The neighborhood music festival is almost here!

Petworth Porchfest 2026 will feature more than 400 bands performing on over 150 porches on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 2pm until 7pm. That’s a lot of free music within walking distance!

Plan Your Music Day
This year there are even more ways to explore the neighborhood before Porchfest begins. Check out these three tools to find the musicians, genres and porch locations for all the bands.

MAP - Want to know where the music is happening throughout the day? There is a Google map that shows the porch locations and lists the bands playing at each. Cool!

SCHEDULE - The updated interactive music schedule makes it easier to find the bands you want to check out. While you're browsing the schedule you can filter, listen to music samples and learn more about the bands playing this year. Rock on!

PORCHFINDER - This very new new tool helps you plan out your day. PorchFinder allows you to search and use multiple filters (time, genre, corridor) to identify the performances you want to check out during the festival. Save your favorites and share a custom itinerary with friends. Neato!

Prefer to go with the flow? Just follow your ears to discover new favorite bands.

Organizers want to thank their sponsors, including Lime, City Cast DC, Timber Pizza, Trent & Co of Compass Real Estate, Honeymoon Chicken and Sustainable You. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Small and Local Business Development and ANC 4C also are supporting the fun day of music.

FYI: They are no longer accepting new hosts or bands.

The Parks at Walter Reed has announced a packed calendar of events stretching from spring through late fall ensuring the Great Lawn and plaza remain the beating heart of Uptown. The calendar mixes free fitness classes, live music, cultural programming and fan-favorite markets. All events are free (or low-cost for fitness), all-ages and welcoming to all.

May Events at the Parks

• May 15, 5:30-7:30pm: Experience the best of salsa, bachata and other Latin music with our fabulous instructor Orlando Machuca. Come wearing your dancing shoes!

• May 30, 12-1pm: DC Bird Alliance is celebrating Black Birders Week with Birds & Brunch: brunch at Juneberry Garage, followed by a special live presentation with Rodney Stotts, renowned African American falconer, who will introduce his birds of prey and share insights from his work.

• May 30, 2-4pm: History tour with Washington Walks offer a closer look at the area’s past

• May 31: The Parks Flea Market runs on the last Sunday of the month starting May 31st through November (11am to 4pm) and offers local vendors, vintage finds and a steady weekend crowd.

Signature Music Events Bring the Energy

Jazz in The Parks returns with a strong lineup of local talent, paired with kid-friendly openers that make it a family-friendly evening on the Great Lawn.

• June 6, 5-8pm: Mark Meadows Band, Kids Opener Baba Ras D

• July 11, 5-8pm: Rockwell Shapiro, Kids Opener Marsha Goodwin-Wood

• August 22, 5-8pm: Gracie Jay, Kids Opener Music With Mr. Rob

• Sept 26, 5-8pm: Langston Hughes II, Kids Opener The Great Zucchini

June is especially stacked with music events, with a new offering in honor of National Rosé Day: Rosé & R&B (June 13).

The Home Rule Music Festival brings its family friendly fun and culturally significant lineup (June 20) for a mix of laid-back grooves and full-day festival energy.

If dancing is more your speed…

The monthly Happy Hour series delivers themed evenings with built-in vibes, monthly on Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm on the Marketplace Plaza:

• June 12, Motown Magic: Kick back and enjoy music of the motown era, timeless classics featuring danceable hits, soulful ballads, and iconic hits.

• July 17, 80's Explosion: Bring your big hair and bright colors for a retro night featuring ALL the music of the 80s, from R&B to Cyndi Lauper.

• Sept 18, Tropical Caribbean Vibes: Enjoy island-inspired music, a mix of reggae, calypso, and soca with resident DJ Harry Hotter.

• Oct 16, Line Dancing: Wear your cowboy boots and bring your fans for the best DC line-ups

Free (and Fun) Fitness for All Levels

One of the biggest draws this year is the expanded fitness schedule designed to be approachable, social and genuinely enjoyable. You’ll find everything from slow, meditative movement to high-energy cardio:

• Qigong with Theda & Charlessa brings a calm, restorative start to the weekend, with gentle, flowing movements set on the Great Lawn. (6-week sessions in spring through May 16 and fall, Saturdays, 10am)

• HIIT’s A VIBE with Magalie turns up the energy with beat-driven, high-intensity workouts that feel more like a party than a class. (Biweekly on Tuesdays through June 9, 6:30pm)

• Zumba with One Rule Dance blends Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography. Expect upbeat playlists and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere (weekly on Saturday mornings through May 16, 10am).

• Yoga with Yoga Heights offers both sunrise and sunset sessions, perfect for unwinding or setting the tone for your day. (Sundays, 9am and Thursdays, 6pm through September).

• High Intensity with David delivers a classic mix of strength and cardio for those looking to break a sweat. (Saturdays May 16-June 6, 8am).

• And for something uniquely DC, Hand Dancing with DJ Rick G brings a social, intergenerational dance tradition to the Plaza — equal parts culture, community and fun. (biweekly Sundays, 2-6pm; check website for dates).

Most classes are free or less than $10, and no experience is needed — just show up and join in.

Bring a picnic or support a local business! Events are spread across the Great Lawn and Marketplace Plaza, with plenty of room to linger, dance, or just hang out. Additional retail has recently opened on the campus, including Cantina Paraíso and Hazel’s Hardware garden center. 

Find additional details on The Parks’ events on their website. 

It’s been a minute! Petworth Jazz Project is back on with four upcoming shows, with the first one set for May 10th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

The series kicks off with a special Mother’s Day concert on Sunday May 10th, from 3-5:30pm featuring the incredible Deborah Bond.

St. Paul’s has a history of presenting live music — particularly Jazz. The Petworth Jazz Project will present a four concert series at St. Paul’s, with the shows held in the gorgeous Oak Grove, directly to the left as you enter from the 201 Allison St NW entrance.

J&J Taqueria Food Truck will be on site.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs and picnic as you like.

All concerts are free. Free parking available on site.

Next Upcoming Jazz Project Shows:

• July 18th

• Sept 19th

• December 5th

So this is a kind of cool thing that I’ve been working to happen for a few years now, and it helps you!

I'm lucky enough to know Tim Apple, and I have been trying to get him to pick up Petworth News for the Apple News app’s DC / Raleigh / Durham Local News.

Today is Apple’s 50th anniversary, and in a fitting tribute to my obsessive love for all things  (and my time working at an Apple Store as a Genius), I made a deal with Tim to have Apple buy Petworth News. 💰💰💰

This is great news! While right now you can read Petworth News in your Apple News app on your iPhone or iPad… with this sale, Petworth News officially joins the ranks of other regional news publications.

Readers like you can now get some awesome benefits! This is a win for you too!

When you buy your Mom or Dad a MacBook Air as a Petworth News reader, Apple will provide a lifetime of phone support whenever your parents mistakenly post a public Facebook update thinking they are searching on Google or sending you an embarrassing question! You no longer have to help them with computer issues! stuck remembering how to s how to open the Safari browser or forget to plug the computer in!

Even better — a Special Discount just for YOU!

All Petworth News readers now get an instant 15% discount when purchasing Apple products at the Apple Store! Just use coupon code “DrewIsAGenius!”

Also, while it really is Apple’s 50th anniversary today, it’s also April 1, 2026.

by Yuliya Panfil

Petworth is about to get a food option that has long topped residents’ wish lists for neighborhood offerings: a proper deli. 

Matt Sperber, a butcher, chef and sausage maker with prior stints at DC area restaurants Any Day Now, Momofuku and The Salt Line, will open District Larder delicatessen at 821 Upshur Street NW in April. The space most recently hosted Fedwell and Petworth Social, and before that Taqueria del Barrio and Domku. 

District Larder will operate daily as a full-service deli and market, with a sandwich counter and house-made salamis, pates, charcuterie, deli meats and cheese for purchase. A small market area will sell condiments, pre-made takeaway meals like lasagna and pot pie, and grocery staples. 

On Thursday through Saturday evenings and on weekends, fellow Momofuku alum Chris Levitt will run a dinner and brunch service focused on whole animal butchery and seasonal vegetables. 

Sperber, a Petworth resident, has worked as a butcher and cook in restaurants around the country. When the 821 Upshur space opened up, he jumped at the chance to open a concept in his own neighborhood focused on the type of food he excels at. 

“In the restaurant business, at some point you’ve got to pick what you're good at, and charcuterie has always been my strong suit,” Sperber said. “So when it came time to open up my own concept, this was the least anxiety inducing.”

District Larder will skew casual and focus on well-made kitchen classics. The restaurant’s bar will similarly offer a no-frills selection of local brews, cocktail staples and a small non-alcoholic selection.

“Nobody will be flipping bottles back there,” says General Manager Jason Horswill. 

While District Larder will offer a range of food and drink options, the star of the show will undoubtedly be the house-made meats, some of them hanging on display inside a huge walk-in fridge now occupying the restaurant’s center. Mortadella, bologna, genoa, calabrese, roast beef, capicola, bacon, and a range of old world sausages and salamis.   

Sperber spent time working at Sean Brock’s Charleston standout Husk prior to assuming the sous chef role at Momofuku CCDC, and knows a thing or two about fancy restaurants. District Larder, he said, is intentionally not that. 

“This is not about foodies coming from across the city,” Sperber said. “It’s about the people who live in the neighborhood. This is a place you can come to once a week, not once a year for date night.”

Those weekly visits will be key for District Larder to survive in Petworth’s tricky retail market. Upshur Street gets busy on weekends but traffic is slow most weekdays. Both of 821 Upshur Street’s immediately prior tenants lasted less than two years (for different reasons: del Barrio closed due to the owner becoming ill, and Social Grill closed from the owner being ill-prepared).

Nevertheless, Sperber said he hopes District Larder will fill a neighborhood niche, whether that’s a charcuterie board for a dinner party, a grab-and-go meal on the way home from work, or a traditional brunch service. He also previewed that he aims to hire staff from the neighborhood, so be on the lookout from job postings. 

“I’ve noticed that Petworth has a little more pride than some other neighborhoods in DC,” Sperber said. “The people who live in this neighborhood are invested in supporting it.” 

 Hours of Operation:

District Larder
821 Upshur Street NW
districtlarder.co

• Deli and Market: Daily, 10am - 6pm

• Restaurant: Evenings, Thursday - Sunday and Brunch Sat-Sun

Your porches will soon host more than snow and ice! 

Petworth PorchFest organizers have announced the 2026 date for the neighborhood-wide music festival: Saturday, May 30th. (The rain date will be Sunday, May 31st). 

Porch music will be from 2-7pm, and there will be amain stage of musicians performing at the Petworth Park at 801 Taylor St NW from 5-8pm. 

Based on community feedback, organizers have moved the date from April to May to reduce the chance of rain (April showers, May flowers, and all that), and have extended the porch music until 7pm to give residents time to see more bands. 

Happily, the DC Council passed the Porchfest Permitting Amendment Act of 2025! It allows residents to host block parties during PorchFest, increasing the opportunity for all to safely enjoy the music and socializing with their neighbors.

Want to Host a Band? Want to Perform?
If you're interested in hosting a band on your porch or being a band to perform, fill out the request form — and share them with your neighbors! (If you want to host on your porch but don’t know a band, organizers can help!) Submissions need to be in by March 15th.

• Register to Host a Band on Your Porch >

• Musician Registration Form >

Volunteer or Sponor
This volunteer-driven neighborhood music festival would not be possible without the participation of community members and the generosity of our sponsors. For those interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer form on our website. For those interested in sponsorship, learn about sponsorship opportunities or contact petworthporchfest@gmail.com.

Here’s to another amazing year of music playing from homes all around the neighborhood!

by Yuliya Panfil

Estilo Jiu Jitsu, a martial arts studio inside the white brick corner building at 770 Park Rd NW, has just entered its fifth year of operation in the neighborhood. What started as a pandemic-era gamble in a local garage by co-owners (and spouses) Luis Pantoja and Sara Fusco, has now grown to a 125-student gym with classes and competition training for kids and adults.

Estilo, which means “style” in both Spanish and Portuguese, opened its doors in December 2021. It hosts classes for kids ages 4 and up on Sundays, and classes for adults, including dedicated women’s classes, most weeknights.  

Reflecting on the gym’s evolution, owner and lead instructor Pantoja stressed Estilo’s technique-focused approach. He says it’s paramount that students learn to be technically proficient, instead of relying solely on strength, athleticism and aggression. 

“We make it about the craft and the art,” Pantoja says. “Our training methods keep ego out of things, and we are getting excellent results. You don't have to be an asshole to be good at something.”

This approach is rooted in Pantoja’s own experience as a third degree black belt who medaled numerous times at the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Pan-American Championships and received a silver medal at the IBJJF World Championships. As a light featherweight fighter, Pantoja always had to prioritize technical proficiency over brute strength, an approach he strives to pass on to students. 

Pantoja grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, watching jiu jitsu on TV but unable to find a local studio. When he emigrated to the United States in 1998, he began training at the Yamasaki Academy in Maryland and Virginia, eventually earning a third degree black belt. In 2004, he was tapped to open the studio’s DC branch, located inside Third Power Gym.

For nearly two decades, Pantoja served as head instructor at Yamasaki Academy DC while Fusco, a documentary filmmaker by day, trained with him and earned a purple belt. Fusco says the mental aspect of jiu jitsu is what drew her to the sport.

“It’s physical chess,” she says. “It’s so dynamic and intensely cerebral.” 

When the COVID pandemic shuttered studios across the District, Pantoja and Fusco put into motion a dream they had discussed over the years: launching their own jiu jitsu gym. 

“We had been dreaming about it for a long time and strangely enough the pandemic presented an opportunity,” Fusco recalls. “There were landlords willing to take a risk on a start-up business, and we were fortunate in that difficult moment for the world to make something positive out of it.”

Estilo offered only adult classes at first but when Pantoja and Fusco’s 7-year old daughter Aila became interested in the sport, they decided to give kids classes a try. Pantoja finds creative ways to coax kids over their nervousness. For example, to teach grappling, he attaches clothespins to the pant legs of their gis (jiu jitsu uniforms) and sets them loose to try to grab pins off their partners. 

Over the years the studio has grown to 125 students. And while this number is nothing to sneeze at, Fusco emphasizes that Estilo intentionally remains small and community-focused. As a woman coming up in a sport that has seen its share of sexual assault scandals, Fusco says it has been a priority that “Everyone on the mat know each other, and that we know everyone’s name.” 

At a particularly challenging time for the District and the neighborhood, Fusco and Pantoja say they hope Estilo can serve as an outlet for the community. 

“We hope that this is a space where during difficult times members can come to train together, sweat together, and be connected,” Fusco says. 

Estilo Jiu Jitsu
770 Park Rd NW #T01
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 499-8541 | Contact

Join Petworth Peanuts for a fun book and winter “carneval” at Hook Hall on February 15th from 2pm to 6pm!

The event is free (though they welcome a $5 per family donation for anyone who is able). All books and puzzles are also FREE — and so is all entertainment!

Family-friendly fun includes:

• Performances by Teatro de la Luna (bilingual)

• Mr. Rob, a Magician, a juggler and more!

• Fun with Tara Hoot! 

• Large soft play area for littles

• Large Bounce House

• Kids games and crafts

• Free shopping bags for the first 300 families! 

• Food and drink specials from Hook Hall

• First-ever Peanuts Gallery art competition, with prizes!

• Submit your work!

Donations can also be brought directly to the event. Please ensure puzzles are taped or bagged.

All surplus books will benefit several area schools and libraries!

Donate books today!

Remembering Petworth resident Chelsey Sokoloff

Born on February 5, 1988, Chelsey lived her life with remarkable strength, grace and passion. She was a loving wife, a remarkable mother, a cherished daughter and sister, and a loyal friend. Her boundless spirit, zest for life, brightest of smiles and deep inner strength left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Chelsey passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at her childhood home in Dublin, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family, after a long and courageous fight with cancer.

Chelsey is survived by her beloved husband, David, and their three children, Aden, Layla and Kennedy, who were the center of her world. She is also survived by her sister Tara, her parents, Bill and Lathes Towns, and many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Throughout her life, Chelsey exemplified courage and love — facing adversity with grace and always placing others before herself. She will be remembered for her joyful energy, unwavering devotion to her family, incredible dancing skills, and the love she shared so freely.

Chelsey is, and will always be, cherished by those who had the good fortune to meet her during her far too-short time on earth.

by Eliza Cava
ANC 4D04 Commissioner
guest contributor

Do you have a great idea for how to help northern Petworth and Brightwood Park be even more amazing than they already are? Then get with an organization and apply for the first round of Community Grants under Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D’s newly revamped grants program!

Grants range from $100 to $2,000, and the first deadline is January 1, 2026! 

Our priorities are: 

• Arts and Cultural Education and Projects   

• Extra-Curricular Educational Activities for Pre-K-12 students   

• Neighborhood Beautification Activities   

• Parks and Recreation Projects   

• Block Parties  

• Public Safety Projects   

• Senior Citizen Programs/Activities   

• Youth/Adult Education Projects 

Organizations like Parent-Teacher Organizations, “Friends of” park groups, local nonprofits, senior centers, neighborhood associations and more are all eligible to apply. If your group is informal, you are welcome to partner with an incorporated group to apply for the grant. For example, a local business may apply on behalf of a neighborhood block party.

There are some other restrictions and limitations on the type of groups that can apply, as all projects must provide “substantial benefit” to ANC 4D and be open to all residents, and projects must not be duplicative of DC government services. Grants cannot fund food or entertainment but can fund equipment rental, marketing and other needs for an event or food distribution activity. 

Some great project ideas could include:

• field trips or arts afterschool programming through a PTO

• community festivals

• park beautification

• youth or anti-gang mentoring programs

• marketing to get the word out about a new local nonprofit program

• and so much more! 

Learn how to apply on the ANC 4D Community Grants website, and get all the details in ANC 4D Community Grant Process and Guidelines.

Email ANC 4D with any questions, and be sure to include the word “grant” in the subject line. 

The rest of our deadlines throughout FY2026 are: 

• January 1, 2026 (for consideration at February public meeting)  

• March 1, 2026 (for consideration at April public meeting)  

• June 1, 2026 (for consideration at July public meeting)  

• September 1, 2026 (for consideration at October public meeting, using FY’2027 funds)  

Visit the ANC 4D Community Grants page to learn more and apply… and pass it on! 

One of Petworth’s fun holiday events returns to this week! The Upshur Street Craft Fair is on Saturday, December 13th, 10am-4pm, bringing a full day of shopping, entertainment and family-friendly fun.

Enjoy free photos with Santa, a curated selection of 25 local artisan booths and festive activities for all ages.

• 🎅 FREE Photos with Santa, at Loyalty Books from 10am to 3pm.

• 🎤 Tap dancers Witz & Smits at 1pm at Mary’s Bar and Grill

• 💃🏻 Teatro de la Luna at 3pm at Mary’s Bar and Grill

• 🎨 Face Painting and an Arts & Crafts Table for kids

• 🎁 High-quality, hyperlocal holiday gifts from local makers

• 🎄 Giveaways from Mrs. Claus by Petworth Peanuts

• 🛍️ Special promotions from neighborhood shops and restaurants along the Upshur Street corridor

🎅 When you come for a photo with Santa, if you can bring donations of diapers, wipes, unopened & unexpired formula and/or kids books in good condition (any age/reading level), Petworth Peantus will donate them to the DC Diaper Bank and the upcoming free Peanuts Book Exchange! 🎅

The Petworth Library will be undergoing some needed renovations starting December 12, 2025. DC Library has provided some information on what to expect:

The Petworth Library will be closed for renovation starting Friday, December 12, 2025. The goal of this renovation is to maintain the existing facility and provide a refresh that will ensure the library continues to meet evolving neighborhood needs.

The last day of service will be Thursday, December 11th. 

Interim services will be located at the Mt. Pleasant Library at 3160 16th Street NW, as well as by US Postal Mail (see below).

About the Renovation
The project will reconfigure the library’s layout and upgrade its systems to better serve the community. The new design thoughtfully and cohesively re-envisions the library’s furniture, finishes, and material palette, along with improved power, data and lighting.

Adult and Youth Services will be located on separate floors. Adult Services will move to the Ground Level, and Teen Services to the Upper Level.

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The renovation will also bring new flooring, wallcoverings, and furniture throughout, along with acoustical panels, improved signage, a new water bottle refill station, window replacements, and an upgraded Building Automation System (BAS) — allows heating and cooling settings to be controlled centrally.

During the closure, Petworth residents who have a temporary or permanent disability, or other health condition can use Library by Mail.

Library by Mail
This is a free service for eligible DC residents to check out library books, DVDs and magazines through the mail. DC residents of all ages who are unable to visit to the library due to a permanent disability (one year or more), temporary disability (up to one year or less), or underlying health conditions are eligible for this service.

How Library by Mail Works
All Materials are mailed in a postage-paid library mailing pouch through the US Postal Service. When you are finished, place the materials back in the same library mailing pouch and turn over the address card. Mail the pouch back through the US Postal Service. You can learn more on the Library by Mail website.

by Jonah Goodman
guest contributor

On July 3, 2025, Leticia McCray called 911 for a family member experiencing a medical emergency. Luckily, Fire and EMS Station #24, the “Pride of Petworth,” is located only two blocks away from Leticia’s home and serves her area of the neighborhood. Help should have been there extremely fast. However, that didn’t happen — the 911 operator mistakenly routed the service call to FEMS Takoma Station #22. Mistakes like this continue to happen with OUC, and are costing precious time, property damage and potentially lives.

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC), the agency that answers and directs responses to 911 calls in DC, made a mistake and entered the wrong address for the Leticia’s emergency. Fire and EMS Station #22 in Takoma was dispatched to an address in their service area — not Leticia’s address. For over 8 minutes, the FEMS crew searched for a person needing help without finding anyone. When they called OUC back and asked them to confirm the address, OUC realized they made a mistake, updated the address and dispatched help from Station #24. Approximately 10 minutes were lost getting help to Leticia. OUC has refused to investigate this mistake.

This error is one of many examples over the years where OUC is aware of their mistake and yet refuse to investigate, despite being required to do so by DC law.

I reached out to Leticia about her 911 call and OUC’s subsequent mistake. While she was surprised to learn there was a dispatch error, she said looking back on the evening she was waiting for a long period of time for someone to arrive. She shared that she intentionally called from a land line instead of her cell phone because she thought it would pinpoint her exact location.

If the OUC investigates their mistakes as opportunities for improvement, then when mistakes happen, and they will, they can be fixed and addressed going forward. The DC Council provided legislation to allow OUC to investigate itself when they make mistakes responding to 911 calls. In fact, OUC publishes data about their calls, including mistakes, on their own website dashboard. If you look at the bottom of the dashboard for the July 3rd mistake… you won’t see it. It is one of dozens of mistakes in 2025 that are known to have occurred and are missing from the OUC dashboard.

OUC is facing pressure to make changes after the Mayor demoted and fired Cleo Subido, the former Director who raised concerns about OUC, and who then filed a whistleblower lawsuit in 2023. Subido’s lawsuit claims the District “repeatedly sought to conceal errors and mismanagement by OUC and to downplay serious, life-threatening — and often fatal — mistakes.” 

One manner in which OUC hides mistakes is through an internal policy that requires the original 911 caller to know OUC made a mistake and report it. If anyone else reports the mistake, OUC won’t investigate. The original caller’s phone number is a requirement for investigation submission, otherwise they consider reports of mistakes as “general feedback.” Hypothetically, if you are a bystander and call 911 to help a neighbor in need, you would need to review 911 call recordings to find out if OUC made a dispatch error. Then you would need to know OUC has a specific form on their website as the only means to file an investigation request. In the July 3rd incident, Leticia didn’t even know there was a mistake until I reached out to her for this article.

Dave Statter, who investigates 911 mistakes, sent OUC a report of the July 3 error. He posted the audio recording of OUC dispatching the call to the wrong address and the FEMS radio traffic telling OUC about the mistake. OUC ignored his report because he didn’t know the original caller’s phone number. This is the second time OUC was made aware they made a mistake in this case.

I asked Leticia her thoughts on OUC deciding to not investigate when Mr. Statter and I both reported the mistake. “That’s a ridiculous rule,” she said. “Anyone who catches the mistake should be able to say something is amiss and have them look into it. This is a 911 system for medical emergencies. If you botched this anywhere does it matter who reports it? How are we supposed to even know how to report it?”

When I asked Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee with oversight of OUC, about this July 3rd issue, she said OUC told her staff they don’t have records of it. This is the third time OUC is made aware of the mistake; however, OUC told Pinto’s staff they consider the case closed.

We followed up with a FOIA request for the report, sharing OUC’s automated confirmation that a report was submitted. This is the fourth time OUC was made aware of the mistake. Yet OUC won’t comply with the FOIA request, responding that all mistakes are listed publicly on the OUC dashboard. This is how OUC errors end up in a cycle of denying they happened, and OUC underreporting their own mistakes.

There are solutions to this cycle:

• Whenever OUC changes an address in their dispatch notes, it should trigger a review to determine if there was a mistake. If a mistake was made, it should be tracked on the OUC dashboard and reviewed for process improvement. Some changes are always necessary, so there should be a fast way to triage these.

• Whenever OUC receives information about a mistake, through any channel, they should be compelled by law to review them.

• The DC Auditor should review reported mistakes against what OUC publishes to understand how many mistakes OUC is possibly underreporting and the process improvements to address them. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C in Petworth and 3C in Cleveland Park have both passed letters requesting OUC follow this process, given how widespread this issue is across the District.

Councilmember Pinto backed OUC’s decision to not investigate all known reports of mistakes, saying it would be resource-intensive for OUC to look up calls with only time of incident, data and address.

Leticia sees it differently, “We are your most important resources. If there is a mistake that causes harm or loss of life because of a mistake going to a wrong address and they didn't get there in a timely manner, then what? The blood is on your hands because you didn’t want to waste resources. What are you going to say to the family of that person? It wasn’t worth the extra money.”

Other Councilmembers, including Chairperson Phil Mendelson, have said OUC regularly investigates mistakes Councilmembers send with less details and doesn’t understand why a phone number would be required. 

Last year Councilmember Brianne Nadeau tried to introduce legislation that would allow DC Fire and EMS to take over dispatching calls for their units, given how often OUC was making mistakes. The legislation was sent to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. Ultimately Councilmember Pinto refused to schedule a hearing on the proposed legislation. 

I reached out to Councilmember Pinto for a comment on the July 3rd case and OUC’s practice of not investigating reports of mistakes if the original caller’s number is not known. Pinto did not respond.

The OUC’s mistakes continue. As recently as November 12, 2025, OUC sent FEMS response crews to the wrong address at 13th and Upshur North East… for an emergency call at Roosevelt High School in North West DC, here in Petworth.

Recording of 911 call between OUC and FEMS trying to determine location of emergency. (credit: Dave Statter, @STATter911)

Looking forward, the DC Council and Chairperson Mendelson, who assigns committees, needs to take a harder look at why OUC reforms are not moving forward and why 911 calls continue to have issues after so many years. Unfortunately, it’s not hyperbole to say your life may depend on it.

Jonah Goodman is a Petworth resident and former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

It’s getting scary around here, and not just ‘cause we live in this new dystopian version of DC!

Bring the family out for a howling good time at the 5th Annual Sherman Circle Spooktacular on Sunday, October 26th from 3-7pm! It’s a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration for the entire Petworth community, hosted by Petworth Peanuts and ANC 4D! There’s even a cool costume contest at 6pm!

Enjoy free live entertainment featuring Teatro de la Luna, Inspired Dance Collective, Tara Hoot, WowWheelz, Mr. Rob and others, along with comedy magic from Captain Allstar, a STEM booth from Lotts of Luv, and native dancing from Chief Miss Rocka!

There’s a fun costume contest at 6pm — bring your A-Team, I mean, A-game and you could win a great prize with the best costume!

Some of the other activities include:

• Balloon artists & face painters

• Fire performance by Chris Taylor

• Juggling by Daniel Riker

• A soft play / quiet zone for little ones

• Arts and crafts stations

• Metro Spookybus & DCFD Fire Engine (pending callouts)

• Tons of candy, giveaways and surprises

• Costume contest with gift card prizes!

Wear your costumes and get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and community fun!

Thanks to all the sponsors who helped make this event happen!

by Janeese Lewis George
Ward 4 Councilmember

School should be a safe place for all children to learn. But over the last few months, many Ward 4 children at schools such as John Lewis Elementary School, E.L. Haynes, and DC Bilingual have learned a much more painful lesson instead. 

Students in the District have personally witnessed forceful, racially-motivated immigration arrests – detentions that occurred just steps away from their school grounds during arrival or dismissal while children screamed in fear.  

Over the past few weeks, dismayed school leaders, families and neighbors have reached out to my office to report that MPD officers accompanied federal immigration agents making these arrests: 

• During an arrest outside of DC Bilingual Public Charter School, the Parent, Staff and Community Organization reported that “young students who witnessed the police action were reduced to tears, asking if they too would be ‘taken away.’” 

• Outside of E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, school staff had to “help [a] former student and ensure their safety, resulting in one staff member being pushed by an agent.” 

• The CEO of DC Bilingual Public Charter School reported that an MPD officer threatened her with arrest for First Amendment activity, and that a second MPD officer “remarked caustically to alarmed bystanders: ‘If you have such a problem with us, don’t call 911 next time.’” 

• The DC Charter School Alliance has reported that these incidents “have created a climate of fear for many District residents—especially our black and brown children.”  

The majority of immigration arrests in DC have targeted family, friends, and neighbors without any criminal conviction. In the course of these arrests, residents have witnessed disturbing violations of immigrants’ civil liberties and due process rights – with agents seemingly carrying out arrests solely on basis of race than for probable cause. 

MPD’s coordination with federal immigration law enforcement is a violation of our trust and strikes a devastating blow to the trust and accountability between police and the communities they serve. It flies in the face of the sanctuary values we’ve adopted as a city and the overwhelming local opposition to the federal surge in immigration enforcement.  

 I’ve called repeatedly for a hearing on MPD and federal coordination, and for an end to immigration enforcement activity near sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and places of worship. DC residents deserve and demand transparency on the extent to which MPD is required to support the federal government in its unlawful, anti-immigrant campaign that has terrorized families across the District. 

Now is the time to reach out to DC’s leaders to demand they do more to protect public safety for all in our city: 

• Reach out to Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Brooke Pinto to demand they hold a hearing on MPD and federal coordination.  

• Email Mayor Bowser and demand that she issue a new mayoral order that permits federal coordination only to the extent necessary – rather than requiring coordination “to the maximum extend allowable by law.” 

Signs have popped up across the city to mark where our neighbors have been taken: “ICE kidnapping happened here.” Every one of these signs marks the loss of someone’s neighbor, someone’s loved one, someone’s friend. Each sign marks yet another step in the march toward authoritarianism.  

Our police force must prioritize our community needs – not the cruel agenda of a federal administration determined to tear immigrant families apart. DC residents deserve answers on the extent to which coordination is happening with taxpayer resources. 

10/30 Edit: An arrest occurred at DC Bilingual Public Charter School, not John Lewis Elementary School.

by Cameron Walpole
President Lincoln’s Cottage

It’s hard to believe that fall is upon us! The leaves are changing color at the Cottage and we’re in the mood for some fun fall programs!  

Next week is Fall Break for DCPS, and we have some special offerings in honor of Tad Lincoln, who lived at the Cottage, explored the grounds, learned from the Bucktail soldiers, and played games with his famous father. 

• Fall Break Family Tours of the Cottage (October 9-13th daily at noon)

• Rocknoceros Concert (Friday, October 10th at 11am)

• Self-guided landscape tours of Lincoln’s Wild Home (available 9:30am-4:30pm, purchase tickets and pick up maps at the front desk of the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center)

• Complimentary lawn games on the South Lawn (available 9:30am-4:30pm, check out games at the front desk of the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center)

• Crafting for Connection (Open 9:30am-4:30pm at the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center) (free)

• Bring your own lunch to the picnic area behind the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center (or bring a picnic lunch and a blanket to the South Lawn)

We hope to see you here with your young Lincoln fans!

Note: President Lincoln’s Cottage remains open to the public during the government shutdown.

This is kind of a big dill! 🥒 There’s a new festival in the area celebrating all the briney goodness that’s sure to not leave you sour!

The first annual DC Pickle Bash celebrates all things pickle in a vibrant festival that brings together pickle enthusiasts on October 4th from 10am to 5pm at 7350 Georgia Avenue NW. Come out to enjoy the DMV’s best pickle makers, pickle games, pickle art, pickle crafts and — of course — pickle food and drink. Plus, there’s a fun “Dill Disco” After Party (21 and up) from 7pm-9pm.

Enter for a chance to win All Access tickets and a pass to the After Party! ▸

DC Pickle Bash is organized by Merry Pin, DC’s local craft store, cafe and community space offering products for hobby crafters. 

Activities in the Block Party Zone on Geranium Street NW with free activities for kids and families, including a pickle-making competition, coloring contest, free face-painting, a pickle and spoon race, pickle story times and more. An All-Access Pickle Pass gets you access to exclusive pickle-themed craft stations, discounts, an all-you-can-eat pickle bar and more!

Enter for a chance to win All Access tickets and a pass to the After Party! ▸

Block party on Geranium includes:

• Pickle Makers & Local Artisans: Shop local pickles (and cast your vote for DMV’s Best Pickle) and pickle-themed goods

• Pickle Making Competition: Put your pickle-making skills to the test in our state fair-style pickle making competition.

• Four craft stations: Make-your-own pickle button/pin, jar label hand-lettering station, recycled fabric jar cozies, and paint-a-pickle ceramic ornaments. Passholders only.

• Free Kids’ Activities: A day full of fun for kids and families, including story time, free face painting, pickle & spoon race, pickle eating contest (ages 6-12), and a pickle coloring contest. 

• All-You-Can-Eat Pickle Bar: Passholders have access to an all-you-can-eat pickle bar, discounts on exclusive pickle merch, and more.

• DC Dill Disco: Join us for the official after party–the Dill Disco! Featuring Live DJ and dancing, a costume contest, drink specials, pickle diamond painting station, a photo booth, and 10pm pickle ball drop. Themed attire encouraged. $25 tickets if purchased in advance ($35 at the door). 

An All-Access Pickle Pass is available to purchase, and gives attendees next-level fun, like an all-you-can-eat pickle bar, 4 pickle arts-and-crafts stations, discounts on pickle merch and more. Plus, you can enter for a chance to win 2 All Access Passes, compliments of Merry Pin and Petworth News!

They will also have some fun social media shenanigans happening on the DC Pickle Bash Instagram (@DCPickleBash). 

The Parks at Walter Reed are always putting on great community events, and have recently announced new ones coming up. Their popular jazz series gets two new dates, along with new somatic movement and zumba classes. And they’re doing a cool live podcast event featuring National Geographic Kids “Greeking Out” podcast! 

NEW on the Great Lawn (1301 Main Drive NW): 

Their final Jazz in The Parks concerts have new dates. Bring a picnic, enjoy local food trucks, and experience the region's award-winning musicians: 

• Saturday, Sept. 20, 5-8 pm: Featuring singer-songwriter Rochelle Rice of the acclaimed groups Sweet Honey in the Rock and bēheld, along with beloved kids opener Mr. Rob. 

• Saturday, Oct. 4, 4-7 pm: Featuring the Blues Alley Youth Quartet and Herm Hopkins — don’t miss this unique partnership.

Nat Geo Kids Greeking Out: Join your favorite Greeking Out team Kenny and Jillian for a live podcast event! Meet the podcasters and attend a 45-minute live session with Kenny and the Oracle of Wifi. Come dressed as your favorite character from Greek mythology. Expect yummy vendors on the gorgeous Great Lawn. Plus, you can pick up a copy of their new book, Tales From the Underworld, after the show.

• Sunday, Oct. 26, 4-6 pm, FREE; RSVP on EventBrite. 

Upcoming Events: 

Somatic Movement (New): Join Coach Kay for a Somatic Movement class on Tuesday evenings this fall. Coach Kay uses basic dance movements, stretching and restorative yoga poses to release the stress and tension in the body. Adaptable for all body types (and bring a chair if you have mobility issues).

• Tuesdays through Oct. 10, $10 per class, 6:30-7:30 pm, NEW location at the Marketplace Plaza, 7175 12th Street NW

Zumba Saturday Classes (New): Join One Rule Dance on the Plaza on Saturday mornings at 9 am for an easy-to-follow dance routine that gets your blood pumping. These 45 minute classes are designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, so dance your heart out (and bring your water bottle).

• Every Saturday in September (13, 20, 27), 9 am – 9:45 am, $10 per class, Marketplace Plaza, 7175 12th Street NW

Yoga through Sept. 28: Yoga Heights presents $10 biweekly yoga on Sunday mornings and Thursdays evenings on the gorgeous, green Great Lawn.

Through Sept. 28: DJ Rick G hand dancing events at The Parks have been packed all summer. Don't miss this last opportunity for an all-ages, all-abilities hand dancing event while Rick plays Motown classics, soul and R&B from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Come early and Rick will walk you through the steps!

• Sept. 28, 3-7 pm, Marketplace Plaza at 7175 12th Street NW

Festivals & Happy Hours

October 10th: Our final Happy Hour of the season is a great opportunity to listen to your favorite local DC tunes, from the unmistakable bounce of GoGo legends like Chuck Brown and Rare Essence to the smooth soul of Marvin Gaye and the edgy punk of the 9:30 Club era. This event pays tribute to the rich and diverse musical heritage of DC

• Oct. 10, 5:30-7:30pm, Marketplace Plaza, 7175 12th Street NW.

October 19, 12-5 pm: Mark your calendars for Vintage & Vinyl festival at the Marketplace Plaza.

November 15, 12-5 pm: the Holiday Market at the Marketplace Plaza.

Want to know more? Visit theparksdc.com for full details on each event or follow us on Instagram @TheParksDC and Facebook @TheParksDC.

by Rebecca Kilborne
President Lincoln’s Cottage

We would be delighted to see you all on September 20th from 10am-3pm for our annual Homecoming event, free for the whole community.

The Cottage is famous for being the place where President Lincoln crafted the Emancipation Proclamation, but it was also a family home where the Lincoln family spent quality time together, enjoyed the grounds, and delighted in the company of friends, neighbors and a host of pets (including horses and two goats). Homecoming honors this history.

The day’s activities aim to encourage self-expression, brave ideas, connection, and empathy in our young people (and their caregivers too!). The offerings are also inspired by Lincoln’s youngest son Tad’s favorite Cottage activities: pony rides, playing with animals (there will be a petting zoo), games on the lawn (including checkers, Tad’s favorite), and listening to stories.

There will be hat-making and other crafts including hands-on preservation activities led by our Director of Preservation, Jeff Larry. In addition, Kidsinger Jim will return with his puppet show to provide music and entertainment and share his message of caring for the community.

“The day’s activities have been planned to encourage empathy and belonging for visitors of all ages and experiences as we approach America’s 250th birthday in July,” explained CEO and Executive Director Callie Hawkins. “We can’t wait to welcome our Petworth neighbors to enjoy the Cottage as a family home just like the Lincolns did all those years ago.”

Homecoming admission and activities are free of charge, with food available for purchase at local food trucks.

If you wish to see the inside of the Cottage, in addition to the Homecoming activities throughout the day, we have our guided tours available with the purchase of a ticket. These sell out quickly, so advanced purchase is strongly recommended. There will be a final tour at 2pm, and the complimentary Homecoming festivities will wrap up at 3pm.

More information and a link to FREE tickets can be found on our website!

Volunteers Needed!

We are also looking for volunteers if you are looking for a fun way to support the Petworth community. Email volunteers@lincolncottage.org to assist with pony rides, crafts and more fun activities.

Art All Night returns to Petworth on Friday, September 12th. There will be events happening all around the area, from Georgia Avenue the 800 block of Upshur Street up to Kennedy Street and down 14th Street.

The events kicks off with the Petworth Peanuts Kid Zone at the park on 9th Street and Georgia Avenue NWfrom 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Come out for free kids' art activities and a live performance by Teatro de la Luna at 5:00 PM.

Head out around the neighborhoods from 5pm to midnight to enjoy a ton of live music, live artwork and murals, dancing, great deals on food, a fashion show and much more. It’s a great way to get out and walk along Upshur Street, Georgia Avenue, 14th Street, Kennedy Street and more.

Check out the full list of events on this Google Map.

]]>Art All Night paints the town red on Friday, September 12th!