The Metro Late ShiftDear Neighbors: I may have confused some readers last issue. That was Carl Bergman’s biography last time, not mine. (Remember, Jeff does the weekend shift and Carl kicks the "zine" out during the week. Think of me as Scott Simon and Carl as Robert Seigel.) I thought entitling the issue "The Bergman Bio" would suffice. But apparently some of you were confused. For your information, I’m not as old or wise as Carl. See my other comments in this issue. ////\\\\\////\\\\////\\\\\/////\\\\ Also free! dc.movie: Free movie passes, short movie reviews, and movie discussion. Send an email message to story@intr.net to subscribe. Cheers, '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Metro Budget Larry Seftor comments that the Paris Metro provides much more service that DC’s system for 80 cents a ride. It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of service and the price of service are two entirely different things. One of the more interesting topics in economics is that of "natural monopolies," enterprises that because of their enormous fixed costs cannot be operated profitably or even at a break-even at the point where supply and demand are in balance and overall utility is maximized. Mass transit falls into this category, and that’s why pretty much every transit system in the world requires tax dollars as well as fare dollars to operate. If the Paris Metro is providing fabulous service, it’s because the government of Paris or France is putting money into it. Asking where the money is going to come from for service increases is a fair question and one that needs to be explored before anything is done, and it’s far more complex that offhand or back-of-the-envelope analysis. Not that it shouldn’t be considered; but if no one is going to pony up the tax dollars to pay for it, extending the hours is just going to stretch the system further and result in overall degradation of service, safety, and cleanliness. (That’s why I’m so skeptical about the proposed Dulles rail link; a nice idea, but before it gets built someone needs to figure out how to pay for its ongoing operation.) **** Metro Closing Hours According to a study I read a few years ago, subway systems sustain the highest amount of vandalism between the hours of 12 AM and 2 AM — so extending the hours would require a massive increase in the repair and replacement budget. I agree that it makes social sense to have Metro stop running at the same hour of last call… but fiscally, it doesn’t work that well. (Although Metro would probably be justified in charging an after-midnight surcharge, since the taxi alternative is more expensive.) **** Agree with the Sound Response to the Quick, Negative Criticism to the Idea of Increasing Metro Hours [Message removed at the request of the writer] **** Snow Funds and Recycling A word on these so-called "unspent" snow removal funds that have been mentioned in several posting. It is my understanding that much of the funds were spent on things like leasing of vehicles (these costs have to be paid whether or not it actually snows). As for using those funds to resume recycling, recycling will resume in the nest fiscal year (October 1). The Council put money in the budget for it and the control board did not remove it in their review. In the meantime, if residents can have their recycling picked up at the curb by Eagle (the company that had the contract before it was suspended) for $5 a month. The company does request that neighbors try to organize their block into one payment for the company. If anyone is interested, you can call 291-0200 to find out more details. **** Car Registration My registration also needs to be renewed this month. I received a renewal notice in the mail, sent in my check for registration and parking, and received my new stickers within 2 weeks. I called the DMV last night and they had a really good voice mail system from which I got all the info on the inspection stations that I needed. The number is 727 6680. It includes info on drivers licenses, registration, inspection, etc. **** The Precipitating Event In response to Stephanie’s comment about 5 inches of rain in her rain gauge, I can report that we had about 3.65" on Capitol Hill, with 2.73" falling before midnight on Sunday and the rest falling on the 26th. Channel 4 has a Doppler map of accumulated rainfall over the weekend on their web site (http://wxnet4.nbc4.com/) under the StormTrack4 section. It shows great variation across the region with most locations inside D.C.’s borders hitting the jackpot. Overall, an interesting weekend, weather wise. Along with Stephanie, I also recommend a rain gauge for endless enjoyment as well as a good max/min thermometer. **** Thank You, Ms. Stephanie...Faul I thought I was in a space warp Sunday evening of Memorial Day Weekend. I was driving West into Washington from Annapolis (South Dakota Ave., Missouri Ave., and Military Rd.). Your rain gauge confirms that I was not driving through several miles worth of five inch deep, torrential, "fair and warmer" .That was a lot of rain! And all the news folks had to say was that there was some pip squeak tornado somewhere in Va. Next morning they would add, "Oh, by-the-way, Beach Drive and Rock Creek Parkway are closed because we can’t find them. Have a nice day" .Think I’ll visit John Hechinger and pick up a rain gauge. Hay!!! If we can get fair, honest weather reporting from the big media.… then maybe, sports, local politics, ......… who knows! **** AU Law School UpdateEd T. Barron edtb@aol.com It has been a full school year since the Law School at 4801 Mass. Ave opened its doors to students. The initial problems with street parking were addressed by the university and the policies enforced have been completely successful. Students either park in the underground garage or they take the shuttle bus. The outside landscaping has been improved and the place looks pretty good. One would have to say that the law school is a good neighbor in the community. The merchants seem to be prospering, especially CVS, Starbucks, and Chicken Out. Even Sutton Place Gourmet (where you need to see a loan officer before they will let you use a shopping cart) seems to have garnered some additional business. The open space in front of the building could be dramatically improved with the addition of some very large round planters with small trees and flowers in them. Perhaps some benches attached to the round brick planters would give the front a sort of park atmosphere. AU is doing a good job in the neighborhood. **** Parking Fun Joan Eisenstadt comments that a one-permit-per-household system would improve parking, but that it might be "a nightmare to monitor." Well, more than a nightmare: downright unfair to many renters, whom Eisenstadt blames for parking woes, but who are often DC residents paying DC income tax and, through their rent dollars, DC property taxes. I live in a 2-car household with 2 vehicles (and soon a motorcycle). Now, only one of those vehicles is parked on the street… but that’s because I commute to Virginia and being able to come and go easily is more a necessity than a luxury. What about three or four roommates living together? They shouldn’t be able to park in resident parking, despite being city residents? I would have no problem with one permit per person — in my case, having a car and a bike is a luxury, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable that I might not get free unrestricted parking rights for both. And I think getting rid of two-hours-for-nonresidents and making resident zones residents parking only, period, is worth a look. But Eisenstadt’s idea is just a way to slam DC residents who don’t have the money to live alone. **** Residential Parking Permits Surely you jest! The majority of homes in DC are two-car at least, with 2 working adults in the home. You’ve probably already exceeded the street capacity right there, since most townhouses are one car-width. When the teenager comes of driving age, are you going to tell that homeowner that the kid can’t park his car on his own block? Neighbors need to work together to solve problems — the government doesn’t need any more involvement in our domestic issues than it already has. If specific neighbors have parking spaces and/or garages in the alley, get them to use them. If someone throws a party, suggest that they identify a nearby lot not in use during that time. Etc., etc. I don’t mind the "every parker for him/herself" routine. It’s part of life in the big city. If it’s too much of a hassle, ditch the car and use public transportation. Hey, it’s not as bad as NYC, where an open spot is as good as gold and is held onto for weeks at a time whenever possible! **** People in the News Frequent poster Art Spitzer was quoted in the Post 5/29/97 article "You take our goods, we take your mug" (D1). The article was about the Capitol Supermarket in North West taking photographs of people caught shoplifting. Mr. Spitzer was identified as the legal director of the National Capital Area of the American Civil Liberties Union. He said this practice was okay, as long as they didn’t discriminate. It’s an interesting article. I know there’s a dry cleaners in Georgetown that posts photos of customers and tries to match them up. Maybe that’s the next step! **** Leo Redux? I don’t write much, not because I have nothing to complain about, but because I *try* to follow the philosophy of not complaining except to someone who can do something about it. I also access my email only at work, so I’m not really comfortable taking a lot of time drafting responses while I’m being paid to do something else. What I really want to know today is when are they going to put the lions back on top of the stands at either end of the Connecticut Ave. bridge coming into Woodley Park? (That’s a question, not a complaint… :) **** ‘Ezine or be ‘Zine?Bob Kulawiec kulawiecr@guvax.georgetown.edu I agreed heartily with the correspondent who praised both the old Northwest Side Story and the current dc.story. I moved from Woodley Park to Georgetown in August ‘95, and really missed your print ‘zine .Although I am now an avid reader of the electronic version, I do miss the great cartoons (who was your cartoonist? and where can I see his/her work?). [Shelly Fischman is the great cartoonist to whom you refer. You can drop him a line at sfischma@wo0033wp.wo.blm.gov. He is, among other things, a cartoonist for Federal Government. We still collaborate but rarely with pen and ink. It’s a pity. I enjoyed working with such a creative soul. I also miss the Northwest Side Story...well, most aspects of it. But it was a foolish enterprise. Though I sensed it was widely read, I hoped there would be more community support for advertisers. There wasn’t enough, many advertisers didn’t pay their bills, I ran out of money, and had to stop. End of sob story. End of Story. Jeff] This year my wife and I took the great plunge (fools or just incurable optimists?) and became DC homeowners (we moved to Chevy Chase/Barnaby Woods last week). I can attest to the fact that the real estate market seems to be picking up. When we were looking at houses in late March/early April, we saw nice colonials in AU Park come on the market and get snapped up *within hours*. It was scary (but reassuring). Speaking of the tribulations of new homeowners. . . the previous owners of our house apparently weren’t that interested in matters horticultural, and now I find myself the proud owner of a thickly overgrown temperate rain forest. I can’t even begin to think about what to put in (the front and back yards, that is) until I hack out the better part of the jungle currently there. Which leads me to ask: can anyone recommend a good, honest but inexpensive gardener, who might be willing to spend some time removing the excess herbage, for a modest fee? In response to Bonny Cochran’s query, we used Joe Moholland Movers Inc. for our recent move, and they were just great: prompt, careful, professional, polite, and reasonably priced. They are in the DC, VA and MD phone books. Finally, her humble, Lincolnesque (and obviously tongue-in-cheek) bio notwithstanding, I’d like to chime in with a little info on the renowned Ms. Faul (although she’ll probably kill me for doing so. . .) Steph and I have been friends for a few years now; she is the public relations director of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a published (and award-winning) author, and one of the most witty and erudite people you’ll meet. We’re lucky to have her as a frequent contributor. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.queries Seeking Portrait Photographer Need to have new business photos taken — b&w and color and am looking for a good photographer, preferably on the Hill but .. will take someone in DC. Ideas? Please email to me! Joan Eisenstodt jeisen@aol.com *** Computer Purchase I’ve taken on the task of independently learning about computers to make my next purchase as an informed consumer. I’m now at the stage of submitting my specs to vendors for their cost estimates. I’ve found that Computer Gurus love to share in this process. If any of you are interested in reviewing my specs and giving your opinion on parts, cost, or vendors email me before Tuesday June 3rd. Patricia Williams pwilliams@juno.com '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.events Screening of The Last Frog 25 June 1997. 7:30 p.m. Screening and discussion. Education Building. National Zoo. Enter at Connecticut Ave. Park in Lot A. Free, but please RSVP by calling (202) 673-4801 or sending e-mail to nzpem053@sivm.si.edu. What is a summer evening without the peeps and chirps of frogs drifting through the velvet night? In recent years, the evening chorus has lost many voices as the population of frogs has precipitously declined. Learn why at a preview of The Last Frog, a video to be aired on Turner Broadcasting later in June. A panel discussion follows the screening. Participants include Ron Heyer, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and member of The Vanishing Amphibian Task Force, and Allison Argo, producer, writer, and director of The Last Frog. Margie Gibson NZPEM053@SIVM.SI.EDU Office of Public Affairs, National Zoo Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 673-4866, FAX (202) 673-4607 '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.market Car For Sale Silver 86 Honda Accord DX - 2 dr hatchback. 5-speed manual. Air Conditioning. Power steering/brakes. AM/FM/Cassette. 135K miles. Reliable. One owner. New in 96: battery, brakes, CV boot. New in 95: tires, radiator, freon. $2400 or best offer. Wk# = 301.496.7900 Hm# = 202.362.8205 Calvin Eigsti ceigsti@nih.gov **** Basement Room Available For The Summer Furnished, comfortable basement room available for the summer in a group house near Connecticut and Davenport. Room has cable TV and a.c.; semi-private bathroom. Asking $800 (incl.) for the summer. Paul Penniman unclepaul@aol.com **** U.S. Open Golf Tickets My friend and I have two passes for the week, and I know we won’t be going every day, particularly the practice rounds. If you are interested, e-mail me, and please leave your phone number. Paul Penniman unclepaul@aol.com **** Stroller Wanted, Car Stereo For Sale I’m looking for a used jogging stroller, either single or double. Also, I have for sale a great JVC AM-FM cassette car stereo (25 watts/channel, 18 radio channel presets) with removable face plate. Like new. (It became expendable when a tree fell on my old car.) Retailed new for $249, I will sell it for $100 or best offer. w) 202-482-1984, h) 202-362-1372. Phil Greene pgreene@doc.gov **** Computers Buying one shouldn’t be so scary. Setting one up shouldn’t be so scary. Getting on the Internet shouldn’t be so scary. Jeffrey Itell Story@intr.net 202.244.4163 ================= dc.story is a discussion group. The opinions stated are the sole responsibility of the authors. dc.story does not verify the information provided by readers. |
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