Good Ideas
Dear Deep Thinkers:
Since no single hot button topic dominates this issue, I'll take this
chance to repeat my earlier request for good ideas for running the schools in DC. That
well ain't run dry yet, never mind the drought. It may well be that a major change in the
way we run District schools will happen in the next few months, and it could well be
something we don't want to happen. The temporary Band-Aid that has been put over the
divisions in the Board of Education may or may not stick. The Appleseed report on school
governance is due next month; Councilmember Kevin Chavous has scheduled a major Council
Committee hearing on schools for nearly every week beginning in September, and several
major players are saying that the best way to run the schools is to let the experts handle
it, without all that noisy and messy interference from parents and other citizens. Whether
you participate in the forum on school governance listed below in the classifieds, fax
your Councilmembers, badger the Mayor, picket the Control Board, or simply write to
themail, it's a case of speak now or forever regret not having spoken now.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Impersonating RFK?
Tony Ross, tr@mage.com
Some of you may have heard of a movie currently in production called
“The Replacements.” It's apparently a comedy based on our very own 1987
Washington Redskins. The imdb plot summary says, “A comedy based on the 1987
professional football players' strike. Gene Hackman plays the coach of the team, Jack
Warden is the owner, Brett Cullen is the All-Pro quarterback that goes on strike and Keanu
Reeves is the 'scab' who replaces the star QB.”
Now, can someone please explain to me why they are shooting in the Ravens
stadium this weekend, instead of RFK? Is this another case of the Stadium Authority (or
whatever they're called) dropping the ball? First we lose the World Cup to “the
Jack,” now the purple seats of PieNet (or whatever) stadium in Baltimore is supposed
to double for RFK? Anyone know the real story here?
[The imdb is the Internet Movie Database, imdb.com — Gary Imhoff]
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Although I live in Friendship Heights near many commercial enterprises, my
street is residential and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't mind the woman down the
block who runs a business out of her house, since she works outside the house, only
administering the business at home. (After all, many of us occasionally work at home.) And
I don't have too much trouble with the people two doors down who run a business in the
back part of the house where they live. Apart from an occasional FedEx truck blocking the
street in front of their house, they are also not much of a problem. However, I do have
trouble with the guy that has moved in next door and has two employees show up each
morning to work with him in his house. That I feel is going over the line. My question is,
what can I do? Who in the D.C. government can/will respond to such zoning violations? Any
suggestions would be much appreciated.
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Does anyone know the progress of the American University law professor who
is helping D.C. obtain a voting senator or senators? The district must have voting rights
if it wants to be taken seriously and not be treated as a child.
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Not That Statehood Theme Again
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
John Whiteside is unhappy with the Governor of VA and would rather see
Tony Williams as the Governor of a state which combines D.C., Montgomery County and
Arlington. What an absurdity. The District cannot organize and manage itself, much less a
larger domain. And just guess who would likely be one of our Senators, none other than
Jesse (“He don't wanta move nuthin 'cept his mouth” — Marion Barry)
Jackson. And Hizzoner “mayor for life” Barry would probably be our other
Senator. Let first things be first. If the District can somehow, in the next millennium,
become an efficient and effective community then we should talk about representation in
the Congress of the U.S. We have not earned the right to genuine representation yet.
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Mark [Richards] is right. Home rule was stripped from the District for a
lot of reasons; Shepherd's “corruption” (even IF that's an accurate word for it)
was just a convenient excuse, and Lessoff makes it quite clear in his excellent history
that Shepherd was accomplishing what both a majority in Congress and the a majority of the
local power community wanted done. And the stripping didn't start in response to Shepherd,
by any means. During the Civil War, power was taken from the Mayor of Washington and even
taken from the local FEDERAL courts out of fears that the Mayor and chief judge were
southern sympathizers. No evidence of such sympathies was ever produced, but Congress and
the Lincoln administration didn't hesitate to strip the power.
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In Response to Garrison School Question
Jessica Vallette, jessica0303@hotmail.com
While I appreciate the status report, I remain a very distraught neighbor
of the school because Vermont Avenue Baptist Church goers continue to pay
(“donate”) a meager amount of money to park and ruin the efforts of the school's
benefactor. I talked with a woman who is somehow associated with the Church last Sunday,
and she felt that they had a right to ruin one of the very few areas in the entire
neighborhood that could be green if it wasn't interfered with by her parishioner parking.
I don't mean to pick a fight with the church but, her argument, “we
give donations to the school,” does not address the fact that she is helping to push
young families away from our neighborhood because the local elementary school boasts a
dirt parking lot instead of a green field where the kids could play ball. Yes, her
parishioners have a right to worship, but not at the expense of our neighborhood's
children (and dogs, and other people who would like to use the field for other kinds of
worship, e.g. softball). The church should study where its parishioner are coming from
(Maryland and Virginia) and set up a shuttle service from the U St./Cardozo Metro and
neighborhoods where the elderly live to accommodate their transportation needs.
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Metro Traffic Reports
Jim Farley, Vice President, News & Programming, WTOP Radio, JTFnews@aol.com
[Larry Seftor wrote about Metrorail traffic reports on radio, and said
that it would be more useful to give information about whether parking was still available
at Metro stations.]
If Metro were to provide the information about available parking spaces,
we would gladly report it. But you should know that reporting delays in a timely fashion
is no “publicity ploy” on the part of Metro. For three years, WTOP News Director
Michelle Dolge has been banging on the Metro door, pleading, cajoling and demanding that
information in a timely fashion. Prior to this, the information was NOT provided. Metro
has committed to a 90 day trial period. If you want this information continued, Metro
needs to hear from riders that it is an important service.
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Re: the person who said that the old city hall with the statue of Lincoln
in front was now a federal building: please be reassured that the building is under the
control of the D.C. (local) court system and is in use for Superior Court and D.C. Court
of Appeals. Plans have been made for renovating this wonderful building to historic
standards and to use it entirely for the D.C. Court of Appeals, allowing Superior Court
functions to be consolidated in the main court building.
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In reference to Bill Rice's notes about how the Department of Public Works
has the Boss Shepherd statue safe behind a chain link fence. Whatever happened to the
beautiful lions for the Taft bridge going over Connecticut? Weren't they also in the care
of the Department of Public Works in the 3rd Street tunnel in crates, since 1993?
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More on Teacher Certification
Anne Herr, HerrAnne@aol.com
What seems to be missing from the discussion of teacher certification is
the notion that rules and policies can be FLEXIBLE. Requiring certification as a minimum
standard does provide protection against the clearly unqualified. But it also screens out
many people who may have a great deal to offer. Telling the difference requires judgment
— is judgment too much to ask of administrators? Uncertified teaching candidates
should have to take extra steps to demonstrate their qualifications — but
administrators should have the flexibility to hire them if they can do so.
Many people involved in the arts lack teaching certification but, if
interested in teaching, can significantly enrich a school arts program. Why exclude them
from the classroom, especially if the positions would otherwise go unfilled? Likewise, the
university science professor with a Ph.D. but no teaching certificate may or may not be a
gifted elementary school teacher — but certification is also no guarantee of talent.
The professor at least knows a great deal about science, and science teachers are hard to
find. Faced with a nationwide teacher shortage, why not give these individuals a chance?
Unfortunately DCPS policy is moving toward eliminating all flexibility in this area.
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I really appreciated the joke (about the road crew). I'm always on the
hunt for good jokes to pass around. And I have no doubt that anything that appears in this
newsletter would be hopelessly politically correct and suitable for forwarding. If you can
find space to print jokes when you get them, I suspect you'll have a bunch of satisfied
customers.
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Jeff in the Burbs??
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
Say it ain't so, Jeff. That must be an impersonator claiming to be Jeff
Itell living outside of D.C. And, John Whiteside is right this time when he says that
traffic is worse near Reston Town Center than in midtown D.C. That's the real problem with
building or widening the roads. Build it and they will come (someone else said that in a
very good movie). The right answer is to develop a sound metropolitan Washington area mass
transit system. System is the operative word here. We have elements of a mass transit
system that could be the core of a system that would eliminate much of the traffic coming
into the District and, at the same time make life a great deal easier and less stressful
for those who come into the city to work each day. It will take a cooperative effort by
D.C. and the surrounding counties to put together a basic long term plan for such a
system. Even that lovely little town I spent a week in last week (Ithaca, NY — you
can't get there from here) has the same problems with traffic in the city itself that you
would find on your worst days here in D.C.
[I'll say it ain't so, Ed, What Jeff wrote was that he was doing a reverse
commute, working in the suburbs but still living in the city. — Gary Imhoff]
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Gardener Needed to End Plant Feud
Mark Richards, East Dupont, mark@bisconti.com
In search of gardener who knows which plants can cohabitate in the same
bed, grow, and prosper together, and can make it all happen. Condo board wants to
contribute to cheerfulness of residents and neighbors without raising condo fee. Need bid
for annual budget for winter/spring/summer planting — in front yard, tree boxes,
courtyard, and roof deck — varying environmental conditions. Condo staff can help
with set-up and do basic maintenance, with guidance. E-mail or call about good experiences
with gardeners, suggestions: 202/347-8822 (w).
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Painter Recommendation
Erica Nash, enash@cais.com
Fantastic, meticulous job, pleasant person, clean and honest, very honest.
Call Teddy McCarthy, 301-445-1069.
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New Online DC Forum
Kathy Sinzinger, EditorCD@aol.com
Sound off about your problems as a D.C. resident! Share your ideas for
improving our community and get feedback from other residents. “Common
Interests” is a new, moderated forum for sharing your thoughts, concerns and
suggestions about life in the District of Columbia. “Common Interests” is part
of The Common Denominator Online — http://www.thecommondenominator.com
— the web site of Washington's Independent Hometown Newspaper, The Common
Denominator. Just about any topic dealing with the District can be relevant, but
please keep your comments focused on the subject and refrain from personal attacks.
Commercial messages will not be posted. Messages intended for “Common Interests”
posting should be E-mailed to CommonInterests@thecommondenominator.com
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Come play bridge with the Cleveland Park Church Bridge Club. We meet each
Monday at the Church at 7:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome, and yes, we have air conditioning.
At 3400 Lowell St., N.W., or call 363-8211 for directions.
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School Governance Forum, August 19
Philip (“Are You an Unwitting Dupe, Daddy?”) Blair, Jr., 526-8821
I'd like to repeat the invitation to one and all to attend and participate
in the Forum on DC Public School Governance, next Thursday, August 19, at the UDC
Auditorium at the Van Ness Campus, from 6:30 to 9:00.
In case you are worried that it might be secretly run by the NEA, the
Trilateral Commission, and the World Federation of Saddam Hussein Fan Clubs, here is the
real list of co-sponsors (alphabetically, and the list is growing): APS: Advocates for the
Public Schools; the Center for Voting and Democracy; CHIME: Community Help in Music
Education; the Community Coalition for Clean, Safe Schools; the D.C. Arts Education
Foundation; the D.C. Congress of Parent & Teacher Organizations; the Federation of
Civic Associations; D.C.-PACE (Parents & Community for Education); Families and
Friends of Special Children; FOCUS: Friends of Choice in Urban Schools; PCAA: Parents and
Community Action Association; Parents United for the D.C. Public Schools; the 21st Century
School Fund; the Washington Parent Group Fund; and an ad-hoc working group of parents,
taxpayers, and residents. (We're pretty proud of the breadth of that list.) Dr. Mary
Futrell, once of NEA and now Dean of the Education School at GWU, and Dr. Ambrose I. Lane,
of WPFW, will be the moderators.
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The Potomac Peddlers Century Bike Ride
Harold Goldstein, dcbiker@goldray.com
On Saturday, September 18th, rain or shine, at Charles County Community
College in La Plata! There will be routes of about 25, 38, 50, 65, 100, 125 miles and they
will loop around one another. The ride starts at CCCC and goes to a main rest stop at
Smallwood State about 12 miles east of La Plata. That will be our central staging area for
loop rides and family fun. Yes, bring the spouse and kids for them to enjoy the park while
you do some or all of the loops. The riding is pleasantly rolling and amenable for your
first century. There will be one other minor rest stop which will feature, we expect, ice
cream and pie a la Seagull. There will be a band at Smallwood from about 10:30-1 and at
CCCC from about 1-3. Upon your return to the CCCC you will have a nice meal, a long sleeve
T-shirt and, if you wish, a pleasant massage (extra fee). All in all, a great day for the
hammerheads, the new century rider, and every other class of rider and their families.
Registration is limited to 1000, and we're receiving forms every day now. For more info
visit our web site at http://www.bikepptc.org or get
a form from your local bike shop. It will be a great time. Email me any questions! And we
can use volunteer assistance for the day of the century and before so let me know if you'd
like to help out. While things are well under control we would like to have a rest stop
food coordinator step up if anyone out there has experience in this arena.
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Indonesian Embassy Evening
Michael Karlan, mkarlan@erols.com
An evening at the Embassy of Indonesia — Includes Indonesian buffet,
wine tasting, live Balinese gamelan band, Indonesian dance presentation, diplomatic
greeting, and Embassy tour. $55. Hosted by the DC Society of Young Professionals.
Thursday, August 19, from 7-10 p.m., 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. To R.S.V.P., for more
information, or to be added to our mailing list, please call 202-686-6085.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Writer Looking for Secluded Writing Den — Need
to Hear the Crickets!
Steve Anderson, steve@livinglifetothefullest.com
Local DC writer is looking to move out of the city to a secluded writing
den. I am currently working on two books that have deadlines within a year. Ideally the
home would be within an hour outside of the city. Don't need anything fancy, just cozy. A
minimum of two bedrooms and a porch or den that would be conducive to creativity. I am
inspired by nature, trees, water, birds, deer and all things in the wild. If you have a
place that you think would be perfect for a secluded writer, please contact me,
202.462.1286 or 202.491.4653.
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Seeking Capitol Hill Housing
Mary Vogel, maryvogel@yahoo.com
As a new Community Planner for DC, I'm hoping to live close to where I
work (801 North Capitol Street) so Capitol Hill makes the most sense. I'm over 40, have no
kids, pets, do NOT smoke, eat meat, play loud music, nor do drugs. On the other hand, I'm
very community oriented and will help organize a block party, visit a sick neighbor, pick
up litter, keep a nice garden, etc. I'm looking for a place to either share with one other
or on my own. Preferred price range is $600 or less. Please call me if you know of
anything — especially NE Capitol Hill. Mary Vogel, 202-442-7606 W.
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