County Extension Agents

Dear Historians:

When and why did we stop living in Washington County? Constance Maravell writes below about her amusing encounter with the IRS, but in fact, the District of Columbia used to encompass the cities of Washington and Georgetown and the county of Washington. I know that eventually the city of Washington took over the whole District, and the boundaries of the city and the District became the same. But how did that happen? Did the citizens vote in favor of annexation, did Congress mandate it, and in either case, why?

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

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What County Do You Live In?
Constance Z. Maravell, zinnia@compuserve.com

Suddenly finding that I am missing a crucial form for my taxes, I try the IRS web site. I don't have Adobe Acrobat and need to load it in, but they suggest I load it to a disk, since it may have viruses. Great! The only problem with that solution is that it doesn't fit onto a high density floppy disk. Then I think I will call the area office and find out where I can pick up the form I want. I dial the 800 number. I explain what I need. The IRS employee asks me where I live. I say I live in Washington, DC. She asks what county that is in. I explain that we are not a state and have no county. She says hold a minute, then she comes back and tells me the nearest office is in Seattle. I explain that I said Washington, DC, not Washington State. Once again she asks me what county I live in. I am getting frustrated, so tell her I live in DC with the President and Congress, but no county. She says, “Hold a minute.” When she returns, she tells me she can't answer my question without a county. I am really furious by now. I tell her that is really ridiculous. She says, “Let me talk to my supervisor.” This time she tells me to call a public library.

I called the business section at Martin Luther King Library, and the reference librarian made a copy of the form for me. All's well that ends well.

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DC Voting Rights
Richard Steacy, richard.steacy@gte.net

The issue of voting rights/Congressional representation is not the same as the issue of statehood. I haven't been in favor of statehood for years. But I would like full representation in Congress. That is the issue. And — minus statehood — it is an issue that our fellow Americans in the 50 states are sympathetic to. The same senators and representatives who will amend the Constitution at the drop of a quill (balanced budget, flag burning, etc.) insist that it would require amending the Constitution (Gasps & Horrors!) to give us Congressional representation. It can be done. Republicans just don't want to because the District would certainly elect Democrats (or very liberal Republicans). That means that for DC to be represented in Congress, there needs to be strong proactive leadership among Democratic leaders. I don't care what Misters Bradley and Gore did years ago in the Senate. I care about now. OK, Bradley's out of the picture. Now, what's Mr. Gore going to do about my rights as a citizen? I know is view on the rights of six-year old Cuban refugees. Now I'd like to know his views on the rights of a half-million citizens. Until he comes out in our favor he should not receive our support. Send a message! May 2nd leave the ballot blank for President and presidential delegates.

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How to Amend the Constitution
Kurt Vorndran, kvorn@nteu.org

Mark Richards made a comment that started me thinking. If even for rhetorical purposes, should we not propose a simplified DC amendment to the constitution which simply amends Article IV, Section 4, which states, “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government”? The amendment would say that “the District of Columbia should be considered a state for the purposes of this section.” We can work out the details later, but it might put the ball in the other court as they explain either how the status quo is a republican form of government or why DC should not have a republican government. By the way, if you want to make a statement for DC self-government in the May Presidential Primary, vote for the only candidate (including the withdrawn candidates) who supports DC Statehood and full voting representation — AL GORE! Anything else is a vote against self-determination.

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Deprived
Leslie Sargent, Adams Morgan, LeslieSarg@aol.com

Can DC assert our determination in making our own decisions by not observing Daylight Savings time? I was thinking that could get us some national attention — or maybe I am still sleep deprived from the time change.

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Help for Child and Family Services
Sharon Cochran, secochran@aol.com

I'm shocked and angry about the cynical response from the City Council on the court receiver's request for $60 million more to improve the foster care system. If the City Council has a problem about using emergency funds, then they could suggest other sources. This is a City Council that helped create this problem. Are we supposed to forget that some members of the current city council were present when Child and Family services went into receivership? This is a City Council that has promised Mark Plokin that it will find the money for their posh offices in the Wilson Building and has the time to contemplate buying a mansion for the mayor. It is time for the nasty grandstanding to stop and solutions to real problems for real people to start.

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Red Light Cameras
Kathy Chamberlain, Hillcrest SE, kechamber@erols.com

A recent Washington Post article stated that some D.C. Council members are critical of red light cameras because the public is not given ample warning about the devices, and because the companies that supply the cameras have a financial stake in ticketing motorists. I would like to know who these Council members are in case the opportunity to NOT support them ever comes up. Some people don't recognize a win-win situation when they see it. The city is making money and our intersections are becoming safer. Ample warning? Why should it be necessary to warn motorists that they'll get a ticket if they run a red light? To earn a driver's permit, motorists should have learned they meaning of red lights, and if they don't remember the repercussions of running red lights, they don't deserve to have driver's permits. The yellow light should be enough warning.

The profit motive of the companies who install and maintain the equipment can only improve the end result. Obviously, technology has the
edge when one considers the cost to the city of hiring enough police to do traffic enforcement on the scale of red light cameras. So if a business has found a way to benefit while reducing the cost to the city and generating additional income for the city, what's the problem? Next, how about inventing a radar camera for speeding? It could issue tickets for, say, 20 miles over the speed limit.

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Be a Friend of Twining Park
Kathy Chamberlain, Hillcrest SE, kechamber@erols.com

Twining Park is the name given to the small parks owned by the National Park Service along Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., between Minnesota Ave. and 28th Street. Some of us are tired of looking at the deteriorating condition of the largest of these parks and have decided to do something about it. We're adopting “Twining Park 336A” (catchy name!) which is on Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., between 27th and 28th St., S.E., adjacent to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and directly across from the MPD 6th District Substation. This park suffered additional insult last February when a dump truck lost control and destroyed most of the shrubs on the Pennsylvania Ave. side. Twining 336A is highly visible and, with its cobblestone walk and classic design, could be a beautiful park. The NPS has agreed to work with us to make it a showpiece.

Under the National Park Service's “Friends” program, neighbors perform maintenance chores such as weeding, trimming, and raking, while the NPS does the heavy-duty work of mowing and anything that involves power tools. Friends can do more than maintenance, making larger improvements and changes, but these would have to be approved by the NPS. “Friends of Twining Park” is just getting started. Our first meeting will be Sunday, April 9th at 3 pm in the park. We'll take some “before” photos and talk about what improvements we'd like to make and how to get started. Progress on this project will be documented on our neighborhood web site, www.hillcrestDC.com, along with photos. See “Beautification Projects” on hillcrestDC.com for a map of Twining Park and information about other beautification projects. Contact Kathy Chamberlain, kechamber@erols.com, if you would like to participate — or just meet us in the park on Sunday.

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The Library System
Bryce A. Suderow, streetstories@juno.com

Bruce Monblatt asked whether the metal detectors at the MLK Library work or not. The metal detectors at MLK don't work. The guards told me so. Half the elevators don't work either. Also, at both SE and NE Branch Libraries the machine that desensitizes the books doesn't work, so whenever I go into Blockbuster or to the Library of Congress, I set off their alarms. The computers as these two branches are down much of the time, too. Nothing seems to work very well in the Library system.

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First Woman Presidential Campaign Manager
David Sobelsohn, dsobelso@capaccess.org

In last Sunday's issue of themail, David Meadows, “candidate for Al Gore Delegate,” called Donna Brazile “the first African American and first female to manage a national presidential campaign.” Perhaps he's right that she's the first African American. But the first woman to manage a national presidential campaign was Susan Estrich, who managed Dukakis's campaign in 1988 — an unfortunately ominous precedent. In last Sunday's issue I claimed that Gore knows American history. I guess that doesn't go for everyone hoping to serve as one of his delegates.

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Chutzpa
Erica Nash, enash@cais.com

That definition of chutzpa and comment re WASA is the funniest thing I've read all year!

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS

Million Mutt March, Sunday, May 7, 2000
Stacey Patmore, DaisyPatmore@earthlink.net

Animal Shelters Band Together to Promote Adoption of Mixed-Breed Dogs. On Sunday, May 7th, the first annual Million Mutt March will take place at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Spokes-mutts from area animal shelters will march to speak on behalf of mutts nationwide who suffer as a result of canine discrimination. Posters and literature will be distributed on: Mutt myths, adopting a mutt, and “100% Pure Mutt” certificates will be presented to dogs of blended heritage. Participating shelters will distribute information about their organizations, and adoptable dogs will wear special bandannas for recognition at the event. Canine marchers will dine on cake specially prepared for the event by Three Dog Bakery from Maryland.

The public is invited to bring their canine companions to join in the Million Mutt March. To participate, marchers must complete an online registration form at www.metropets.org/mmm. The deadline for registration is May 1. For further information, contact MetroPets Online at: (301) 490-5266.

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One-Act Play Production
Ellen Compton, eacompto@erols.com

The Doubting Thomas Players present "The Thin Blue Thread," a collection of three one-act plays by Garland Standrod, whose work has been performed in theaters around town and in New York. Often lyrical and humorous, Standrod's plays are nonetheless concerned with themes such as alienation and the search for a spiritual home. Dates: April 7 and 8 at 7:30, and April 9 at 2:00. Following each performance, join the playwright, cast, and production staff for questions and discussion. Place: St. Thomas' Parish in the Upper Room at 1772 Church Street, NW. Suggested donation $5. For more information call Laquita Wood, 244-0278, or Timothy Sabin, 265-1484.

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John Eaton Elementary School Auction
Leila Afzal, Leila.Afzal@hdq.noaa.gov

On April 8, 2000, the John Eaton Elementary School will be holding its seventh annual Auction. The theme is “Spotlight On the Arts.” It will be a both a silent and live auction, with many wonderful, wonderful items to purchase from a $3,800 trip to Jackson Hole, WY (airfare included), to a dog-sitting service for $20. Other items include lunch with Rob Reiner (the actor, director, producer), a stay in Belize, dinner certificates, pottery, jewelry, books, software, furniture, wine, fruit of the month, cookies of the month, dinners in your home, dinners in someone else's home, retail certificates to your favorite store, the Oprah Winfry show, and much, much more. Tickets are $30 at the door; light fare will be served. This year the auction will be held at the school itself at 34th and Lowell Streets, NW. The silent auction begins at 6:00 p.m.; the live auction begins at 8:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.

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National Library Week Events
Patricia Pasqual, changedc@yahoo.com

National Library Week activities at DC Public Library include author talks, a Go Go Music conference and a citizen's rally! National Library Week is April 9-15. A full listing of the programs can be found on the library's web site, www.dclibrary.org. Two very special events are:

A reading by Sharon Ewell Foster of her first novel, Passing by Samaria, on Thursday, April 13th at 6:30 in the main lobby of MLKML. Her book is being promoted by the NAACP as its “Book of the Year.”

A citizen's rally in support of the library is scheduled for Saturday, April 15th at noon at MLKML, 901 G St. NW. The rally is being organized by the Federation of Friends. The purpose of the rally is to show citizen support for increased funding for the District's library system, as the city's budget is being negotiated. If you would like more information, or would like to help with the rally, E-mail bjwilbourn@aol.com or George@Ziener.com.

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Pre-April 15 Tax Seminar
Michael J. Karlan, mkarlan@erols.com

Two hours of pre-April 15 tax advice from Michael J. Karlan and Gregory Bland! Sponsored by the D.C. Society of Young Professionals. Michael J. Karlan has eight years experience practicing law, as well as extensive experience preparing tax returns for individuals and small businesses. His specialties are taxation and small business organization. Greg Bland has extensive experience working with individuals and small businesses, including having founded Decades Night Club as well as a number of other very successful businesses. For more information about their backgrounds, visit www.michaelkarlan.com and www.gregorybland.com. For more information about the D.C. Society of Young Professionals, visit www.dcyoungpro.com.

This seminar is being held Thursday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the JCCGW, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD. The cost is $10 if you RSVP in advance to michael@dcyoungpro.com or 686-6085, or $12 at the door.

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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING

Sub Lease Needed
David Hunter, Hunterontravel@hotmail.com

Looking for someone to sub lease furnished room in house May 1 through August 31 to share with female, professional Hill staffer. Near Western Ave., Chevy Chase, DC (Tennyson & Utah Street). Move in date is flexible. Fantastic quiet neighborhood. Near Rock Creek park, Metro is 1 mile but walkable (Friendship Heights). Bus line goes next to the house right to Tenleytown Metro. House is small Tudor style. Rent 750.00. Utilities approximately $75-100 a month. Call David Hunter or Robin Schepper at 244-0322. E-mail: Hunterontravel@hotmail.com for more info.

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CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com

From washingtoncitypaper.com's LOOSE LIPS column, appearing this Friday:
BORDER PATROL: Last week, Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry finally confronted an issue pressing enough to distract him from his campaign to lure a Nordstrom to his county. The problem? Poor people. It seems refugees from a gentrifying District of Columbia are streaming eastward across the D.C.-P.G. line and threatening to water down the county's nationwide image as a reserve of rich African-Americans.
As Curry sees it, the crisis at hand stems from the imminent conversion of the District's East Capitol Dwellings, a public housing complex of 1,100 units, to a mixed-income community of half that size. Displaced residents, Curry fears, will move a few blocks east, across the threshold of his swanky fiefdom.
Curry's stance reflects the desperation of someone who long ago reached his personal tipping point on underclass absorption. The District's poor “come out here and then become part of our responsibility to address in housing and social terms,” he told the Washington Post. “I want money to take care of relocated people.”
Read the entire Loose Lips column here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/lips/lips.html

From washingtoncitypaper.com's CITY LIGHTS page, here are a few early warnings for upcoming events:
SUNDAY, April 9: “The Philosophy of Humor — Part 2,” Cafe Philo philosophy salon, at noon at Brasserie Les Halles, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free.
TUESDAY, April 11: John Simpson and Simon Winchester discuss revising the Oxford English Dictionary at 6 p.m. at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's Ring Auditorium, 7th and Independence Avenue SW. $13.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html

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