Where’s the Plan

Dear Patients:

I agree, DC General Hospital has been underfunded and has lost money for years. (Understandably. Providing health care to poor and uninsured people is never going to be a particularly good way to make profits.) Certainly, DC General has been mismanaged, and undoubtedly some money has gone into the wrong pockets. Yes, perhaps there is another way to provide those health services less expensively and more efficiently.

But I still have the same doubts that I had five months ago. On September 20, 2000, I wrote in themail that the Williams administration didn't have any plan to provide medical services to the people who use DC General now. It still doesn't. It still hasn't developed a plan. It has a vague idea — sending patients to other hospitals in ambulances. But the current Emergency Medical Service can't handle the additional load, and the administration doesn't know where additional ambulances are going to come from. In addition, every hospital and medical association in the city has said that other hospitals can't handle the extra emergency room services, much less the long-term care that will be needed.

Citizens have been angry at the community meetings held for the Mayor and Health Department Director Ivan Walks to promote closing DC General Hospital and selling it to Doctors Community Healthcare Corporation (DCHC), and their anger is justified. Avram Goldstein and Sewell Chan, in yesterday's Washington Post article, portray Walks as saying that “the administration is frustrated by people who won't try to understand the plan before condemning it.” How are citizens supposed to understand something that hasn't been written and doesn't exist? If you want to be frustrated, try getting a copy of the administration's plan. Call Walks's office and the Mayor's office and ask them to send you, fax you, or E-mail you a copy of the plan. Let me know what excuse they give you.

The fact is; the administration doesn't think it needs a plan for providing health care, because this sale isn't about health care. It's a budget deal and a land deal, pure and simple. For the latest information on DCHC, see Councilmember David Catania's paper, “The Case Against Contracting with Doctors Community Healthcare Corporation,” http://www.dcwatch.com/issues/pbc010220.htm. Catania has discovered one other point not covered in his paper. It's illegal for the city to deal with a corporation that owes back taxes to the city, and DCHC has owed the city back taxes ever since it bought Greater Southwest Community Hospital. But is anybody naive enough to think that this juggernaut will be derailed just because the buyer is shaky and the sale is a little illegal and a few people will die? Minor details aren't going to get in the way.

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

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The Numbers Don’t Compute
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com

The statistical summaries of school attendance figures in last Sunday's Post don't add up. The enrollment in D.C. Public Schools (excluding those in Charter Schools) is purported to be over 69,000. Other statistics in this article show that 35 percent of students leave the system by the fifth grade. It must be presumed that most of these students leave the District or leave for private schools. The most alarming statistic, however, shows that another cumulative 45 percent of students drop out annually in grades 9 through 12. If these dropout percentages are accurate, then there's no way on God's green earth that the student population is 69000+ students in the Public School System.

In my, not so humble, opinion there are likely to be far fewer than 69,000 students in the D.C. Public School System and expenditures for that system, on a realistic per pupil basis, are far higher than what we have been told. Where, one should ask, is all this money going? It is likely not going where it belongs — in the classrooms to pay good salaries to competent and viable instructors with good classroom materials. Superintendent Vance should make his number one priority a major effort to get the poor teachers out of the classrooms and to replace them with competent teachers who are paid well with additional perks (performance bonuses, housing incentives, etc.). Getting rid of excess staff and using those slots for more teachers will reduce class sizes, and another way to improve the quality of the education of our kids. I am much less worried about the cosmetic improvements of facilities. That didn't work out west where the quality of education did not improve in at least one school system that poured more than $100 million into new facilities. It is what happens in every classroom that makes for a good educational program. Students that have good teachers with good classroom materials would learn in a cave.

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Housing Agency Scandal
Diane Mohr, dianmohr@aol.com

Have I missed the discussion, or has this group failed to notice the Washington Post articles regarding the DC Department of Housing and Community Development employee Lynn French, the rehab of her home in Columbia Heights, and the FBI investigation? Was hoping someone might know the present status of that investigation, or is everyone so used to these things that by now we've become blase?

[I, for one, haven't commented yet, though I certainly shall in the future. The underlying importance of this case isn't just one house sold by a CDC to a government employee with tremendous influence over land and money grants to CDCs. It is the state of community development corporations in the District, and the inexplicable alliance of the Williams administration with these institutions, which the Mayor knows are both inefficient and corrupt. Anyone who wants to comment now should certainly feel free, but the case, or at least the opening wedge of the case, is just now being presented to a federal grand jury. — Gary Imhoff]

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Saving D.C. General by Nailing Trees
Peggy Robin, probin@adlerbooks.com

I'd be a lot more sympathetic to the campaign to save D.C. General if the people who put up the signs showed some consideration for another important cause — namely, saving D.C. trees. Those "Don't Close D.C. General" that have been put up all over the city aren't affixed to light poles or telephone poles but to trees. And they're not tied around the trunks with string but have been stapled (and in some instances, nailed) right into the tree trunks. And please, supporters of the movement, don't write back asking “What's more important, saving a hospital for poor people, or saving trees?” These are two different matters entirely, and there's no reason why one precludes the other.

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Giardia, Very Interesting
Jean Lawrence, JKeLLAw@aol.com 

A poster writes: “Several years ago and rather surprisingly, the Army Corps) didn't keep the large sand bed filters up to snuff. This led to . . . the presence of high levels of giardia in the finished (treated) water.” I moved from DC five years ago, but before leaving, developed severe intestinal fits. After being away for a year or so, I was hospitalized with giardia. Horrible little demon! You don't want to get it. All the doctors asked me if I had been to Mexico or camping. No. They were completely puzzled. Maybe I should have said, “Well, I used to live in DC.”

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Cloudiness of Water from the Top
Michael S. Marcotte, Deputy General Manager, DC Water and Sewer Authority, Michael_Marcotte@dcwasa.com

I saw the post in the February 18 edition of themail, and wanted to let you know that there's really no magic in adding ice cubes to the water. If you'll let the water stand for a few minutes, it will clear by itself! The cloudiness is actually tiny air bubbles trapped in the water. You're more likely to see this in the winter because cold water (5 degrees C) is able to contain nearly twice as much oxygen and nitrogen as warm water (25 degrees C). Because the distribution system operates under pressure (around 40-50 psi in most places), the air doesn't get a chance to escape until the water is discharged at the tap and hits warmer air. The ice cube trick works because it keeps the water temperature low and retains the air in a dissolved state in the water. With or without ice cubes (or other additives), I hope you continue to enjoy our water.

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New Washington, DC Area E-mail Lists
Bill Adler, billonline@adlerbooks.com

There are two new E-mail lists for people living and working in the Washington, DC area:

DCdriving for Washington, DC area drivers. This is the place where you can gripe about traffic congestion, complain about red light runners, warn other drivers about monster potholes, propose solutions to traffic problems, grumble about parking, and just chat about driving in the DC area. To subscribe, send a blank E-mail to dcdriving-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcdriving.

DCpilots for Washington, DC area pilots, to share flying and talk about aviation. Discussions on everything from navigating around Class B airspace to the latest avionics, are welcome. If you're looking for someone to fly with, this is the list for you. To subscribe, send a blank E-mail to dcpilots-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcpilots.

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS

Major Barbara
Robin Larkin, robin.larkin@home.com

Footlights — DC's only modern drama discussion group — meets monthly for theater discussions and theater trips. On Saturday March 10, we'll be attending the 2:30 p.m. matinee of the Washington Stage Guild's production of George Bernard Shaw's classic “Major Barbara.” The play pits the Salvation Army against the military-industrial complex, social conscience against conscienceless social reform. Guess who wins? Tickets are $12 (a huge discount) and include a post-show discussion. Contact Robin Larkin, rlarkin@footlightsdc.org and 301-897-9314. The performance is at the Source Theater, 1835 14th Street (near S St.), NW (U St-Cardozo Metro). For further information, see http://www.footlightsdc.org.

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GALA Special Offer:
Free Tickets This Thursday, This Friday Pay What You Can
Cynthia Benjamin, cm_benjamin@yahoo.com

Almas Gemelas (Soul Mates), at GALA at the Warehouse, 1021 7th Street, NW, (7th and New York Avenue, NW), February 22 through March 18; Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.;; Sunday, 4 p.m. Tickets: $25 general admission; $18 students and seniors. What happens when a bored, middle-aged couple encounters their “true” soul mates. Contemplating the pros and cons of “open marriage,” will it be bliss or absolute mayhem? Join us for GALA Theater's world première of this quirky comedy that verges on the absurd. Written by award-winning playwright, Eduardo Rovner, this Argentine piece de resistance will leave you rolling in your seats!

All performances are in Spanish with simultaneous English interpretation. Press Night/Noche de GALA is Saturday, February 24th at 8:00 p.m.. A reception, hosted by the Ambassador of Argentina, His Excellency Guillermo González, will be held after the Saturday performance. For more information and reservations, call 234-7174. GALA's production of Almas Gemelas is supported in part by the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, and the Embassy of Argentina.

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NCPC Meeting on Comprehensive Plan
Ann Loikow, johnl@erols.com

The National Capital Planning Commission, the federal planning agency for the national capital region, is holding a public meeting on their proposed revisions to the Federal Environment element to the Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, February 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the NCPC offices at 401 9th St., NW, suite 500 (North Lobby). The revised element contains at lot of good language on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. You can view the draft at http//www.ncpc.gov/planning_init/EnvironmentDraft.pdf

See pages 16-17, 30-31, and 44. You can order a paper copy from the NCPC by calling James Russell at 482-7272. To register to speak, call 482-7200. You can also sign up at the start of the meeting. You will get 5 minutes to speak. Written comments can be sent to James Russell at NCPC, 401 9th St. NW, suite 500 North, Washington, DC 20576. The comment period closes March 19, 2001. It is important that we get citizens there to comment on and support the inclusion of provisions on EMF. I have heard that they are somewhat controversial. The draft also contains new policies on hazardous waste management and environmental justice.

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Langston Terrace Dwellings
Ann Loikow, johnl@erols.com

The D.C. Preservation League and the Langston Dwellings Residents Council are jointly presenting “Remembering the Glory: Langston Terrace Dwellings, A Neglected African American Landmark” at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 24, in the Martin Luther King Library's Washingtoniana Division.

Barr Weissmann's 1991 film, “Home: Langston Terrace Dwellings,” and a slide presentation of the current conditions at this DC and National Register Landmark in Ward 5 will be shown. Langston Terrace was designed in 1935-1938 in the International Style by noted African American, and German trained, architect Hilyard Robinson. Several long-time residents will talk about life at Langston Terrace and display recently discovered photos and memorabilia. The Friends of the Washingtoniana Collection will host a reception after the program. For further information, please contact the D.C. Preservation League at 955-5616.

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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3-C
Cliff Rohde, rohdec@onebox.com

The regularly scheduled public meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 3-C, will be held on Monday, February 26, 7:30 p.m., 2d District Police Station (Community Room), 3320 Idaho Ave., NW (across from Giant). ANC 3C routinely meets at 7:30 p.m. at the 2d District police station on the fourth Monday of every month.

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CLASSIFIEDS — ORGANIZATIONS

Parents Anonymous
Dona Jenkins, dfjenkins@cfsa-dc.org

The DC Children's Trust Fund is inviting parents to join a “Parents Anonymous” Support Group. For more information, please call 624-5555 or send an E-mail to parentsanon@dcctf.org.

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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED

Catholic Charities Parent Educators
Dona Jenkins, dfjenkins@cfsa-dc.org

The Catholic Charities Parenting Program is hiring additional part-time parent educators to teach parenting classes, lead parenting workshops, do individual parent counseling with parents and assist with program tasks including curriculum writing and training trainers.

Applicants must have a strong background in child development and family support work, have own transportation, be available to work primarily evenings and weekends and be available to attend a 40 hour parent educator training March 29-April 4. These are paid positions with no benefits. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. Resumes may be faxed to (202) 772-4408, or mailed immediately to Catholic Charities Parenting Program, Attn: Marcia Sprinkle, 924 G Street, NW, 20001, 202-772-4343.

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Part-Time Office Assistant Wanted
Jay David, dcpublisher@eudoramail.com

A Washington, DC publishing company is looking for a part-time office assistant. Good office skills and computer experience required. If you are interested, please E-mail or fax a resume to dcpublisher@eudoramail.com or 208-279-8157.

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

From washingtoncitypaper.com's LOOSE LIPS column, appearing this Friday:
CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER: Mayor Anthony A. Williams — the man who would be ethics king — is fond of saying he is holding his administration to the "highest standard." But there is every indication that, for Williams, height is a relative thing.
Consider the different responses by the mayor to the escapades of Reba Pittman-Evans, Mark Jones, and Lynn French. All three city officials found themselves embroiled in controversy recently. But one was fired, another placed on leave, and the last practically promoted. LL is scratching her head trying to discern the administration's ethical-lapse-discipline criteria.
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:
MONDAY: “Emu and Red Kangaroo Talk,” at 10:30 a.m. at the National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
THURSDAY: Edward Yang's latest Taipei film “Yi Yi,” at 8 p.m. at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's Ring Auditorium, 7th and Independence Avenue. SW. Free.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html

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