Watch Out at Shaw Metro

We received this from one of our neighbors and wanted to pass it along. Please be careful, especially during the busy holiday season.

I was jumped and punched by a group of kids last night about 6:30 pm on 9th Street near the 8th and R exit of the Shaw Metro, so be careful out if you're around there. The Metro police caught 3 of the 6 to 8 kids, and they didn't steal anything (though they tried to get my jacket) so that's good, but still it's worrisome.

A lady nearby saw them run into the Metro station (thank you very much too, whoever you were) and then the Metro police trailed them andcaught them at
the Fort Totten Metro.

The Metro Police were fantastic, they got to the Shaw Metro in about 5 minutes and caught the kids, while the DC police took about an hourand a half to
show up.

Logan Circle House Tour This Weekend

28th ANNUAL LOGAN CIRCLE HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
SHOWCASES A VICTORIAN PAST AND CONTEMPORARY FUTURE
HOUSES LOFTS ART

The 28th Annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour will be held on Sunday, December 3rd, 2006 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 mix of historical tradition and a modern style of living.

The tour is expected to draw over 1,200 visitors from the Washington, DC metro area. Tickets will be sold for $15 in advance at the Logan Circle Community Association Web site (www.logancircle.org) or at the following locations: Logan Hardware, 1416 P Street; Vastu, 1829 14th Street; Home Rule, 1807 14th Street; Barrel House Liquor, 1341 14th Street; Lambda Rising, 1625 Connecticut Avenue; Dragonfly Design Décor, 1457 Church Street. Tickets can also be purchased for $20 the day of the event at 1324 Vermont Avenue, NW.

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

“As you visit Logan's stately Victorians, first built in the 1870s, you will also be captivated by the contemporary lofts on the tour this year,” says Linda Sheaffer, who is chairing the tour.

The grand-dame on the tour this year is 11 Logan Circle (the United House of Prayer Museum), a three-and-a-half story Romanesque Revival building represents a rich eclecticism. The restoration of this landmark "parsonage" has recently been completed. The exterior has been restored to 1889 condition, and the interior furnished to represent its condition during the period of occupancy by Bishop Grace.

Three distinctive apartments at Lofts 14, 1401 Church Street, are included on the tour this year. John Taylor’s custom-designed loft features wall-to-wall glass, 14-foot ceilings, and six sets of double doors leading out to a 1300-square-foot terrace (complete with a water feature) which makes the already generous space feel even larger. Both the living and dining rooms feature antique art, some of which has been collected by the owner on his international travels. There is a magnificent 17th century Flemish tapestry and also 18th and 19th century oil paintings throughout the house. The chandelier over the table is another of the owner’s antique treasures.

Logan Circle’s 50 square blocks are rich in history, architecture and a vibrant mixture of residents, galleries and businesses. This community takes pride in its diversity and activism, which combine to reflect the best of city living.

The Logan Circle Community Association, established in 1972, has achieved a remarkable record of steadily improving the environment and the quality of life in the Logan Circle area. Proceeds from this year’s Logan Circle House Tour will be used for beautification projects throughout the neighborhood.

For more information, contact: logancirclenews@gmail.com.

LCCA House Tour - Volunteers Needed

Please consider volunteering for this year's LCCA House Tour - it's always a fun time and a great way to explore the neighborhood and get to know your community. We start with a volunteer breakfast, then a private pre-tour of the homes, followed by a day of volunteering, and a fabulous after-party. . .Below is the message from Tim Christenten, our volunteer coordinator, with more details. You can reach him at: christensent@nasfaa.org.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Plans are nearly finalized for the 28th annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. Tickets and posters have been printed, the program is about to go to the printer, and we have nine lovely homes scheduled for the tour.

I am writing today because we still need more volunteers. At the moment we have 34; I need at least twice that number to properly staff the homes and the Wassail reception. If each of you could recruit one additional person we would meet our goal. That person could be a spouse/partner/SO, a friend, a relative, a colleague, or a
neighbor.

Please consider this an urgent request and respond as soon as you possibly can with a name and e-mail address. I will be making home assignments early next week.

Thanks in advance for your support,

Tim Christensen
Volunteer Coordinator
2006 LCCA
House Tour

Mugging - 1200 Block of N NW

We wanted to pass this along from Bob Ellison, ANC Commissioner for 2F04.

* * *

Neighbors -

Last night (Tuesday, November 14) one of the residents at 1205 N Street was mugged at gun point. As I understand our neighbor was not harmed and the police caught one of the muggers, but not the one with the gun. The muggers were sitting on the steps outside the front door to 1205 N Street and held up the man as he went to enter the building. This is a reminder to be vigilant.

* * *

Please immediately contact 911 if you notice suspicious activity. After you call 911, please contact Lt. Smith. If you need his email or cell number, please contact us at anc2fccps@gmail.com or logancirclenews@gmail.com.

LCCA Annual Awards Dinner

As a reminder, LCCA's Annual Awards Dinner will be held this Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 7:00 at the Washington Plaza Hotel. Please join us for an evening of food, music, and fun as we celebrate another year and honor those who have made our community stronger. As in past years, we'll have a cash bar and some light appetizers. Please bring a dish to share. If you have any questions, please contact us at logancirclenews@gmail.com.

Also, we are still recruiting volunteers for our annual house tour on December 3, 2006. If you're interested, please contact Tim Christensen at christensent@nasfaa.org.

Volunteers Needed for LCCA’s Annual Holiday House Tour

LCCA is seeking volunteers to serve as hosts for this year’s Holiday House Tour on Sunday, December 3. We need 50+ volunteers to staff the homes on the tour and the Wassail that concludes the tour at Studio Theatre.

In-home hosts provide a presence for security and traffic control, and are provided with information about highlights of their assigned home to help respond to questions. Wassail volunteers set up refreshments, refresh them as necessary, and help guide traffic from the sidewalk to the appropriate entrance and reception area.

This is a full, fun day. While the tour itself is held from 1 to 5 p.m., the day begins in the morning with breakfast and a “pre-tour” so all volunteers have the opportunity to see the homes. The reward comes after the tour concludes at 5, with details to come later. Trust us, the day will end on a satisfying note.


This is LCCA’s only annual fundraiser and we need you to help make it a success. Please note that all volunteers must purchase a ticket, and we make a nominal charge for the breakfast.

If you’re interested in volunteering for this year’s House Tour, please contact Tim Christensen, volunteer coordinator, at christensent@nasfaa.org.

Thomas Circle Celebration! October 24th.

We've all waited patiently, and now it's time to celebrate the dedication of Thomas Circle. DDOT has a press release on it here, or you can check out the information below, provided by MidCity Business Association.

As many of you know there will be dedication events for Thomas Circle, on Tuesday, October 24th at 1:30pm. This event is to celebrate the completion of the streetscape, pedestrian access, road restoration and reopening of the circle to traffic. This project has won one of the annual Mayor's Awards for Excellence.

We are pleased to have as guest speakers Councilmember Carol Schwartz and Councilmember Jack Evans as well as DDOT Director Michelle Pourciau and Associate Regional Director for the National Park Service John Parsons and Midtown Association Executive Director Scott Pomeroy The event will take place on the stairs located in front of the National City Christian Church at 5 Thomas Circle, NW. We are also pleased to have the Senior Pastor, Dr. Stephen Gentle available to say a brief blessing.

Event: Celebration of the completion of the streetscape work and reopening of Thomas Circle
When: Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Where: National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW (on the front steps)

Time: 1:30 pmPlease join us after the celebration at 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW to learn about the emerging Midtown neighborhood south of Thomas Circle where you will hear about the efforts of the Midtown Association, the development of 1110 Vermont Avenue and the exciting new restaurants that will be opening there, and the fabulous new public art and streetscape design and other amenities that will be featured in Midtown. We look forward to seeing you then!

October 11 Public Safety Forum

The Logan Circle Community Association and ANC2F's Committee on Cirme and Public Safety are pleased to co-sponser a public safety forum on October 11:

"WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY"

WHERE: Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle, NW

WHEN: October 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm
WHAT: Hear from the following agencies how we can work together to make Logan Circle an even better place to live and work.

Councilmember Jack Evans' Office
3rd District Prosecutors Office
Metropolitan Police Department
MidCity Business Association
Office of Neighborhood Services
Office of the Clean City
ANC2F Committee on Crime and Public Safety (CCPS)
DCRA
Emergency Management Agency

WHY: A strong partnership between our government and its citizens produces results. Learn how to develop a strong community that is able to produce cooperation with our local government and learn what we can do to create a safer environment. A few voices won't do it. We must work together if we are going to get results. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS FOR THIS IMPORTANT EVENT. SEE YOU THERE!
Contact anc2fccps@gmail.com or logancirclenews@gmail.com with any questions.

September Membership Meeting

Join us for the
Logan Circle Community Association Membership Meeting
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
7:00 PM
Studio Theatre
1501 14 th Street, NW

Tour the newly renovated
Studio Theatre

Hear about upcoming LCCA
events

Taste wines and
Pisco (a Peruvian liquor)

Participate in a drawing for prizes donated
by local merchants

LOGAN CIRCLE ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR

There's still time to get involved with this year's House Tour Committee. Get involved, meet your neighbors and have fun!

We still need volunteers, committee members, and homes for the tour.

The next planning meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30th at 7:00 pm at the home of:

Walter Ochinko and Tim Christensen
1320 13th Street, Apt. 13

We will be discussing the selection of the homes and committee assignments for the tour this year!!

Come be a part of Logan Circle history and tradition.

Please contact Heather Vargas at 571.215.2339 or heathervargas@10forward.com for more information or to RSVP for this month's meeting.

Voter Registration Deadline

From our friends at the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics:


The voter registration deadline for the September 12 Primary Election is Monday, August 14. Citizens who are District of Columbia residents can register to vote at the Board’s office, by a mail-in voter registration application, online at the Board’s web site, or when applying for or renewing their driver’s licenses at the District of Columbia Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The Board’s office will be open during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. on August 14 for citizens to complete a voter registration application in Room 250 North of the One Judiciary Square building located at 441 4th Street, NW. The building is accessible and conveniently situated along Metro’s Red Line at the Judiciary Square stop.

Citizens may register by mail. Mail-in voter applications are available at any District of Columbia public library, firehouse, or police station. Mail-in voter applications must be postmarked no later than August 14 to be valid for next month’s Primary Election. The application is also available online at the Board’s web site at http://www.dcboee.org.

Forms completed online are considered pending until the Board of Elections and Ethics has received the printed application signed by the voters. The forms must also be postmarked no later than August 14.

Through the Motor Voter Program, a citizen may register to vote when applying for or renewing his or her driver’s license at the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. Registrants can easily complete a voter registration form when applying for a driver’s license. For more information about the upcoming election, the public may visit the Board’s web site at http://www.dcboee.org or call 727-2525 (TDD: 639-8916).

Reminder - National Night Out`

As a reminder, PSA 307 will be hosting our National Night Out tomorrow evening begining at 5 p.m. with a neighborhood survey led by Lt. Smith and PSA 307 officers. We'll also have a cookout, complete with steak donated by Lt. Smith. So, come on out, meet your neighbors, fight back against crimie, and enjoy a free dinner. Questions - contact Lt. Smith.

Armed Robbery at 14th and Rhode Island

NBC4 is reporting three robberies that occurred on Thursday morning - one at 14th and Rhode Island, one near 18th and Q, and one near 19th and Dupont Circle. Police are looking for two armed suspects they beleive to be responsible, and are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions in these cases. From the report,

Police said the men were seen in a red 1996 Toyota Paseo with Virginia license plates KAM1176 that was stolen from Herndon, Va., on July 22.

MPD's Press Release on the incidents, and more information can be found here.

LCCA July-August Newsletter

Dear Neighbors and Friends: LCCA's July/August Newsletter is now available by clicking here. This month, we have a few changes and events to tell you about.

1. If you have not renewed your membership for 2006, please visit http://www.logancircle.org/ or fill out the form attached to the newsletter. We will also be holding a membership drive during the MidCity Dog Days of Summer Sale, and plan to have a table out on 14th Street between Rhode Island and P. The raffle will be open to current and new members. Please stop by for your chance to enter a raffle to win fun prizes from local vendors. We will be holding the raffle at the September membership meeting.

2. With last month's rains, our annual picnic was canceled. We will be holding our vote on the bylaw amendments at our next membership meeting in September. Please stay tuned for details.

3. Please consider coming out for two important public safety events. August 1, 2006 is National Night Out. This year MPD will be holding NNO in the 1300 block of Naylor Court. The festivities, including a cook-out, begin at 6, but please consider coming at 5 p.m. to join Lt. Smith on a survey of the surrounding area. The ANC's Crime and Public Safety Committee will also be hosting a walk-through of SMDs 02, 04, and 05 on August 19. Information on both is available on our blog, http://www.loganupdates.blogspot.com/. Please send an email to anc2fccps@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

4. If you are interested in getting on our list for our upcoming LCCA Website Redesign RFP, please contact Sam Robfogel.

5. Last but not least, the next House Tour Committee Meeting will be held on August 16, 2006, 7:00 PM at the home of Walter Ochinko and Tim Christensen. Please contact Heather Vargas at 571.215.2339 or heathervargas@10forward.com for more information or to RSVP for this month's meeting.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Take a Bite Out of Crime

Fight back against crime in Logan Circle by joining us for two upcoming walk-throughs of our neighborhood. Officers from MPD will be joining us, and we will be following-up with appropriate District offices and officials to ensure our concerns are addressed.

Date: August 1, 2006
Location: 1300 Block of Naylor Court NW
Time: 5 p.m.

Join MPD, District offices, and community leaders for National Night Out on August 1,2006. This year, PSA 307 will host the event on the 1300 block of Naylor Court NW. In light of the District's Crime Emergency, and led by Lt. Smith, we'll meet at 5 p.m. for a walk-through of surrounding blocks to identify areas of concern, followed by a cook-out and celebration to demonstrate our community's stance against crime and commitment to public safety. For more information, contact Lt. Smith or LCCA.

Date: August 19, 2006
Time: 10 a.m. - noon
Location: TBD (SMDs 02, 04, and o6)

The ANC2F Committee on Crime and Public Safety (CCPS) is pleased to announce that it will conduct a survey of Single Member Districts 02, 04, and 05 (click here for a map of SMDs in ANC2F) to identify public-safety infrastructure-related concerns, including graffiti, downed/missing signage, missing street light plates, abandoned vehicles, broken windows, overflowing trash - basically anything that makes our neighborhood more attractive to criminals. We intend to pass along the results of our survey to city officials for appropriate follow-up. To see the results of our first survey visit our website.

We are looking for at least 10 volunteers to join us on Saturday, August 19th at 10:00 at a place to be determined. We expect the survey to last approximately 2 hours (just in time for a late brunch/lunch). We hope to have enough volunteers to divide up into teams to survey the neighborhood. Digital cameras are welcome. If you are interested please contact the Crime Committee.

Stay safe!

Summertime Crime

We are officially into the second week of the District's Crime Emergency, and so it is once again time to remind everyone to be on high alert and take action to make Logan a less attractive place for criminals.

Last night, Lt. Smith and Sgt. Emerman hosted meeting to discuss the crime emergency, alert us to things we can be doing, and ask for our assistance in identifying areas of concern. Several key areas were identified:

One of the most important things we can do is make our neighborhood less attractive to criminals. This means that hedges should be trimmed, street lights should be working, and graffiti should be eliminated. Sgt. Emerman emphasized the importance of neighborhood walk-throughs to identify issues, as well as follow-up with District departmentsand property owners. Or call 727-1000 or go to www.src.dc.gov to report infrastructure issues. More information about how to follow-up and report infrastructure issues is available on ANC2F's CCPS website.

As some of you know, the Crime and Public Safety Committee organized a walk-through of SMD 2F06 in May, and has another planned on August 19. We encourage all of you to participate, but as was noted last night, the crime emergency is NOW, so please consider organizing a group of your friends and neighbors on your block and identify key issues. Sgt. Emerman also indicated that he or one of his officers would be available to go on walk-throughs with us. If you're interested in organizing a more formal walk-through, please contact me or Mike Sheaffer.

Lt. Smith and Sgt. Emerman also identified some problem areas in our PSA, that require us to be extra vigilant, and to report overgrown bushes, trash, etc. at or near these sites.

These include:
1316 12th Street NW
1432 9th Street NW
10th/L NW (Quincy Park)
1538 9th Street
1400 Block of Mass Ave NW (near the hotels)
14th Street Corridor

As always, report any suspicious behavior by calling 3-1-1 or 9-1-1. Be persistent, and do not hesitate to call again if the issue recurs or is not resolved satisfactorily the first time. MPD allocates resources and officers based, in part, on the number of calls received, so call and call again (if needed) when you see something that isn't right.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates as we receive them, and please let us know what crime and public safety concerns you have.

Stay Safe!

Logan Circle House Tour: Next Meeting

LOGAN CIRCLE ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR

There's still time to get involved with this year's House Tour Committee. Get involved, meet your neighbors and have fun!

We still need volunteers, committee members, and homes for the tour.

The next planning meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19 at 7:00 pm at the home of:

Linda Sheaffer
1229 12^th Street, NW #206
202-682-2142

We will be discussing the selection of the homes and committee assignments for the tour this year!!

Come be a part of Logan Circle history and tradition.

Please contact Heather Vargas at 571.215.2339 or heathervargas@10forward.com for more information or to RSVP for this month's meeting.

Fraud Awareness Week

From the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking:

This week the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) joins a nation-wide effort to fight fraud by launching the Fraud Awareness Week campaign. Some of the highlights of this week's activities include:

Commissioner Hampton's appearances on News 8's "NewsTalk" program last Friday at 4:00 pm and on Spanish TV Telemundo 64 tomorrow evening at 6:00 pm.

The Office of Communication will be sending out consumer tips in the form of daily newsletters from Monday through Friday, in the following order:

• Monday--Mayor's proclamation and DISB's Enforcement and Investigation Bureau's (EIB) brochure on how to recognize fraud
• Tuesday-Newsletter on identity theft
• Wednesday-Newsletter on banking fraud
• Thursday-Newsletter on insurance fraud
• Friday-Newsletter on securities fraud

On Friday, July 14, DISB will have a table at the Sidewalk Information Fair by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to distribute information and answer questions about fraud awareness.

EIB staff is standing by to answer any questions on the subject. The general information line is 202-727-8000 and EIB's line is 202-727-1563.

Rain Rain Go Away. . .

Just wanted to let you know that the District has activated its Emergency Operations Center in response to the recent weather. The District recommends that residents have emergency supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries tuned to a local station
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and bottled water
• A non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Residents should telephone the Mayor's Call Center at 202-727-1000 to report fallen trees, non-working traffic lights or other weather-related matters.

LCCA Community Picnic CANCELLED

The picnic scheduled for today at 4pm in Logan Circle Park has been cancelled. Stay tuned for more information on rescheduling the picnic.

Sorry for an inconvenience.

Summer in the Park - Reminder

Summer in the Park - Reminder

June 24th Annual Stoop Sale
9 a.m. - noon
1300 Block of Vermont Ave, NW

Join your neighbors in our annual stoop sale. We request a $15 donation for use of a table, and encourage you to drop of donations at 1344 Vermont Ave NW at 8 a.m. the day of the sale. We are also exploring a swap-o-rama, with extra clothing and donations to be provided to local community organizations. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

June 25th Annual Picnic and June Membership Meeting
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Logan Circle Park

Join us for our annual picnic in Logan Circle Park. Bring your family and friends. Bring a chair and blanket. It is a potluck event and don't forget to bring a covered dish. Any questions, please contact Chasta Piatakovas at nckaos@aol.com or 202-320-1205

For updates if the weather is rainy or stormy, check back to the blog!

Safe & Secure Community Shred Events

NBC4, Mercantile Potomac Bank and Shred-It are teaming up for a series of
Safe & Secure Community Shred events. Bring up to five boxes of your
personal papers to a specified location and we'll shred them for FREE! No
business or commercial material will be accepted!

The next shredding event will be held June 24, 2006, in two locations.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2006

Hours: 8 a.m. to Noon

Locations:
Mercantile Potomac Bank
702 Russell Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Click Here For Map Mercantile Potomac Bank

8229 Boone Boulevard
Vienna, VA 22182
Click Here For Map

We will accept:
# All types of paper. (Staples and papers clips are OK)

# Empty binders.

# Unwanted/expired credit cards.

# Computer disks*

*Disks may be shredded offsite.

Council Hearing on Liquor License Legislation

We'd like to pass along the following announcement from Alex Padro, SMD Commissioner for ANC 2C01. You can reach Alex at 202-518-3794 or at padroANC2c@aol.com.

As you know, two restaurants in our neighborhood, Vegetate and Queen of Sheba, have been unable to obtain liquor licenses because they are within 400 feet of a corner of the playing field behind Seaton Elementary School, and there are no restaurants or taverns already in place within that boundary, just liquor stores. Under the current law, more liquor stores are allowed to open near the school, but not sit down restaurants that serve alcohol. The only way to ensure that new restaurants throughout the city can open in commercial areas that are near schools, like the 1400 though 1600 blocks of 9th Street, NW, and serve beer, wine, and liquor, is to change the law.

Toward that end, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans has introduced legislation that would grant the ABC Board the authority to issue a license to restauants or taverns within 400 feet of a school, even if there are no grandfathering restaurants or taverns in place. New establishments would have to apply and meet all the requirements, as well as address any copmmunity concerns. The text of the legislation can be found at:
http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20060405134217.pdf. This bill is simply intended to ensure that restaurants and taverns can apply and be issued licenses on commercial streets that are being revitalized and are near schools, and that as charter schools move into commercial districts, that there are no prohibitions against granting liquor licenses to restaurants and taverns near them.

A public hearing on this legislation, Bill 16-0696, will be held on Friday, June 23, 2006, at 10:00 AM in Room 412 in the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, chair of the Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Committee, will hear testimony regarding this bill. If you support having restaurants and taverns on commercial streets that are near schools, like Vegetate and Queen of Sheba, I ask that you consider attending the hearing and also testifying. The more people who demonstrate their support for this bill by coming to the hearing, the better. Please wear a white shirt or blouse, so that the Council members know that you are there to support restaurants. White ribbons will also be available for anyone who isn't wearing white.

If you are so inclined, you may testify as well. If you plan to testify, you should call John Adams at 202-724-8198 or email jadams@dccouncil.us. You will have three minutes to speak at the hearing. If you can’t attend the hearing, you can submit written testimony to the Council members on the Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Committee, as well as Committee staff member John Adams.

For information on who to contact on the Council or for a sample letter, please contact Alex directly.

LOGAN CIRCLE ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR

Logan Circle Community Association needs you. Get involved, meet your neighbors and have fun.

We need volunteers, committee members, and houses.

The next planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 at 7:00 pm at the home of:
Richard Margolis

We will be discussing the selection of the homes for the tour this year!!

Come be a part of Logan Circle history and tradition.

Please contact Heather Vargas at 571.215.2339 or heathervargas@10forward.com for more information or to RSVP for this month's meeting.

DDOT Update on Thomas Circle

From today's DDOT Press Release -

WORK ON THOMAS CIRCLE IN NORTHWEST ENTERS FINAL
PHASE

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) this week will begin work on a portion of the final paving for the rehabilitation of Thomas Circle in Northwest.

The paving will include roads off the circle including Highland Terrace, M Street, and Massachusetts Avenue on the west side of Thomas Circle, as well as Vermont Avenue and M Street on the east side of Thomas Circle. Parking restrictions and brief street closures will occur while this work takes place.

The work will take place during the daytime hours from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Wednesday June 7 and Thursday June 8, 2006. The paving is weather permitting. The completion of the Thomas Circle rehabilitation project is scheduled for July 2006.

Work on Thomas Circle is a joint effort by DDOT, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The final design includes directing all vehicular traffic to the perimeter of the circle, thereby eliminating cut-through lanes. The consolidation allows for a larger and more functional landscaped area.

Continuing with DDOT's desire to incorporate multi-modal transportation with smart growth features in future transportation designs, the new configuration of Thomas Circle will include bicycle lanes and for the first time, pedestrian access to the center of the circle and to the statue of Civil War General George Thomas.

###

Memorial Service for Jim Brandon

For those of you who have not heard the sad news, Jim Brandon (ANC 2F02) recently passed away due to complications associated with a stroke. The memorial service, to honor Jim, will be held on Saturday, June 3, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 18th and Church Streets, NW at 11:00 a.m. Addtional information is available in Councilmember Evans' Newsletter, available here.

Cherry Tree Planting - Again

What: Cherry Tree Planting
Where: Scott Mongomery Elementary School (421 P Street NW)
When: June 4, 2006 - noon

For those of you who didn't have a chance to help us plant trees in April, here's your chance to re-live the fun! DC Greenworks received a bad batch of trees this year, which means we need to replant 2 of our trees at Scott Montgomery School (421 P Street). The good news, is that it should be easier than last time, since the dirt should still be soft.

Water, tools, dirt, treees, and fun provided.

Memorial Day in Logan Circle

Ceremonies and celebrations in commemoration of Memorial Day were held in Logan Circle Park yesterday. Organized by the National Park Service, with support from a throughout the community (including the LCCA), the program brought together a wide variety of people from all over the nation to remember those who have died in service to our nation. Highlights included music courtesy of the high school band from General Logan's hometown of Murphysboro, Illinois, a stunning rendition of "God Bless America" performed by Mrs. Virginia Hayes Williams (mother of Mayor Williams), and a solemn ceremony presenting a wreath at the base of the memorial to General Logan.

All in all, it was a beautiful day in the circle, and a fitting capstone on the day. Thanks to everybody who helped out or attended!

Summer in the Park - Mark Your Calendars

LCCA is in the process of planning some events in Logan Circle Park for the summer. Join us June 24th and June 25th for our annual stoop sale and picnic. Details below!

Also, we are working on a summer music series in Logan Circle Park, which we are tentatively planning for a few Thursday evenings in July in August. If you know anyone who may be interested in performing, please contact us.

June 24th Annual Stoop Sale
9 a.m. - noon
1300 Block of Vermont Ave, NW

Join your neighbors in our annual stoop sale. We request a $15 donation for use of a table, and encourage you to drop of donations at 1344 Vermont Ave NW at 8 a.m. the day of the sale. We are also exploring a swap-o-rama, with extra clothing and donations to be provided to local community organizations. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

June 25th Annual Picnic and June Membership Meeting
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Logan Circle Park

Join us for our annual picnic in Logan Circle Park. Bring your family and friends. Bring a chair and blanket. It is a potluck event and don't forget to bring a covered dish. Any questions, please contact Chasta Piatakovas at nckaos@aol.com or 202-320-1205.

Upcoming Events

Artist Open Studio Tours

When: May 20-21
Where: Art studios around Logan Circle/Dupont Circle

What: The Mid-City Artists Open Studios will be held on the weekend of May 20 and 21. Many artist studios within walking distance of the Dupont/Logan Circles will be open for visitors with over 30 artists exhibiting. This is a unique opportunity to see some of DC's most exciting artists in their "home environments." Check out the burgeoning local art scene that is finding its focus in the dynamic Mid City neighborhoods, and visit some of the supporting Galleries and art related businesses that have recently opened following the artists into this upscale urban environment. For more information, including a map and list of artist pages, click here.

Book Reading and Signing with Author James Carroll

When: Tuesday, May 23 (6:30 p.m. - Reception & Cash bar; 7:00 p.m. Program)
Where: Women's National Democratic Club, New Hampshire and Q NW.

What: Ward 2 Democrats is sponsoring Forum 2020, a non-partisan series designed to provide a forum for discussing important current events. Meet Author James Caroll, author of House of War for a book signing, reading and discussion. James Carroll is the author of the New York Times bestseller Constantine's Sword. He won the 1996 National Book Award for his memoir An American Requiem. His ten novels include the best sellers Prince of Peace and Mortal Friends.

*LCCA is providing this information as a community service to keep you informed of events of interest within our community. LCCA is not affiliated with, nor does it promote or endorse any political party or candidate.

LCCA May Newsletter

Dear LCCA Members and Friends:

Our May newsletter is available for viewing at: http://www.logancircle.org/news/May2006.pdf. For those of you around on Memorial Day Weekend, we'd like to invite you to join LCCA, the National Park Service, and the Illinois State Society of Washington as we celebrate Memorial Day in Logan Circle Park.

We're also looking for volunteers to help out with the celebration. A volunteer coordinating meeting will be held by NPS on May 22. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at logancirclenews@gmail.com.

Happy Memorial Day!
-Jennifer Trock

Logan Circle House Tour Committee

The Annual Logan Circle House Tour is scheduled for Sunday, December 3, 2006.

Logan Circle Community Association needs you. Get involved, meet your neighbors and have fun.

We need volunteers, committee members, and houses.

The next planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:00 pm at the home of:
Tim Christensen & Walter Ochinko
1320 13th Street, N.W. Apt. 13

We will be discussing the selection of the homes for the tour this year!!

Come be a part of Logan Circle history and tradition.

Please contact Heather Vargas at 571.215.2339 or heathervargas@10forward.com for more information or to RSVP for this month's meeting.

Celebrate Memorial Day in Logan Circle Park

LCCA is a proud sponsor of the National Park Service's Memorial Day Celebration in the Park. Below is the National Park Service's Press Release:

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HONORS MEMORIAL DAY
FOUNDER WITH WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY

Washington, D.C.—The National Park Service, the Illinois State Society of Washington, DC and the Logan Circle Community Association will hold a wreath-laying ceremony Monday, May 29, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.

May 5th, 1868 marks the date when Congressman John A. Logan, serving as the Commander and Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal veteran’s organization, issued General Order No. 11 establishing May 30th as Memorial Day to honor fallen American war heroes.

The Murphysboro High School Band, of Murphysboro, IL., the birth place of Congressman John A. Logan, will kick-off this event with a pre-program concert starting at 1:00 p.m. Followed by, the Joint Armed Forces Honor Guard opening the ceremony with the posting of the colors at 2:00 p.m. The program will feature speeches from National Parks Service officials, and a mayoral ambassador. Our guest speaker is Michael Jones director of the John A. Logan Museum of Murphysboro IL. The musical selections will be preformed by the Murphysboro High School Band, led by band director, Justin Klarer. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony followed by an open house and garden reception at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site.

This program is part of an ongoing series of public programs offered at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, to promote public understanding of the history and special places that have been included in the national park system. For more information and reserved seating call (202) 673-2402.

Update on Mayor's Omnibus Crime Bill 16-247

For those of you who missed LCCA's Spring Fling last night, Councilmember Mendelson spoke about key provisions of the Mayor's Omnibus Crime Bill, which was marked-up and passed by the Council's Judiciary Committee last week and scheduled for presentation to the full Council on June 6, 2006.

Some of many new the provisions include (taken directly from the preamble to the bill):

• To provide for the seizure and impoundment of vehicles used in furtherance of prostitution;
• To amend An Act For the suppression of prostitution in the District of Columbia to make it unlawful for any person to engage in or to solicit for prostitution, to amend all prostitution related statutes to define the terms “prostitution”, “arranging for prostitution” and “soliciting for prostitution”;
• To permit the Chief of Police to declare any public area a prostitution free zone for a period not to exceed 120 consecutive hours;
• To make it unlawful for a person to congregate in a group of 2 or more persons within a prostitution free zone who thereafter fail to disburse after being told by a member of the Metropolitan Police Department who reasonably believes the person is congregating for the purpose of engaging in prostitution or related offenses;
• To make it unlawful to solicit for the crime of murder or any other crime of violence;
• To amend An Act To establish a code of law for the District of Columbia to create an enhanced offense of assault where bodily injury to the victim results; and
• To make it unlawful for any person to install an electronic recording device, mirror or peephole in such manner as to surreptitiously observe individuals engaged in personal activities including sexual relations, changing clothes or use of a restroom, or to record any of those activities, to provide criminal penalties therefore, and to create exemptions for law enforcement, home security, or buildings where there is posted notice of such recording.

If you would like a full copy of the marked-up committee print, please email us at: logancirclenews@gmail.com.

May LCCA Meeting Announcement

LCCA's Spring Fling
May 10, 7 p.m.
Washington Plaza Hotel

Join us for LCCA's May Membership meeting and "spring fling" wine and cheese reception on Wednesday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. Weather permitting, we'll be poolside at the Washington Plaza Hotel. We'll be discussing Voter Registration, the District's Emergency Preparedness Plan, and some of LCCA's exciting initiatives for the year, including the upcoming Memorial Day celebration in Logan Circle Park, new membership initiatives, music in the park, and website redesign.

A Hopeful View on Crime?

The Washington Post published an interview with D.C. Police Chief Ramsey discussing his tenure as the longest-serving police chief in the district in recent history.

On a related note, stay tuned for a follow-up public safety forum this fall - LCCA and ANC2F's Crime and Public Safety Committee are planning a follow-up public safety forum for the fall.

Thomas Circle Restoration Project Update

We have been informed by DDOT's project manager for the Thomas Circle Restoration Project that the project is scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2006. The project has 6 phases and will be entering the 5th phase on Thursday, May 4, 2006. We understand that Phase 5 will include realignment and restoration of lanes on 14th Street.

We'll keep you posted as we receive additional updates.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities in Logan Circle

It's that time of year again - the weather is getting warmer, days are longer, and we have lots of great activities and events in Logan Circle - from a picnic in the park to a survey of infrastructure needs to a community rummage sale and a diabetes support group. If you have a community event you'd like us to publish, please email us. We plan to publish upcoming events every Monday.

Walk-Through Survey of SMD2F06
Saturday, May 20 - 10:00-noon

The ANC2F Committee on Crime and Public Safety is pleased to announce that it will conduct a survey of Single Member District 2F06 to identify public-safety infrastructure-related concerns, including graffiti, downed/missing signage, missing street light plates, abandoned vehicles, broken windows, overflowing trash - basically anything that makes our neighborhood more attractive to criminals. We intend to pass along the results of our survey to city officials for appropriate follow-up.

We are looking for at least 9 volunteers to join us on Saturday, May 20th at Azi's Café at 1336 9th Street, NW at 10:00 a.m., and we expect the survey to last approximately 2 hours (just in time for a late brunch/ lunch). We hope to have enough volunteers to divide up into teams to survey the neighborhood. Digital camera's are welcome and we are looking for at least three people with bikes to assist. If you are interested please send an e-mail to: anc2fccps@gmail.com. Stay safe!

Whole Foods Vegetarian Series: A Picnic in the Park!
Thursday, May 16th and Thursday, May 25th
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Spring brings out the very best in our region, and there is no better way to enjoy it than the simple pleasure of a picnic in the park. Come with us for an all-vegan spring picnic, where we'll be sampling and learning about a variety of seasonal dishes suitable to pack for your outing. Weather permitting, part of the class will be held at Logan Circle, so dress accordingly!
Whole Foods Community Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required. To sign up for a class, just stop by our Customer Service desk, call us at 202-332-4300 or send an email to zachary.stein@wholefoods.com.

Luther Place Rummage Sale
Saturday May 13, all day.

Proceeds support the many ministries of Luther Place Memorial Church. Please stop by and find some treasures, or donate your rummage to the church on Sundays before May 7.

Diabetes Support Group
May 18, 7:00 P.M.

A Diabetes Support Group is being formed at The Church of the Ascension & St. Agnes, 12th & Massachusetts Ave., NW, WDC, 20005. The first meeting is on 18 May, at 7:00 p.m. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all aspects of daily life and is an increasingly serious public health issue. A support group is very helpful for many diabetics and their families who find coping with the daily glucose monitoring, diet restrictions, exercise, and etc. difficult. To aid in coping with diabetes, this group will provide personal support, general information, newest research results, and diet modification information. For more info. call 202-347-8161.

Fatal Shooting at 10th and V

MPD is seeking information regarding a fatal shooting of a 17-year old early this morning at 10th and V. According to MPD's press release:

A vehicle of interest was seen leaving the area following the shooting. It is described as possibly being a Nissan or Honda product, silver in color, with Virginia tags JZG 5667.

The case is under investigation by members of the department's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

Thanks and be safe!

Presentations on the District Comprehensive Plan

You may not know it, but The District of Columbia has a long-term plan for the continuing development of our home. Desi Deschaine, from the Executive Office of the Mayor, sent along a note that the Office of Planning has invited the public to comment on the plan.

The Office of Planning invites the public to review and comment on proposed revisions to the District's Comprehensive Plan, the city's long-range policy document on the physical development and redevelopment of the city.

Over the past 18 months, the Office of Planning has made city-wide presentations and conducted ward-wide briefings to solicit resident input into the revision of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed revisions reflect the input we have received from over 2000 people who attended these meetings as well as smaller meetings with civic and citizen associations.

The Comprehensive Plan Presentations will:

• Explain major changes in the organization of the revised Plan


• Describe how the revised Comp Plan incorporates ward level and area specific land-use policies


• Provide the opportunity for additional feedback from residents on the proposed revisions, including proposed map changes

The Comprehensive Plan Presentations will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 PM on the following dates and at the following locations:

Monday, May 22
Reeves Center
2000 14th Street, NWCommunity Room, 2nd
Flr

Tuesday, May 23
McKinley High School
151 T Street,
NE

Wednesday, May 24
Kelly-Miller Middle School
301 49th Street,
NE

Tuesday, May 30
University of the District of Columbia
4200
Connecticut Avenue, NWBldg 38, Windows Lounge

Thursday, June 1
WVSA/SAIL Public Charter School
1100 16th Street, NW

Monday, June 5
Petey Green Center
2907 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue,
SE

Wednesday, June 7
King Greenleaf Recreation Center
201 N Street,
SW

Thursday, June 8
Emery Recreation Center
Georgia Avenue and
Madison Street, NW

For more information, call +1 202.442.8812, or visit www.inclusivecity.org.

Public Comment Period for Dog Parks to begin soon

The dog lovers in the neighborhood are probably all aware that the Mayor signed a bill last fall that authorized dog parks in the District. The time has finally come for our input - the following announcement is from Sharon Dendy of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation:

As stated by Director Flowers, we are engaging other District and Federal agencies in a series of meetings pertaining to dog parks. Topics have ranged from siting and the application process to enforcement, maintenance and waste management. These meetings will help determine the rules and regulations for the off-leash areas and once concluded, DPR will begin the process of synthesizing the information into a draft document to be presented to OAG for legal sufficiency review.

In addition to the interagency meetings, approx. 3-4 public meetings will be held to explain the new dog park law and what that entails. These meetings will address the community process for requesting a dog park as well as the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for those agencies and community partners involved. Comments from these public meetings will also be incorporated into the draft document for OAG and upon completion of the review, the rules will be published for 30-days giving residents another opportunity to provide their final comments.

Regarding next steps, the interagency meetings will continue for the next 4 weeks and the public meetings are tentatively set to begin by early April. And once the 30-day public comment period has been satisfied, DPR should be ready to accept applications. But for now, we recommend residents interested in dog parks and learning more about the process to attend one of the public meetings. They should also start to organize themselves and come up with a game plan to help maintain and manage a dog park. DPR will require that each 'sponsor' group play a role in the maintenance and management of their dog park and this forethought will definitely help in the long run.

Please check the DPR website over the next few weeks for updates regarding the public meetings and the application process.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sharon directly at 202-673-7692 or via email.

April 2006 LCCA Meeting Photos and Movie

I just uploaded the photos of the April 2006 LCCA meeting. I also took a long movie of Chisato performing for us. You can watch it here.

Many thanks to everybody who worked so hard on that wonderful celebration!

More Press Coverage on Church Parking

As a follow-up to yesterday's post about the rally in Logan Circle, here's a rundown of local press coverage on the issue.

You can watch ABC 7's segment on the rally yesterday here. You may also be interested in today's stories from the Washignton Post and Washington Times on church parking, and yesterday's editorial by Terry Lynch, Executive Director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. Finally, check out the DCist for another take on the rally.

A lot of people seem to be asking who they can contact to voice their concerns. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Contact your local ANC Commissioner. For those living in Logan, you can find your commissioner on ANC2F's website.

2. Contact DDOT regarding the church parking proposal. Contact information is available on DDOT's press release and in our prior post.

3. Another resident suggested contacting: William Howland, Director of DPW, and Michelle Pourciau, Acting Director of DDOT.

4. Contact Terry Lynch, Executive Director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations.

If you have any other suggestions of who to contact, please email us.

Logan Circle Church Parking Rally Today

In case you were wondering what was going on in Logan Circle Park today, it appears that local clergymembers have organized an interdenominational rally to protest the District's new parking enforcement program, scheduled to begin in Logan Circle today. The Common Denominator's article on today's event can be viewed here.

By way of background, the District began seeking comments on its new parking proposal on March 15, and the proposed parking plan was originally scheduled to be implemented in Logan Circle on April 23, but, as reported by the Washington Times, now appears to be delayed until May 21 in Logan Circle and until July 1 city-wide. As the DCist reports, the delay is being blamed on weather-related delays that have prevented painting of the new spaces on the street.

Robbery Suspect Caught!

The Third District seems to be on a roll lately. This update from our very own Sgt. Emerman:

On Friday night, April 21, 2006, officers from the Third District received several calls for a robbery at Vermont and Q Street and 12th and Q Street NW. A female resident of the community was walking in the area when she was struck along the side of her head and knocked to the ground. The victim was seriously injured as a result of the attack. The assailant grabbed the woman’s bag, containing her personal items and her laptop computer and then fled on foot. Several of the area residents called 911, and were on the scene when the officers quickly arrived. A look-out was broadcasted and the officers began to canvass the immediate area.

At the same time, Third District Sergeant Anthony Washington of neighborhing PSA 305 was working with a citizen in the 1400 block of 10th Street NW when a resident across the street came out and told him that there was a suspicious person in the rear of his home. As Sgt. Washington located and detained the subject, he observed a bag containing a laptop computer and the woman’s personal items, including identification. The subject was identified as the robbery suspect and placed under arrest. A review of his arrest history showed him to be on probation, after serving 6 of 13 years on a robbery charge in Prince George’s County, as well as a previous robbery conviction in DC where he served 30-90 months in jail.

This was another example of the community working with the police to bring about an arrest. Keep your eyes open, watch out for your neighbors and visitors, and stick around so that the police can talk to you on the scene. If these folks had not been there to give a lookout and last known direction of the assailant, he may not have been caught.

Thanks again.
-Sgt. Emerman

Central Union Mission Sold

The Washington Post is reporting that Central Union Mission at 14th and R has been sold for $7M to a developer who intends to build high-end condominiums. According to the article, the Mission has signed a contract to purchase property in the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue NW. The move is not without contraversy:

D.C. Council member Jim Graham, who represents Ward 1 where the mission is proposing to relocate, said that Georgia Avenue is showing signs of rejuvenation and that a homeless shelter would hurt its revitalization efforts. "They should stay right where they are," Graham said. "And I say that as an advocate for the homeless."

You can read more about Central Union Mission's proposal for the new facility here, which will include a new dental clinic and additional space and facilities so guests do not have to eat in shifts or rush through cramped spaces. According to the press release, the new facility will also improve existing programs, which include overnight shelter and long-term rehabilitation programs, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, providing basic necessities to immigrant families, emergency grocery assistance to senior citizens and working single parents, clothing and furniture distribution, and a camp and outreach to children.

Inside The DC Bubble describes this "another example of a win-win created by the dreaded gentrification." What do you think?

Car Jacking Suspect Apprehended by Commander McCoy

For those of you who missed yesterday's article in the Post, our very own Commander McCoy apprehended a suspect in the recent spate of robberies and car jackings. From the article:

Cmdr. Larry McCoy was doing paperwork in his cruiser when he saw the tan Chevrolet TrailBlazer pull into the parking lot at Lamont Street and Georgia Avenue. McCoy said he apprehended the driver as he was trying to rip a stereo out of the back of the SUV. The man was apparently going to try to sell the speaker at the pawn shop.

Thank you Commander McCoy!!!!

Blood Donors Needed!

Here's another great way to celebrate Earth Day (from our neighbors at Church of the Ascension):

Join Us for a Blood Drive

The Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes and the Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Chapter of The American Red Cross Are Sponsoring a Blood Drive on Saturday April 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at

Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes
1217 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
(In the Undercroft)

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE – Walk-ins are welcomed. For more information about giving blood, including donor requriements, click here.

Refreshments will be provided, and all donors will receive an American Red Cross Baseball Hat.

Celebrate Earth Day - Logan Style

Here are just a few great ways to celebrate Earth Day in Logan Circle:

Earth Day April 22nd at DC Future Green, 1469 Church St. NW
12 noon - 6:30 p.m.

Be sure to stop by and visit LCCA's table for more information about how you can get involved in events around Logan Circle. With the exception of the swap-o-rama, described below, all events are free of charge.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama Clothing Swap

Bring in a bag or bags with all your unwanted clothes cluttering your closet, and dig through thousands of pounds of clothes from others. Walk away with as much as you like. Alterations are available from our volunteer sewing machine operators. Free workshops on transforming old clothes into fashion statements, bags, and other items. Will have Silk Screening available for drastic improvements.

Admission to Swap-O-Rama is $5 with bag of clothes $7 without. Proceeds go to National Capital YMCA. Leftover clothes will be donated to DC homeless shelters.

Eco-Friendly Fashion Show

See DC locals hit the catwalk in the latest spring fashions that are good for the earth. Clothes include: organic cotton tops and bottoms for men and women, 100% hemp shirts, shorts and pants, silk dresses designed in Manhattan and handcrafted by Afghani women, and more.

Natural Knit-Wit

See DC’s craftiest ladies duel with hooks and needles. They will use yarns from soy, recycled silk, bamboo, and other sustainable fabrics. Future Green accidentally bought eco-friendly yarns from China. Since we cannot verify that they were not made with slave-labor, many of these fine yarns will be reduced to cost pricing, and knitters will work together to make items to send to Chinese orphanages.

Super organic side-walk sale

This will be one of the biggest organic clothing sales to hit the streets!!! Huge savings on organic clothing overstock, hemp, silk & fair trade. Don't miss out on this sale, sizes for everyone including shoes. Also included is live music, vendors showing showcasing fair trade, earth-friend products.

Zipcar and Whole Foods Annual E-Cycling Event (1440 P Street)
10a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tired of staring at that old Sony BetaMax, but don't want to toss itfor fear of it ending up in a landfill? On Saturday April 22, 10am to2pm, Join Zipcar and Whole Foods on P Street for their Annual Earth Day E-Cycling Event!

Zipcar will be on hand collecting old technology items to be recycledin partnership with the DC Department of Public Works. The items will be collected and taken to Carter Barron Amphitheatre for safe disposal. Come by the Zipcar table to find out about the environmental andcommunity impacts of car sharing, plus enter to win great Zipcarprizes like memberships, T-shirts and tickets to the DC Improv.

Acceptable items for disposal: Audio/visual equipment, Camcorders, CD Rom Drives, Cell phones, computers, connectors, cords, wire, copymachines, fax machines, floppy drives, hard drives, memory chips, modems, monitors network/video/sound cards, pagers, power supplies,printers, scrap computer plastic, scrap computer metal, tape drives, TVs, VCRs. Please no broken CRT tubes.

ANC2F Committee on Crime and Public Safety - Suggestions Welcome!

A note from ANC2F's Committee on Crime and Public Safety co-chairs, Jennifer Trock and Mike Sheaffer. (In the interest of full disclosure, Jennifer is also president of LCCA, which maintains this blog.)

Neighbors and Friends -

Below is an announcement of ANC2F's first public meeting of its Committee on crime and Public Safety.

We are looking for community input on issues affecting crime and safety that you would like to see us address. You can see some of the progress we've already made (including the successful removal of scaffolding at 12th and M, streetlight repair, graffiti removal, and community input on the sentencing and prosecution of criminals in our area) by visiting our website at http://www.anc2f.org/ccps.asp.

If you are unable to make the meeting, please feel free to email us at anc2fccps@gmail.com with your suggestions.

******************************************

The ANC2F is pleased to announce that its Committee on Crime and Public Safety (CCPS) will conduct its first public meeting on April 24th at 7:00PM at the Washington Plaza Hotel at 10 Thomas Circle NW. The Committee was established October 5, 2005 by a unanimous vote by ANC2F and is to advise the Commission with respect to matters of crime and public safety which may affect the community, with a view of abating crime and increasing public safety.

House Tour 2006 Committee

From Heather Vargas, the chair of the LCCA 2006 House Tour Committee:

The House Tour is Logan Circle Community Association's biggest fundraiser of the year. It's also the time of the year when we can appreciate the great homes in our neighborhood, catch-up with our neighbors and invite others to spend a little time during the busy December in Logan Circle for a fun afternoon.

This year's House tour will be on Sunday, December 3, 2006. Join your friends and neighbors for the first planning committee meeting of the year.

Please join me on Tuesday, April 25th at 7:00 pm to kick-off this year's planning. The meeting will take place at my condo located at 1224 13th Street NW, #001.

Please email me at heathervargas@10forward.com to RSVP or if you have any questions! If you are unable to attend the first meeting, but would like to participate as a committee member, please let me know.

I look forward to building on the success of past years and adding new highlights to make this year's event even better. Let's work together to make the Logan Circle House Tour the place to be in December 2006.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Logan Circle Community.

Heather Vargas

The house tour is a fantastic way to get involved in the community. There are so many great homes, both old and new, in our neighborhood. I have a feeling this year's house tour will be the best ever!

Have a Garden You'd Like to Share?

We received this request from the Washington Post. Please contact us at logancirclenews@gmail.com if you're interested or you know someone who might be:

I'm a reporter working on a story for the Washington Post's Sunday Source section about gardening, and I'm looking for gardeners to profile who wouldn't mind being interviewed and photographed (along with their gardens) for the Source. The ideal candidate would be a 20s-30s urban dweller with a cool garden that they designed/tend to themselves. Balconies, rooftops, and other tiny spaces are welcome. If you know of anyone who fits this profile (or is close), would you mind either passing along their contact info to me or asking them to contact me?

The reporter would like to scope out potential gardens this weekend, so please let us know soon if you're interested!

Biker Attacks Getting Noticed

It seems that the pattern of attacks on bikers has not gone unnoticed. Councilmember Graham finally took notice after the City Paper wrote about the incidents, which both we and DCist have been reporting for a while. A snippet of MPD's response from Councilmember Graham's site:

I will instruct PSA 304 officers to give this location speciall attention during these hours. Housing Police agreed to do the same. The Housing Police office/post telephone number adjacent to the area is 202-673-7355, officer Brooks works the 1430-2300 tour of duty Sun - Thur. Sgt. Jeter

April LCCA Membership Meeting

Think PINK! Sushi and Sake Reception

Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Washington Plaza Hotel
7 PM

It's time to celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the Logan Circle environment. Join members of LCCA as we celebrate the efforts of our volunteers during last weekend's neighborhood clean-up day, and our recent award of cherry trees by the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy sushi and sake while listening to live Japanese music and celebrate the arrival of Spring.

Guests of Honor include:

Chairman Linda Cropp
Councilmember Jack Evans
Ashley Neeley, National Cherry Blossom Festival
Lillian Iversen, National Cherry Blossom Festival
Liz Tylander, D.C. Greenworks
Chisato Morohashi, Musician

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you!

A Rainy Day of Mufflers, Kitchen Sinks, and Cherry Trees

Thanks to those of you who woke up early to brave the rain and cold on Saturday and clean up our neighborhood. We met at National City Church for some quick coffee and then took our tools to the street, cleaning up N Street from 15th to 11th, then Vermont between N and M and M between 11th and 14th. We ended the clean-up on the tiny stretch of Mass Ave next to City Church - what a block! We found all kinds of things from half chewed dog bones to old mufflers to old shoes, and yes, we even found a kitchen sink! Thanks to Office Catering for donating lunches for our volunteers. . .we certainly worked up an appetite.

Later that afternoon (and after a change to dry clothes from earlier in the morning), a few hearty volunteers from LCCA, the Scott Montgomery School, and the East Central Civic Association met at Scott Montgomery to plant the cherry trees LCCA received from DC Greenworks. It was hard work digging holes large enough to accommodate the 150 lb. trees, but it was worth it! The trees are Kwanzan Cherry Trees (also known as Sekiyama or Hisakura Cherry Trees) and flower a few weeks after the Yoshino Cherry Trees. The trees already have a few buds on them, so we may even see a few flowers this year!

Thanks to all of you for making our clean-up day a success and for those of you who came out to help us plant our cherry trees!

Reminder - Neighborhood Cleanup and Cherry Tree Planting Tomorrow!

SATURDAY, APRIL 8
8:30 AM -12:30 PM
Meet at National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle, NW

Help spruce up Logan Circle! We need volunteers to help sweep the sidewalks, inventory the number and condition of the tree boxes with "LCCA" signage, and plant new flowers in the tree boxes.


2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Scott Montgomery Elementary School
421 P Street, NW

Help plant LCCA's gift of a trio of cherry trees from the National Cherry Blossom Festival® at Scott Montgomery Elementary School as part of our community building efforts with East Central Civic Association. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To volunteer, please e-mail nckaos@aol.com.

Good News - An Update from Candida's World of Books

Below is an update from Candida today on the pedestrian access situation she alerted us to earlier this week. Thanks to all of you for your support, and thank you to Charles Reed and our ANC for following-up on this:

I am happy to be able to share this news with you:

Thanks to Charles Reed's mediation, Holladay Corp. have provided us with written representation that they will be able to create a pedestrian path in the area of their construction site on evenings and weekends, after construction working hours, hence alleviating the most immediate and serious threat to my bookstore's continued viability.

They have also expressed their willingness to help me finance the installation of a vertical banner outside my store to help with visibility, and will work with me on temporary signage on the South end of their property, to help direct customer traffic to the store, when the pedestrian passage is available.

Charles feels this is a reliable representation of their willingness to cooperate with my concerns, as well as the concerns of the community, that needed access to the sidewalk during non-copnstruction hours. He therefore suggests we take this item off tonight's ANC agenda and I concur with him.

I would also like to express my deepest, humblest and most heartfelt thanks to every singe one of you, who heard my predicament and rushed to my aid. I am indeed fortunate to have become a part of this community and to have earned your trust and support. I look forward to continue running a neighborhood bookstore that serves and reflects this amazing community and remain open to all of you.

Many many thanks.

Whenever possible, please stop by the store, so I can thank you in person!

- Candida Mannozzi

Candida's Needs Your Help

For those who attended LCCA's Diversity Dinner in February, you'll remember the powerful remarks of our neighbor, Candida Mannozzi, owner of Candida's World of Books, when she reminded us of the value of diversity through language and culture. Now Candida has asked for our support, and has sent us the following open letter to post:

Dear LCCA members, My Neighbors and Friends:

I'm sorry to have to share this news with you, but I'm hoping you will agree to support me in my current predicament:

I'm facing a very serious situation with the builder next door, one that risks putting me out of business, if they're allowed to go through with the sidewalk and street closures they say they have obtained permits and ANC approval for

I found out Friday (03/31) morning from Holladay Corp., builders of the "Matrix" site (1529 14th St. NW), that they have a permit to close off the sidewalk, a curb and a traffic lane (i.e. sidewalk, plus 2 of 3 car lanes) for the next 2-3 months NONSTOP, in order to carry out heavy duty work on their construction site.

Every time they block the sidewalk and the street off to operate their crane or larger machinery (which they have done for 1-2 days at a time in the past months), my sales take a nosedive, because all pedestrian and car traffic to the store are severely impeded.

The prospect of making this a permanent situation for 2-3 months, without any passage for pedestrians, even when Holladay is not working there (evenings and weekends) means my business will be in jeopardy. I have asked Holladay to at least work with me and other businesses/residents by re-opening a passage for pedestrians on evenings and weekends, and they are not cooperating.

There are precedents on this very street, in fact on this very block between Q and P Streets, with other builders providing at least a jersey-barrier protected passage for pedestrians, a passage that was available at all times, not just on their off-time. Holladay tells me they can't do the same on their site. I find this hard to believe, considerig what I (and most of us in the neighborhood) have witnessed at other construction sites here over the past two years.

I have called the City government to see if this is an acceptable situation and an inspector is coming on Monday (April 3) to take a closer look at their permit and what exactly Holladay is doing. To the City government, I've also mentioned that with 2 of 3 traffic lanes blocked and no access to the sidewalk, people are getting on & off the bus (there's a bus stop right outside my bookstore, SE corner of 14th & Q) in the leftmost traffic lane of the street, as the buses can't pull into the stop. The lady I spoke to at the Office of Infrastructure Oversight said this closure sounds wrong. We shall see what, if anything, gives.

In the meantime, I wanted to share this alarm with you.

I am working with the wonderful folks at the ANC and LCCA to get Holladay to redress their current plans. It seems Holladay Corp. may not have been as forthcoming with this dire situation to the ANC (when they applied for ANC approval of the closures and how this would be executed). The attitude I encountered talking to Holladay this past Friday is very different from the spirit of cooperation promised to me and to the ANC.

I'm sorry to be breaking this news to you, but my bookstore is truthfully facing a threat to its continued viability.

I hope that I can alleviate the situation. If I have to move on to signature-collection or petitions, I hope I can turn to you for support.

I'm trying my best to get to a solution without having to bother all of my wonderful neighbors and supporters. I'm hoping that inspectors and public officials can see the need for a more moderate approach to these closures. This is not just a question of the bookstore's viability, it's also a question of public safety and public access that affects all of us as we move between Q and P Streets: with our heavy shopping bags, strolling our pets, navigating our strollers, etc.

If my current efforts don't work, you will hear from me, as I will have to ask for additional public support.

Thank you,

- Candida Mannozzi -

Community Allocution Program

An update from ANC2F's Committee on Crime and Public Safety -

One of our goals this year has been to develop a process to maximize community input in the sentencing of criminal offenders in the neighborhood. As part of these efforts, we've been working closely with MPD's Third District, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and its Community Prosecution Division for the 3rd District.

As part of our efforts, we recently provided input (by way of letters from the community and in-person testimony) on two key cases that were up for sentencing last week. In one of the cases, the judge sentenced the defendant, who had multiple drug and property arrests, to 230 days.

We were told that without our letters and support, it was quite possible that the defendant would have received probation. Thanks to statistics provided by Sgt. Emerman, we were able to show the dramatic decrease in thefts from auto (from nearly 100 between January and the time the defendant was locked up pending sentencing to 3 in the nearly a month since his lock-up). We believe this was enormously helpful to the prosecution.

In the second case involving possession of cocaine, we submitted five community letters. The judge postponed sentencing to give the defendant's counsel additional time to review the letters, but we are hopeful for a similar success.

We are currently looking for condo buildings, businesses, and individuals who may be interested in participating in the community allocution process by way of letter writing or in-person testimony from time to time. If you or someone you know may be interested, please email the Committee on Crime and Public Safety at anc2fccps@gmail.com.

Opinions Wanted on Parking Variance Request for 1446 Church Street

One of our Church Street residents brought the following issue to our attention, and we'd like to get your views and encourage you to attend the ANC2F meeting on April 5, 2006 to voice your opinions. If you are unable to attend, you may also wish to contact your SMD commissioner directly.

A parking variance has been requested by DC Hampton LLC for a property it intends to develop at 1446 Church Street. The proposed 28 unit building would have 7 parking spaces, which is 7 fewer than required by DC regulation. The building incorporates an historic structure, which may faciliate the variance. For information on zoning and parking variances, please visit the District's Board of Zoning Adjudication ("BZA") and the Office of Zoning.

The ANC will consider the variance at its April 5 meeting, after which it will make a recommendation to the BZA. The BZA will decide whether to issue the variance at its May 2 hearing.

Spring is Here!!!! New Volunteer Opportunities

SPRING IS HERE!!


SATURDAY, APRIL 8
8:30 AM -12:30 PM
Meet at National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle, NW

Help spruce up Logan Circle! We need volunteers to help sweep the sidewalks, inventory the number and condition of the tree boxes with "LCCA" signage, and plant new flowers in the tree boxes.


2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Scott Montgomery Elementary School
421 P Street, NW

Help plant LCCA's gift of a trio of cherry trees from the National Cherry Blossom Festival® at Scott Montgomery Elementary School as part of our community building efforts with East Central Civic Association. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To volunteer, please e-mail nckaos@aol.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle NW

Attend a reception in honor of the magnificent cherry blossom trees. Invited guests are DC Council, the Embassy of Japan; National Cherry Blossom Festival®; and DC Greenworks. Chisato Morohashi will perform popular Japanese cherry blossom songs.