to be voiced...

Glad I found this excellent blog!

MPD Terminations Up This Year

As reported in today's Washington Post:

The D.C. police department fired 55 officers in the past fiscal year, nearly triple the number recorded two years ago, according to newly released statistics.

More officers were dismissed in fiscal 2005, which ended Sept. 30, than in the previous two years combined. Thirty-two officers were fired in fiscal 2004 and 19 in fiscal 2003. . .

Read the full article here.

Ed Reiskin Supports Logan Circle

We received a report from Ed Reiskin's office, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, on the action items they are currently implementing to build a stronger and safer Logan Circle community. Excerpts from the report are posted below.

Thanks to Deputy Mayor Reiskin and his staff for kicking into high gear for Logan!

Public Safety:

As I'm sure you know, MPD will be hosting an Operation Fight Back on November 16th starting at 10 a.m. I (Bradley Hicks) am planning to participate along with the Deputy Mayor's Chief of Staff. To address the increase in juvenile arrests in the area, the Deputy Mayor has discussed with the Director of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Kimberly Flowers, the need to replace the Roving Leader that was based at the Kennedy Recreation Center and who recently left his position.

I have heard that this individual played a key role in keeping the peace between youth from the neighborhoods of 5th and O and 7th and O. DPR expects the new Roving Leader to be on board this month. In the meantime, Bernard West, Roving Leader for Wards 1 and 2, will be deployed to the area.

Commander McCoy is keenly aware of the prostitution and drug issues in the neighborhood and has the 3D Focused Mission Unit on the drug problem, the PSA and MNB Prostitution Unit concentrating on the prostitution problem (early morning hours in surrounding alleys), and has placed the light tower in the vicinity of 10th and O sporadically to help disrupt the unwanted activities. MPD has also made a number of prostitution arrests in the past two weeks and Lt. Smith is planning a joint effort to shut down a club allegedly engaged in prostitution in the next week or so.

Further, as you probably are also aware, Chief Ramsey has created a Robbery Squad to address the robbery problem along with allowing additional overtime to be used by 3D to deploy additional resources during the hours when these robberies are occurring.

Regarding PSA 307 staffing, MPD provided our office with the following information on PSA staffing availability (Officers, Sergeants, and Lieutenants) as of September 9, 2005. Updated numbers will be provided to the Judiciary Committee at MPD's oversight hearing on November 10, 2005. You may contact Councilmember Phil Mendelson's office should you wish to testify as a public witness at the hearing.

Overall, MPD has 2,122 PSA personnel assigned to the PSAs, surpassing the staffing target of 2,067 personnel. Through the assignment of new recruits to the PSAs and a reduction in the percentage of members unavailable for full duty, MPD has increased the number of members available for full duty in the PSAs by 107 members (6%) over the past six months.

Robbery at The Iowa

From a resident at The Iowa Condominiums. . .

Saturday evening (Nov 5th - apx 7:30pm) a resident of the Iowa (13th and O) was walking her dogs on 13th. Two black men (apx 25-35 years old) forced her to go into the building and then into her town home. At some point in the process they held a gun to her head and at another they threatened to shoot her dogs. They went through her wallet and her jewelry and took whatever they wanted.

On another note - Lt. Smith is on vacation for a week. PSA 307 concerns should be directed to Captain Hill in his absence.

Candida Calls 311

The owner of Candida's World of Books has this to share. . .

I called 311 just 15 minutes ago, because a (clearly not all-right-in -the-head) gentleman was in the bus stop outside my store taking his clothes off (he was down to his jeans, that were sliding off him, and his underwear) and was handling his crotch. I called 311, described the situation and within 3-5 minutes two police cars arrived, the officers had the gentleman get dressed again and basically took care of the situation. I'm grateful to the police for such a quick and efficient response!

- Candida -

Civilian Positions with MPD

Because we all support the work of MPD, consider joining them!

The Metropolitan Police Department employs several hundred civilian employees in a variety of administrative, technical and operational positions. The Department is currently accepting applications for the following:

Crime Analyst
Contract Compliance Monitor
Contract Representative
Crossing Guard
Property Viewing Clerk

To review details for these positions visit:
http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1230,q,538142.asp

Teen Robbery Suspects Arrested!

Seven juveniles were taken into custody last night. No word on if they are linked to Logan Circle.

We will post details as they become available.

The Commander Writes Back

In response to our earlier request for Officer Caron to receive a take-home car, here is what Commander Larry McCoy had to say:

Take home cars - I have 21 cars in the take home program, I believe, more than any other district. There is a process for the one car now open. As you might image, there is intense competition for it and several qualified canidates. (So let's continue our support for her application - please send those letters in - see previous posting!)

More police - There is a graduating class coming out of the academy next Friday. I am hoping to get several new recruits out of that class. If I do, I will be able to assign at least one to PSA 307. (One officer?!? Just one?!?)

Eagan to 307 (Travis Eagan, fellow Logan Circle resident) - We have an open season coming up real soon. This is an opportunity for officers to seek better days off and tours of duty, based on senority. Officers may move between PSA's. We'll have to see how that shakes out.

3D Awards Banquet - Set for 11-10-05, at the Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th St., N.W. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, the 3D CAC is trying to sell tickets, if you can pass the word. The Chairman, Stanley Mayes, can be contacted if anyone wants tickets 202-494-8581. Cmdr.

Attacks at Georgetown U

Six students have been robbed, while two others have been assaulted on the campus. It is unclear if the suspects are responsible for all of the crimes.

See the report here:
http://www.nbc4.com/news/5202281/detail.html

Shooting At Helix

Last night, two guests at the Helix Hotel had an argument - parts of which have been caught on tape.

They moved the argument outside, and a gun was pulled. As the victim ran, at least 17 shots were fired. The victim was shot in the back. Cars parked on Rhode Island were hit, and the Holiday Inn at 15th & Rhode Island also was hit.

The victim was hospitalized. No word yet on the whereabouts of the shooter.

We will post details as they become available.

From a Rhode Island Avenue resident:

Last night at about 1:30 a.m., I was walking my dog and noticed a number of policemen and police cruisers at 15th and Rhode Island. Rhode Island had been closed down. The officer at the intersection told me that somebody had been shot earlier and that "there were shotgun shell cases"all over Rhode Island. A car at 15th and N Street was marked off with police tape and there was one cruiser there. The guy at my front desk told me that one of our residents had heard shots at about 1:00 a.m.

- Name Witheld

Logan Woman Robbed and Assaulted

As a follow-up to our previous posting, please see details on the horrifying incident that happened to a Logan Circle resident, as described by her friend and our fellow neighbor:

She said the attack and robbery took place about 8:30 p.m. outside Marie Reed school.

She was about 20 feet from the school and was approached by an African-American male, who appeared to be about 13 years old, 5'6" or shorter, slim, clear skin and short hair, dark clothes including a long jacket.

He was muttering and his eyes were glassy. He hit her in the face several times. She either fell or was knocked down and kicked and her head was banged against the pavement.

The assailant took her purse and walked away. Another African American male teenager was nearby but she did not know whether he participated.

People inside the school called the police, who responded immediately. On a ride around the area, police were able to retrieve her briefcase from an alley with her license and credit cards intact.

Her cash (about $40) and cell phone were missing. Her mp3 player and Palm Pilot were in hard to enter pockets of her briefcase and also were not taken.

Also, she told me the police told her that another woman was beaten and knocked unconscious at the corner of 14th and Rhode Island NW last night at about 10:30 p.m.

We are investigating this (14 & Rhode Island) and will post details when we receive them.

Robbery and Assault in Adams Morgan

From another Logan Circle resident, speaking on her friend and our neighbor. We will post further details as they become available. . .

Last night one of my friends was beaten and robbed in Adams Morgan while returning from swim practice. While that's out of our immediate neighborhood, I wanted to advise. She lives in Logan Circle.

- Name Witheld

Lights, Camera, Logan!

From a resident on 10th Street. . .

Having been a resident of DC for about 18 years, I feel less safe now than ever.

Our neighbors at 10th and P have talked at various times about installing video cameras, but we all assumed the cost was too high. But based on a quick Google search today, it appears as though many other communities are now using videocameras to reduce crime, and the systems are much more affordable than expected.

In Sacramento, a group of neighbors on a cul de sac paid $2,400 for 4 cameras. The cameras caught a murder suspect. See article here.

In New Orleans, police installed a city wide system using wireless cameras in high crime neighborhoods, and offered to place cameras in additional neighborhoods at the expense of $5K each. The dramatic results of the deployment are detailed here.

If we are paying $500K for condos and thousands of dollars every year in property taxes, wireless video surveilance is a reasonable option to protect our lives, our lifestyles, and our property values.

Wonder if there would be any interest in partnering with MPD or in doing a proof of concept on a block or two in Logan?

- Name Witheld

An Electronic Neighborhood Watch

WUSA News Channel 9 featured this site in yesterday's news hour.

See the report by clicking here.

Police Chief Charles Ramsey didn't enjoy his report card - obviously! In response to his comment, this site is fed by the input of the community. As friends and neighbors, we trust one another. It is much more important that we unite Logan Circle, and emerge as a stronger and more cohesive community, rather than be fractured by the impacts of doubt and negativity.

Our thanks to Frank Mobilio, LCCA President, for his words of encouragement and support, and most of all, to the residents and businesses of the Logan Circle community, who plug in daily to protect our homes and loved ones.

Juveniles Cruising the 'Hood

As details begin to unfold, we are reposting this story. It turns out that two similar incidents occurred and the outcomes varied slightly. Our thanks to MPD for providing the clarifications. . .

On Sunday, Officer Pepperman made a traffic stop on a car displaying stolen tags. There were three passengers in the car - and all attempted to flee. The driver and the front seat passenger got away, but the rear passenger was caught. Upon returning to the car, the officer saw a handgun, ski mask, and glove sitting in the back seat in clear view. The attorney general decided not to charge the juvenile with the gun, however, he has been charged for possession of marijuana.

About a month ago, a similar incident occurred. A resident called police to note a suspicious vehicle behind a school. Officer Ross responded, and followed the vehicle while calling for backup. As soon as the suspicious vehicle pulled over, all passengers (three, again) fled on foot. A foot chase by Ross and his backup ensued. Upon search of the car, three guns were found.

Officer Ross and others on the force completed the necessary paperwork and required administrative duties to hold the juvenile, but the next day, the U.S. Attorney's Office (juvenile division) "no papered" the arrest and released the juvenile. No further explanation was given at the time of this posting.

Officers Pepperman and Ross - we commend you and your fellow officers for responding to these calls and keeping our neighborhood safe. To the resident that called in the vehicles - thank you - you may very well have thwarted something far worse.

Now is not the time to lose faith, now is the time for continued vigilance. Stay alert, and stay involved.

Headlining DC Blogs

DC Blogs - a Forbes Best of the Web - places this website at the top of today's featured blogs. The article states: If every neighborhood had a blog it would be much easier to identify, on a grass roots level, citywide trends and issues. And if these blogs networked, they wouldn’t face this problem.

Check it out for yourself!

Two Arrests Made - One Great Cop

Just before midnight, Lt. Mike Smith was heading home for the evening. He decided to drive down N Street, and in doing so, he decided to watch the activity at the BP gas station (13th & N).

An aggressive pan-handler threatened to harm a pedestrian who refused to give him money. Lt. Smith immediately arrested the pan-handler. After a search, a gun was found.

Across the street, right at the corner of 13th & N Streets, a car was parked illegally. Inside the car, was another man. Lt. Smith approached the illegally parked car, and asked the man for identification. As it turns out, the man has a warrant in his name for a robbery committed recently in our neighborhood.

Both men are now in custody.

Three cheers for Lt. Smith - a real life superhero!

At-Large Councilmember Mendehlson

We received late notice on this, but hope the community will participate. Come for the meeting then make the quick jaunt down 17th Street for the High Heel Race!

Note: We are hearing that the Councilmember is against the anti-prostitution vehicle bill that our neighborhood strongly supports. We urge participants to gather clarification on this.

Councilmember Mendelson would like to invite you to his Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on October 25th. It will be at the Third District Police Headquarters (1620 V Street) at 7:00pm.

The Councilmember would like to discuss issues presently before the Council. He would also like to hear the concerns of Third District residents. We will be joined by members of the US Attorney' s Office.

Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there.

Reporting on the Media

Over the weekend, through various conversations, email, and telephone, it seems that neighbors want to know "Where is the media? Why aren't they reporting this?"

The answer is: the media does want to cover this. They are in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, MPD is slow to release information to verify the stories.

So it's up to us, the community, to talk about and share our experiences. For whatever reason, MPD is reluctant to release information about the robberies terrorizing our neighborhood. So, we have provided this space, along with various listserves to serve as an outpost for our community.

If the old saying: "the more you know" is true, then we must come forward and bravely talk about this situation. With the outpouring of response received by the community, it seems that, indeed, we are willing to go in this direction, for the betterment and safety of us all.

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." - James Madison

Chief Ramsey Speaks

Chief Ramsey appears on “Live at Five” this Wednesday. Chief Ramsey will discuss public safety issues, and take phones calls, from 5-6 pm on Wednesday, October 26, during his monthly interview with Latoya Foster on WOL-AM radio.

Leave a "View on the News" for WOL-AM here.

Logan Circle Report Card

As a way of providing feedback to our city leaders, we've prepared an interactive report card which will grade leaders in the following areas:

1. Community Involvement - Does this person participate in our community forums (ANC, LCCA, etc.)? How well does he/she know our issues?
2. Communications - Does this person maintain an open line of communication with the community? Does he/she respond to our concerns directly and in a timely fashion?
3. Overall Effectiveness - How effectively does this person do his/her job as it relates to Logan Circle?
4. Visibility - How accessible is this person to the Logan Circle Community? How much time does this person spend in Logan Circle?

Each week, we'll select one person or organization who, in some official capacity, has responsibility for an aspect of our community's welfare. We hope to use this information, collected over a period of time, to provide constructive feedback to our community leaders.

This week, we will be grading Police Chief Charles Ramsey. We encourage you to review the report card below, and if you have any specific comments, we welcome them. Also, please see our poll to the right of your screen, and vote on how you would grade the Chief.

Report Card for Chief Ramsey

Report Card for Police Chief Charles Ramsey

Community Involvement - Grade: C

Chief Ramsey receives only an average grade due to his lack of knowledge of the Logan Circle Community and PSA 307. When asked about helping our community during a press conference last week, he answered that there are enough officers on our streets, and that perhaps the officers need to go knocking door to door to let the community know that they are there. A resident then responded: "Chief, we live in high rises and multi-unit buildings!" He had no further comment.

Communications with the Community - Grade: D

Even after our letter writing campaign, our presence at his press conference, and a push from the businesses on 14th Street, we have not received any communications from him regarding safety in Logan Circle. We can only hope that the Deputy Mayor's Office is receiving more luck.

Overall Effectiveness - Grade: C

The Chief has the power to bring more officers to Logan Circle. The presence of the Mounted (horse) Units and the K-9 Units in Logan Circle this weekend was extremely welcome, but disappeared after the weekend. Then, as we all read, a violent robbery ensued Sunday evening. We believe the Chief should work on more permanent placement of officers rather than temporary solutions.

Visibility - Grade: D

The Chief made a presentation recently at The Dupont Circle Citizens Association, and the LCCA has yet to hear back from him with our invitation to our November meeting. We have also extended another invitation to him to be our featured speaker in 2006 when we return from our break in January. Again, no response.

Overall Grade: C-

Chief Ramsey's performance in Logan Circle is average, and improvements must be made.

Alley by Mr. Wash

From our friends at the SoLo Piazza. . .

Last week I saw a black woman and two men (one black and one white) rob what I thought was another drug dealer at 3:30 AM in the alley last week. It was a planned event. They had Nextel phones. They sat idling for about half an hour till they did the deal.

They even had a second car doing watch for them. They blocked the victim's car in, and they took everything out of the trunk (several large suitcases). They took all his money. They threatened him with his life. They shook him down and made him take off his jacket.

They did this like they were pros with out any awkwardness or fear. The woman was an equal if not in charge of the robbery. The victim was also incredibly cool. He acted like this had happened before as well. They parked their car in such a way that they could get out to 12th or 13th and they left all the doors open so they could jump in quickly.

Once the other car that was doing watch came down the alley they jumped in their car and followed it away. We called 311 and gave the license plates of the two cars along with a description of the three robbers.

The black man wore a black bomber jacket with a Dodge Truck logo on it in white and the woman kept calling the man: "Papi" or "Poppy."

Sunday Night Mugging at Vermont & Q

From one of our neighbors:

To all --

I'd like to share a personal experience about the criminal activity in our neighborhood. Last night at 11pm, my wife and I walked our dog around the block just north of Logan Circle, bounded by Vermont, Q St. and 13th St. As we walked from Vermont to 13th on Q, we noticed a couple of young men in different places -- a young black male near the NW corner of 13th and Q was talking on a cell phone and standing away from the corner in a less lighted place, and another black male on the east side of 13th St.

Neither one approached us or did anything that was actually objectionable, but they didn't seem like the ordinary passers-by that we see all the time. We believe the second man could tell that my wife had a cell phone in her hands. The big dog was also obvious. We turned on 13th St. and were walking around to the Vermont side of our building when we heard loud yelling from farther up Vermont. I walked out to the sidewalk and looked down to the corner of Vermont and Q, where I saw a man on the ground yelling and squirming violently.

There was a black male standing over him and pointing a gun at him. We called 911 immediately with our cell phone. Within a couple of seconds, though, the mugger ran away up Vermont St. and the victim got up and ran toward 13th. By now a few of our neighbors were coming out of buildings after hearing the yelling. One neighbor had seen the whole incident from a window, and said the mugger had chased the victim, who was yelling and weaving as he ran, for over a block. The victim appeared to trip at the corner of Vermont and Q, which is where I saw him on the ground.

The MPD arrived very quickly after our 911 call but the perpetrator(s) had already run away. After getting a description from us and others, including the victim, they left to look for the mugger. The victim confirmed the mugger had held a gun on him. Other police cars arrived shortly as well as a plain clothes detective in an unmarked car. The police stopped someone fitting the loose description of one of the perpetrators a few blocks away but neither the victim nor I could positively identify him as the culprit.

Here are some suggestions the police gave us to help them catch perpetrators of these crimes, along with a couple of my own:

1. One of the officers said that, if you see someone standing around or looking suspicious, call the police immediately so that they can send a car to check the person out, even if the person hasn't done anything overtly objectionable.
2. Keep a cell phone in hand and turned on. Call 311 to report suspicious activity, or 911 if an emergency is actually in progress.
3. Get as much of a description of the suspicious person(s) as you can -- age, build, color and style of clothing, etc.
4. Stay on main thoroughfares as much as possible, especially after dark.

Thursday Morning Robbery

On Thursday morning, at 1:20 AM in the 1100 block of 11th Street, another robbery happened. No word yet on if this was connected to Wednesday's robberies.

Two citizens were walking when a man approached from behind and grabbed a purse. The suspect then grabbed the other person's bag and fled Eastbound toward Lamont. A gun was shown.

We will post details as they become available.

Gun Pulled On 3D Officer

Yesterday, an officer performing his foot patrol duties noticed a suspicious person. The suspicious person caught the officer observing him and began to run.

A foot chase immediately ensued.

The suspicious person then ran into an apartment building on Irving Street. The officer followed in pursuit, until he went into the person's unit. There, two other people were present, and guns were pulled.

The officer ducked for cover and the two apartment dwellers fled. The suspicious person was then tackled by the officer and arrested.

Our thanks and gratitude to the members of MPD who risk their lives daily for our safety. Thanks to this officer, there is one less gun on the street.

Pimp Busters!

From our neighbors at the Iowa Condominiums. . .

This morning, around 7am (Friday) D.C.'s finest (MPD) busted a pimp (ID'd by neighbors).

Light skinned black male with long hair in a pony tail. He is driving a late model white Hummer with New Jersey tags, 2BAH.

Now here's your job, if you see this vehicle in the neighborhood call 911.

YES, 911 - per the officer -in charge instructions, say second sighting, to tell dispatch he's back.

The cops will jump on it.

Support Officer Caron

If you would like to help MPD increase their visibility, then please join LCCA and our campaign to support Officer Caron's application for a take-home car.

Officer Caron is a superb member of the force, as well as a Logan Circle resident. Both the LCCA and the ANC have supported her application, with a letter to Commander McCoy that reads:

Commander Larry McCoy
Metropolitan Police Department
Third District Headquarters
1620 V Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

Dear Commander McCoy:

In PSA 307, the superb dedication, commitment, and service of Officer Caron are truly appreciated. We are extremely grateful that she is as dedicated to her work as she is to the community.

We understand that she has applied for a take-home car from the force, and we are writing to support her application.

A stronger visual presence of MPD has been requested throughout Logan Circle, and we believe that having an official police vehicle regularly parked in the neighborhood will help deter crime, increase police visibility, and assist Officer Caron in her duties.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing Officer Caron’s patrol car in our neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Please feel free to copy and mail to Commander McCoy at the address listed above. Thank you!

Do the Right Thing - Call 911

From Sgt. Stuart Emerman, MPD, in response to our friends at the Downtown I & II Condominiums. . .

Thanks for the info. The citizen did right to call 911.

----------------------------------------------------

On Thursday, October 13, around 8:30 pm I walked outside of 12** N Street to encounter 4 individuals on the front steps and an exchange of money and a "substance." Obviously, a drug deal on the front steps.

As I walked out, eye contact was made and one of the individuals lifted his shirt and exposed what looked a lot like the handle of a gun. I called 911.

Three African American males, mid twenties, two average build, one larger, over 200 lbs. The purchaser was male, African American, looked in his 40s, 180-200 lbs.

On Monday, October 17, around 6 pm I came home to find one of the same individuals from Monday evening sitting on the steps. I made eye contact and asked him to move along since he does not live at 12** N Street.

His response was belligerent and threatening. I called 311 on that occasion. Male, African American, mid twenties, average build.

I hope this is not a coincidence. Be careful!

- Name Witheld

Update from Deputy Mayor Reiskin

From Bradley Hicks, Special Assistant to Ed Reiskin, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice:

Since our meeting, the Deputy Mayor has had a conversation with Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs, regarding the various day laborer issues. Tara Jones, Director of Neighborhood Services, is also helping us explore both short- and long-term solutions.

In addition, Ed touched base with Commander McCoy about all of the issues you raised, from PSA staffing, to take-home cars, and the prostitution problem (and current assault and robbery issues).

I know you mentioned that you would like to have Ed attend the next meeting of the Logan Circle Community Association. Cheryl Williams can assist you with his schedule.

Again, thanks for the background information and I look forward to working with your group to make Logan Circle safer. Please also note that our office's website will soon be going live. That may be another resource for you to learn about the Deputy Mayor's role and activities. We will also post his testimonies before Congress and the Council, many of which are on issues directly related to your group's concerns such as community policing.

Break-In at Luther Place and Heroic Efforts

Between 10:30-11:00 PM on Wednesday night, two suspects broke into an SUV parked on 14th Street in front of Luther Place Memorial. The suspects stole items out of the car, then ran through the Luther Place Memorial Church grounds in an attempt to flee.

Two homeless men, tackled the suspect to the ground.

A pedestrian, saw the fighting and immediately called 911.

Officer Michael Ursiny who was just blocks away, immediately responded. One suspect fled, the other was immediately arrested.

Thank goodness for the two homeless men, who provided eyewitness testimony which led to the arrest of the first suspect, and also to the pedestrian, who did the right thing by calling police.

The first is a registered person at the Franklin Shelter downtown. The second, is registered at the shelter on New York Avenue in Northeast.

Authorities have charged the one suspect, and are working to find the other. Officer Ursiny will send details as they become available. Meanwhile, our wonderful Lt. Smith, was performing his Lt. duties, while also acting as Captain of our PSA, and serving as Watch Commander.

Lt. Smith, and Officer Ursiny, should be commended for their service to the community!

Deputy Mayor Reiskin and Logan Circle

Thank you for your outpouring of response in the past week to further LCCA's efforts for public safety in our neighborhood. Today, Jennifer Trock and Chris Kohatsu took your concerns to Ed Reiskin, the city's Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice. He and his staff have been following the issues surrounding Logan Circle, and they are committed to assisting us and protecting our homes.

If you are a robbery victim, or if you see someone being robbed, there are three key steps we must now take, considering the climate:

1. Immediately dial 911. Make as detailed a description of the perpetrators and leave all your contact information.
2. Call Lt. Mike Smith directly at: 202-365-6454.
3. Send an email to the Deputy Mayor's Special Assistant, Bradley Hicks at: bradley.hicks@dc.gov

Yesterday's crime spree at 14th and Church, 12th and N, and 13th and S were extremely alarming and we have received word from Commander McCoy that officers and detectives are on the case. Details from the 14th and Church street mugging will be released as soon as we receive them.

Deputy Mayor Reiskin will be issuing a followup to our discussion which will be distributed shortly.

Please remain involved, alert, and stay informed. Most of all, please look out for your family, friends, and fellow neighbors.