Life in the Village (Washington, DC)

WMATA FY 2012 Testimony

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:47:00 +0000

My testimony for WMATAFY2012

Ward 7 Transportation Summit Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

W7 Transpo Summit Press Release

Hot off the "Press"

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Ms V is thankful for all the wonderful friends, willing to help in a clutch.

Ms. V has been receiving some questions about the process.

What is a pledged delegate?

Pledged delegates are elected, with the understanding that they will support a particular candidate at the convention. A candidate for the Democratic nominee must win a majority of combined delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention. If elected as a pledged delegate, I will vote for President Barrack H. Obama as the Democratic nominee.

What is the role of a pledged delegate?
According the information provided by the DC Democratic Party, a pledged delegate will attend various constituency meetings as well as daily plenary session of the convention. In addition, delegates will begin their day with a meeting of state of the delegation.

Who can vote for you?
If you are a registered Democrat and live in District 2 (Wards 3, 4, 5 and 7), you are eligible to vote for me. Voting will take place on Saturday March 3, 2012 at the University of the District of Columbia Auditorium from 10-2pm.

I already pledged my support, how many people can I vote for?
In District 2, you'll be able to vote for 3 men and 4 women.

Help the H.D. Woodson Service Council Win $500!

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Help the H.D. Woodson Service Council Win $500!

GOOD Magazine is sponsoring a contest to give $500 to a community-based citizenship program - and the H.D. Woodson Service Council has made it into the final round! The winner will be chosen based on the highest number of vote from the public, so we need your help to win. The H.D. Woodson Service Council encourages students to focus on good things already going on in the neighborhood around the school by mapping out neighborhood assets and using them to create a high-impact, sustainable service project for themselves and their peers. The prize money would give students ample resources to create something meaningful to them and the surrounding community.

To vote, go to http://goodcitizenship.maker.good.is/projects/woodson and click "vote for this project.

To learn more about the project, check out GOOD Maker and the GOOD Citizenship Challenge: http://goodcitizenship.maker.good.is/

DC Democrats Vote for Ms V!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:23:00 +0000

Dear District 2 (Wards 3, 4, 5, and 7) Democrats, please vote for me as a Pledged Delegate for President Obama's 2012 Campaign.

Saturday March 3, 2012

University of the District of Columbia Auditorium

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

I have the pleasure of serving DC as a member of the Hillcrest Community Civic Association Board and as one of the DC representatives on the Transportation Planning Board's Citizen Advisory Council. I'm a Ward 7 resident and co-owner of a DC-Based business. To learn more about me, please visit my personal website www.veronicao.com

Your support and the opportunity to represent the District of Columbia at the Democratic National Convention is important to me. If you don't live in District 2, please help spread the word to your friends and family.

For more information, please feel free to contact me at veronica@veronicao.com.

Walk this way

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:56:00 +0000

Information sharing. Please come out and be heard.

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a public meeting for the East Capitol Street Pedestrian Safety Project on Saturday, March 3, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Benning-Stoddert Recreation Center, 100 Stoddert Place.

At this meeting the study team will solicit feedback from the community on the proposed improvements that have been identified to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit users within the East Capitol Street corridor between Stoddert Place, SE and Southern Avenue, NE.

Based on the findings of the Far Northeast Livability Study, the study will aim to address one of largest safety challenges associated with this corridor – the Benning Road/East Capitol Street/Texas Avenue intersection. Proposals to rework this complex intersection to ensure it operates better and more safely for all users will be presented at this meeting. As a means of traffic calming and improving crossing safety the study team is exploring the idea of eliminating rush hour parking restrictions along the East Capitol Street. This would allow four full time travel lanes along the corridor and permanent parking in the curb lane. Other improvements that are also being considered include adding additional pedestrian crossing signals to the corridor and safety improvements at Central Avenue and East Capitol Street.

The meeting will begin with a brief presentation about the study. Attendees are welcome to stop by any time during the meeting.

Read to the Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Dear Neighbors... Want to prevent robberies? Get involved with your local school and help teach the babies. If you are available, Anne Beers is looking for people to come read to the kids on Friday.

A SPECIAL INVITATION
FROM ANNE BEERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Come Read With Me-2012
We recognize that cornerstone of learning is reading. The path to success for our students can be found in a book! We encourage our students to read, read and read! The example we set by reading with them goes a long way toward modeling what reading looks like.

You are cordially invited to participate in READ TO ME 2012

When: Friday-February 17, 2012 9:30-2PM
Where: Anne Beers ES
3600 Alabama Avenue SE
Washington, Dc 20020
202-939-4800

This will take only 45 minutes of your precious time. We will provide the books. Please confirm the time that you would like to read to our students!
Help Support this Learning Experience!

Please send confirmations to:
Stephanie Harris
microgravity1@yahoo.com
STEM Catalayst Corrdinator,

Where are the Ward 7 Cyclist & Cyclist-to-be

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Cycling is one of Ms V's modes of choice (when the weather cooperates). I believe the best part about living in a city is having options. Some times I bike, other times I bus, and yes... some times I drive *gasp*. Biking around Ward 7 has its high points and low points. For all intents and purposes, I feel safe biking around the Ward. Most motorists (even the ones from Maryland) give me adequate room when they pass and are generally courteous.

The DC Bicycle Advisory Council is committed to working on the east to west connectivity for cyclists (and in turn pedestrians). I can testify that trying to cross the Sousa Bridge on the east side near the ramps to and from 295 is dangerous. The BAC wants your feedback on their recommendations. Click the link below to get to their page.

http://dcbac.blogspot.com/2012/02/east-of-river-connectivity.html

Ray's the Steaks Reopens

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Great article from East of the River Newspaper on the changes at Ray's the Steaks.

Ray's the Steaks

Ward 7 Transportation Summit - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:19:00 +0000

For more information, click here to visit the Summit Website.

Making Anacostia Metro more Bike/Ped Friendly

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Celebrate Black History Month

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Today is the first day of Black History Month. I remember back in the day when we had to write book reports/essays on a famous black person. My classmates (I went to diverse school) always profile Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks or someone from modern day like Michael Jordan. Ms V was raised by slightly militant/activist parents (which is a post for another day), so my reports were on Patrice Lamumba, Ralph J. Bunche, Angela Davis, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (better known as Malcolm X, but I believe in giving deference by calling him by his name), and Marcus Garvey to name a few. But I digress...

Ms V has highlighted some exhibits and events

Hillcrest

Francis A Gregory Library

East of the River

Frederick Douglass House
Anacostia Community Museum - plenty of events

Other parts of the CIty

This is just a snapshot. Ms V urges everyone to take a young person in your neighborhood to one (if not all) of these events/exhibits.

Ms V Speaks and NPS listens

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:42:00 +0000

I at least hope National Park Service listens. Anywho... National Park Service had a public comment period for the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL SECTION 3. Ms V actually forgot about it, but I was able to quickly skim the EA and whip up some comments. My two cents.

I am a resident of Fairfax Village in the Hillcrest neighborhood and I'm commute via bike on a regular basis. I support ALTERNATIVE B: REALIGNMENT OF SECTION 3 OF THE ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL (NPS PREFERRED). This alternative would provide much needed connections along the Anacostia River. It would be a safer north to south route for cyclists than along the local roads.

As you move forward with design please consider the following:

Wayfinding:
Many of the designated bike routes in Ward 7 are not intuitive or obvious if someone isn't a regular user. Please ensure adequate signage and other visual clues to guide cyclist safely through the area.
Safety plan:
Safety is a concern for many cyclist. Given some of the safety challenges along the Met-Branch Trail, please ensure that a safety plan is developed, funded, and implemented as part of this project. This includes, but not limited to, adequate lighting, emergency call boxes, security cameras, snow/ice removal, and US Park Police bike patrol.
Incorporation of art:
Final design should incorporate art that celebrates and reflects the history of the river.
Accessibility to the path from the local neighborhoods:
As mentioned in the background, accessing the river is a challenge. Please include paths that connect the local community to this trail.

Share your stories with CM Cheh

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Councilmember Cheh received over 4,000 responses on her survey about taxis in DC. Mike Debonis at Washington Post has a great summary of the survey.

Excerpt:

Those last two complaints — driver “profiling” and refusing to haul passengers to where they want to go — have long been leveled against city cab drivers, and they were leveled often by the survey respondents. They also both happen to be illegal under the current taxi regulations.

Cheh said she was struck by how common those complaints remained. “We have more work to do there,” she said. “That’s very demeaning to people, and it makes us consider whether we’re doing enough now.”

For full article, click here.

Dear Ward 7 residents, please let Ms Cheh know your experiences with taxis in this city. She is holding a hearing on January 30, 2012, 11:00 AM in room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW). Please sign up to testify in person or submit written testimony for the record. Ms. V posted the hearing notice and bills below so you don't have to go searching for them.

B199-630: The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011 and

B19-635: The Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011

On January 30, 2012, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson of the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, will hold a public hearing on B19-630, the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011, and B19-635, the Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011. The public hearing will begin at 11:00 AM in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should register online or contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin, staff assistant to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, at 202-724-8062, or via e-mail at abenjamin@dccouncil.us. Representatives of organizations will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentation and individuals will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation. Witnesses should bring 10 copies of their written testimony and submit a copy of their testimony electronically to abenjamin@dccouncil.us.
If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted either to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation or to Ms. Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council, Room 5, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. The record will close at the end of the business day on February 13, 2012.

B19-630: The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011

B19-635: The Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011

Special Meeting - Marijuana Cultivation Center

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Ward 7 needs economic development. I'm pretty sure, marijuana cultivation centers don't rank high on the community's wants. While this center is proposed in the northern part of the ward, in keeping with the Kwanzaa principle Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), we must work together. It's the same night as the ANC7B meeting, but please attend if you can.

There will be a Special Call meeting to discuss the proposed Drug Marijuana Cultivation Center in Downtown Ward 7 location at 3701 Benning Road, NE, Washington, 20019. (MT)
Date: Thursday, 19 January 2012
Place: Benning Stoddard Recreation Center on East Capitol
Street, NE near 40th Street, NE
Time: 6:30PM
Host: ANC 7A Chairman Villareal Johnson.

We need input from everyone. please invite your neighbors to come with you.

Things to do Martin Luther King Jr Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr weekend!!! There are plenty of options on this 3-day weekend. You can drop it like it's hot at the club (side eye) or take this opportunity to learn or serve your community. Here's a brief list of things to do.

Special Events

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial - There is a wreath laying ceremony on Jan 16th from 8-8:30am. You can also enjoy the memorial on your own. Take a young person (or 2) with you if you go.
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade - The parade begins 11:00 am. The route is from Friendship Public Charter School (645 Milwaukee Place SE) and ends at Leckie Elementary School (4201 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE) in Ward 8.

If you want to stay in Ward 7

6th Annual Pope Branch Clean-up - Help clean-up Pope Branch Park from 10am - 1pm in
Kingman Park Clean-up - 9am-noon starting at 500 block of Oklahoma Ave NE
FREE Youth Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena - From 9:30am-10:45am bring your little humans to the arena for a FREE ice skating, including free skate rental.

Ms V plans to help at the 6th Annual Pope Branch Clean-up, then pick up my Little Sister (from Big Brother/Big Sister Program) and take her to the MLK Memorial.

DMPED Presentation on Economic Development

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

Hopefully last night's hearing will be the first of many. The mood of the evening was "less talk and more do." Ms V said "get it done yesterday" in her testimony. Below is the presentation by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) from last night.

DMPED Ward 7 Roundtable.1.11

Ms V Speaks - Economic Development

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Here is my written testimony. In my oral testimony I added in the need for business incubators in Ward 7. Please excuse any typos.

DavisVeronicaTestimony-EconomicDevWard7

And even more information

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Ms V wants to make sure Ward 7 residents are informed. Below is the FY10 Unified Economic Development Report. The long and short of the report Ward 7 has seen some of the least investment by the City for economic development.

Fy10 Unified Economic Development Report

Free Ice Skating on Monday January 16th

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:35:00 +0000

On Monday January 16, 2012, Fort Dupont Ice Arena will be hosting free ice skating classes and free youth skating. In addition to a free Youth Skate (rental skates included) from 9:30am to 10:45am, there is a free Learn to Skate Class (for youth to adult beginners) beginning at 11:00am, followed by a reasonably-priced public skate from 12:00 to 1:50pm.

Additional Information re Learn to Skate class:
§ classes start promptly at 11:00am
§ All skaters must sign in before their lesson
§ Skaters will be put in classes on a first-come, first served basis
§ Spaces are limited
§ Classes are for beginners of all ages
§ Rental skates included free-of-charge
§ Gloves and helmets required (loaner helmets are available)
§ Wear one pair of medium socks (no ankle socks)

Fort Dupont Ice Arena is located at 3779 Ely Place, SE (www.fdia.org) - 202-584-5007

And even more information

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

I love my Ward 7 neighbors. Someone emailed me these two gems this morning.

Penn Ave Redevelopment SE

Benning Minnesota Study

Information for Roundtable on Economic Development in Ward 7

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Tonight is the Roundtable on Economic Development in Ward 7. Below is the witness list and presentation on development in Ward 7 from Councilmember Alexander's Leadership Council.

Witness List for 1-11-12 ED Hearing-1

Ward 7 Projects and Programs

Economic Development in Ward 7

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:22:00 +0000

Ms V is trying to cut back on the snark in 2012. Today's little announcement almost threw that resolution out the window. Ms. V is concerned about all things Ward 7 and DC, but there are three issues that strike a certain fire in my belly: Transportation, Economic Development, and Small Business. Usually hearings, meetings, roundtables within those three areas don't get past me. I was a little surprised that an announcement came out on Monday for a hearing on economic development in Ward 7 scheduled for Wednesday.

So that's the end of my snark. *Gasp* I know you expected more and believe me I have more to say. Ms V version 2011 would have continued with at least two more paragraphs documenting the lack of adequate notice of the meeting by using newsletters, the ward 7 listservs, and tweets as exhibits. For better or for worse, your little Ms V is growing up. I'm just going to leave it at sharing the announcement with you.

CHAIRMAN KWAME R. BROWN
ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC OVERSIGHT ROUNDTABLE
BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS IN WARD 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012, 6:30 P.M.
DOROTHY HEIGHT/BENNING LIBRARY
3935 BENNING ROAD, NE

Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown announces the scheduling of a Public Oversight Roundtable by the Committee of the Whole on Economic Development Programs/Projects in Ward 7. The public oversight roundtable is scheduled for January 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., Dorothy Height/Benning Library, 2925 Benning Road, NE.

The purpose of the public oversight roundtable is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed economic development programs/projects in Ward 7.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify at the public oversight roundtable are encouraged to sign up online by visiting our Council website at http://dccouncil.us. Individuals may also contact Priscilla McIver, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, at (202) 724-8196, or via e-mail at pford@dccouncil.us and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business Monday, January 9, 2012. They should also bring 20 copies of their written testimony or submit one copy of their written testimony by Monday, January 9, 2012. Persons presenting testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.

If you are unable to testify at the roundtable, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, Suite 508 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.

Serving your community

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:16:00 +0000

January 16, 2012 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance will be doing their annual clean-up. Here are photos from last year and more here. Ms V recommends dressing in multiple layers. Froze my tushie off last year.

Check out DDOT's progress on the 11th Street Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Oh and by the way... here is a traffic advisory for bus commuters.

Events Affecting Metrobus
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – Friday, January 27, 2012

Hours of Event: 8:00pm – 5:00am each night – Detour is during overnight hours only
Location of Event: DC – 11th St Bridge exit roadway to MLK Jr Av SE
Routes Affected: 90, 92, 93, A42, A46, A48, B2, P2, P6, U2 – Southbound directions only

Metrobus will run the following street segments during the detour:

90 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

90 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

92 – Southbound – toward Congress Heights
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Howard Rd SE and W St SE
• W St SE, between ML King Jr Av SE and 13th St SE
• 13th St SE, between W St SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 13th St SE and continuation of regular route

92 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

93 – Southbound – toward Congress Heights
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Howard Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between ML King Jr Av SE and continuation of regular route

93 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

A42, A46, A48 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

A42, A46, A48 – Northbound – toward Archives
• Regular route; No detour

B2 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to intersection of Minnesota Av SE and 17th St SE
• 17th St SE, between Minnesota Av SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 17th St SE and 16th St SE
• 16th St SE, between Good Hope Rd SE and Bangor St SE
• Bangor St SE, between 16th St SE and Pomeroy Rd SE
• Pomeroy Rd SE, between Bangor St SE and Hunter Pl SE
• Hunter Pl SE, between Pomeroy Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between Hunter Pl SE and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Morris Rd SE and continuation of regular route

B2 – Northbound – toward Mount Rainier
• Regular route; No detour

P2, P6 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

P2, P6 – Northbound – toward Archives
• Regular route; No detour

U2 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to intersection of Minnesota Av SE and 17th St SE
• 17th St SE, between Minnesota Av SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 17th St SE and 16th St SE
• 16th St SE, between Good Hope Rd SE and Bangor St SE
• Bangor St SE, between 16th St SE and Pomeroy Rd SE
• Pomeroy Rd SE, between Bangor St SE and Hunter Pl SE
• Hunter Pl SE, between Pomeroy Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between Hunter Pl SE and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Morris Rd SE and continuation of regular route

U2 – Northbound – toward Minnesota Avenue
• Regular route; No detour