Symbols
Dear Symbologists:
Destination DC, formerly the Washington, DC, Convention and Tourism
Corporation, has posted a good first draft of a guide to DC for readers
of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, http://washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/the-lost-symbol.
Here’s your moneymaking opportunity. Use the one-pager as your
starting point, and write a small book-sized travel guide to The Lost
Symbol sites in DC. You’ll ride the coattails of a sure bestseller
into becoming a modestly successful seller that will be on the shelves
of Washington bookstores for a decade.
Dave Stroup, who blogs at Why I Hate DC, makes it unnecessary for me
to argue against Attorney General Peter Nickles’ latest brief in Palmer
v. DC, arguing against concealed carrying of handguns, http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2009/09/ag-peter-nickles-argument-against.html.
Stroup completely shreds the illogic of Nickles’ brief.
I’ve been getting an unusually large number of inquiries recently
about why I didn’t publish submissions that I never received in the
first place. My reception of E-mails seems to have been unreliable in
the past few weeks. If you send a message to themail@dcwatch.com,
If it isn’t published in a reasonable period of time, and if you haven’t
received a message from me explaining why (it isn’t a DC issue, it was
a notice for an event received too late to be published before the
event, etc.), please resend the message.
The message in the last issue about the Office of the State
Superintendent of Education’s Teacher of the Year award mentioned the
application for the award, but didn’t give the address for it: http://tinyurl.com/pdc3dd.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
###############
Chancellor Rhee: The Teacher Terminator
Strikes Again
Candi Peterson, saveourcounselors@gmail.com
It’s official: Rhee will lay off DC teachers after September 30. As
first reported on The Washington Teacher blog (http://thewashingtonteacher.blogspot.com)
on September 14, a reduction in force will be carried out by the Rhee
administration. As I write this entry, staffers from our DCPS central
office are being let go. Tomorrow a letter will go home with DC Public
School students from Chancellor Michelle Rhee alerting parents of “equalization
efforts” to adjust school budgets. This is a nice way of saying that
DC teachers will be laid off in the process. Although Rhee reports that
nearly 45,000 students are currently enrolled, many believe these
numbers are inflated. I must say I have to agree that it is unlikely
that thousands of students enrolled since the beginning of this school
year. One has to wonder why, if DCPS currently enrolls that many
students, a reduction in force would even be considered? Why did
Chancellor Rhee hire over nine hundred new teachers for school year
2009-10 while many other jurisdictions were reducing the numbers of new
teacher hires? Can someone please tell me why Rhee’s staff makes
six-figure salaries of $200,000, given huge budget deficits ?
I can only imagine that Rhee has some tricks up her sleeve. Somehow,
I think that these new teacher hires won’t be the first to be let go
and that this reduction in force will disproportionately impact veteran
teachers of color. I sure hope that I am wrong. Having been RIF’d
before, and having experienced firsthand a vindictive principal who
committed fraud and gave me zero points simply because I was outspoken,
leaves me with an uneasy feeling about having this RIF handled by our
current administration. I would be more comfortable if this process were
handled independently by someone outside our school system. I think
while we watch how this all plays out as educators, parents, and
community members we must insist that it is a transparent process and
that teachers’ and related school personnel’s due process rights are
adhered to in keeping with the teachers’ union contract which is still
in effect and the District of Columbia Municipal regulations, Title 5.
Over the last two years, Rhee has fired hundreds of DC teachers with
little to no protest from the Washington Teachers’ Union President,
George Parker. Many teachers I know have said, ‘Thank God it wasn’t
me.” This time, around many are praying: “Dear God don’t let it
happen to me pleeeez.” Here’s a copy of the letter from Chancellor
Rhee in its entirety: http://www.dcpswatch.com/dcps/090915.htm.
###############
Proposed Zoning Changes and the City’s Aging
Infrastructure
Alma Gates, ahg71139@aol.com
Over the past year, the Office of Planning has held a series of
public meetings on the rewrite of Title 11, the zoning regulations, and,
as a complementary exercise, it is in the process of amending the
Comprehensive Plan. Few city residents have participated in the rewrite,
and most are unaware that the anticipated outcome of the new zoning
regulations will be increased density throughout the city. The
Comprehensive Plan amendments, many of which were submitted by city
agency staffs, are meant to provide the justification for the zoning
changes. Growing a city brings a new set of responsibilities and
concerns for those who must ensure public welfare and safety. For
example, there have been numerous recent media reports about the fire at
the home of Peggy Cooper Cafritz. The Post, the Northwest
Current, and the Examiner cited a lack of water pressure due
to the age and inadequacy of the infrastructure as a contributing factor
in the difficulty experienced by firefighters who attempted to
extinguish the blaze on Chain Bridge Road. Responders to the Cafritz
fire, like those at the Eastern Market, Georgetown Library, and Adams
Mill apartment building, experienced immediate underperforming hydrants,
indicating the problem of low water pressure is citywide.
The city hired a former Shreveport, Louisiana, fire chief to prepare
a report on the fire and related water problems following the 2007 Adams
Mill apartment fire. One of the report’s major conclusions found, “The
condition of the water system infrastructure is highly questionable due
to its age and condition, as due to deferred maintenance and inspection.
Major portions of the underground infrastructure will have to be
replaced to upgrade the system. Correction of these problems will
require millions of dollars and at least two decades of continual
effort.” The Cafritz fire leaves no doubt that the city has failed to
implement the report’s recommendations; and it is a clear indication
of the serious vulnerability that currently exists in the city. WASA
notes there are 1,300 miles of water mains in the District that have a
median age of 74 years, and 14 percent of them are more than one hundred
years old. Those who lived in Washington through Marion Barry’s tenure
as Mayor know little attention was paid to infrastructure; and
subsequent mayors have done little to address or improve the aging
underpinnings of the city. This reality led Robert McCartney, Metro
columnist to note, “Rebuilding infrastructure is a top priority. The
Red Line crash in June, and problems battling the fire at the Cafritz
home July 31 because of a 75-year-old water main, highlighted some
deficiencies in the region.”
Metro is at capacity, water mains are insufficient, and PEPCO is
scrambling to make power delivery more reliable. Yet the Deputy Mayor
for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Office of Planning
(OP) continue to encourage new development without addressing the
exiting strain on what lies beneath the city’s streets and in its
overhead power lines. “The tragic crash on Metro’s Red Line was a
wake-up call that our region’s transportation infrastructure is aging
and in need of repair,” said Jim Moran (D-VA) in a July 23 press
release. It is time to seriously consider the unsafe, deficient, and
unreliable foundation upon which new development will be built as the
DMPED and OP move forward their agendas for growing the city through a
revised Comprehensive Plan and new zoning regulations. Couple that with
the fact that, while current setback regulations were established to
provide light, air, and fire protection, proposed setbacks will be
significantly reduced under the new zoning regulations; and, the Zoning
Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment do not consider infrastructure
reliability in hearings. The reality of what happens when homes are
closer together or many more residents simultaneously turn on their
water taps, as might be the case at the proposed Athena site on
MacArthur Boulevard or the recently approved Giant development on
Wisconsin Avenue, is not addressed in terms of infrastructure capacity.
A serious problem exists in Washington, DC, that will not be solved
by new zoning regulations or amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.
Today, the city council held a hearing to determine what went wrong at
the Cafritz fire, although the cause is already well documented. It was
an opportunity — a missed opportunity —for WASA and the Fire
Department to stop pointing fingers at each other and begin pointing to
the necessity for the DMPED and OP to furnish a strategy to improve the
city’s aging and inadequate infrastructure before placing additional
strains on a failing system. This is the least government can do for its
taxpaying citizens.
###############
Yvette Alexander’s single sale cigar ban is actually getting a
hearing. Remember, that’s the bill that will outlaw the sale of single
cigars and “any other tobacco product that may be used in the
ingesting, inhaling, or introduction of marijuana to the human body.”
Let’s not discuss that the plain language of the bill outlaws the sale
of all cigarettes and pipe tobacco in the District of Columbia. She
states the “primary” use of these cigars is to smoke marijuana. From
where did she obtain this data? Who commissioned the study? Where is
this data published?
Although no exemption was contained in the bill introduced before the
council, because of previous criticism the Councilwoman now claims the
bill will exempt cigar bars and tobacco shops from the sales ban. The
exemption still does not apply to gift shops in hotels. I don’t know
about the councilwoman, but I don’t know of a single cigar bar or
Georgetown Tobacco store in Wards 7 or 8. However, I do know there are
many honest small businesspeople (her constituents) that will be harmed
by this legislation — they sell a legal product for mostly legal
usage. If we are going to ban a legal product because some people abuse
it, then we should also ban the sale of rubbing and drinking alcohol,
cough syrup, baking soda, brownie mix, and many other legal household
products.
Small businesses are the backbone of many communities in Wards 7 and
8. For the poor and transportation-challenged who don’t have access to
supermarkets (also her constituents), those corner stores provide an
invaluable service. Why is she intent on harming her constituents? That
disregard could be the result of her campaign contributions. On her July
31 campaign finance report, of the fifty-two contributors none had a
Ward 7 address. In fact, almost half of them listed addresses outside
the District of Columbia. The question must now be asked, whose
interests are being represented by Alexander?
###############
Capital Region Society for Technology in
Education
Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
Do you know anyone in the DC area interested in the use of computers
in education -- both in school and outside of school settings? Send them
over to the new Capital Regional Society for Technology in Education web
site, a no-dues organization that brings together people interested in
the use of technology in education (see http://crste.org).
I’m helping to support this web site by conducting text interviews
with various interesting edtech people in our area. The first two
interviews are up at http://crste.org/profilesencourage/deniselewis.html
and http://crste.org/profilesencourage/bonnieroskes.html.
This interview series is titled: Profiles Encourages
###############
Speed Trap City or Sour Grapes?
Philip Wirtz, pww@gwu.edu
I am no fan of Adrian Fenty. His imperialism has, in my view, made
him a prime target for being a one-term mayor. (He will certainly not
get my vote.) But the logic of the recent speed trap discussion in the TImes
and in themail surprises me. As I understand this logic, it should be
okay for a person to break the law (i.e., exceed the speed limit)
if a consequence of (and perhaps a motivation for) the law is to fill
the coffers of a private firm and/or the government. If the law is bad
(and I’m not asserting that it is), then it should be changed. But it
seems to me that in the recent discussion, people are not questioning
the legitimacy of the law; they are questioning the legitimacy of
enforcing a good law, if that pursuit means that a private entity or the
government profits from the pursuit. If a person is breaking the law,
isn’t this really just “sour grapes” about being caught? If you
are concerned about the law itself (e.g., the speed limit is too
low), the civil rights component (“I don’t want anyone watching my
every move”), or the precision of the equipment, then make that your
pitch — but stop grousing about the fact that a private firm or the
government is profiting because they caught you breaking the law!
###############
I have a feeling that the active enforcement of speeding and red
light violations will fall more heavily on commuters than DC residents.
Basically, it is a stealth commuter tax. It’s about time (and I say
this as a commuter).
###############
September 2009 InTowner Online
P.L. Wolff, intowner@intowner.com
This is to advise that the September 2009 on-line edition has been
uploaded and may be accessed at http://www.intowner.com.
Included are the lead stories, community news items and crime reports,
editorials (including prior months archived), restaurant reviews (prior
months also archived), and the text from the ever-popular “Scenes from
the Past” feature (the accompanying images can be seen in the archived
PDF version). The complete issue (along with prior issues back to
January 2002) also is available in PDF file format directly from our
home page at no charge simply by clicking the link in the Current and
Back Issues Archive. Here you will be able to view the entire issue as
it appears in print, including all photos and advertisements.
The next issue will publish on October 9 (the second Friday of the
month, as always). The complete PDF version will be posted by the
preceding night or early that Friday morning at the latest, following
which the text of the lead stories, community news, and selected
features will be uploaded shortly thereafter.
To read this month’s lead stories, simply click the link on the
home page to the following headlines: 1) “Logan Circle ANC Approves
Continuing 14th Street Arts Overlay, Seeks Additional Support; Report
Emphasizes Zoning Approaches to Ensure Results”; 2) “Modernist
Addition to Health Club Building Slated to Fill Health Club Gap.”
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
How to Get Business with Social Media,
September 19
Barbara Conn, bconn@cpcug.org
“Social Media” is a term that is getting a lot of attention. The
tools are usually free but require a significant investment of time. How
can these tools help you in your business? Are there success stories?
What goals need to be set? How best to manage the time spent? Social
Media Swami Shashi Bellamkonda of Network Solutions will answer these
questions and more. By the end of the afternoon you’ll be ready to
connect with your customers on their turf and to gain new customers.
Gather your colleagues, friends, and neighbors, and your questions,
and bring them to this Saturday, September 19, 1:00 p.m., gathering of
the Capital PC User Group (CPCUG) Entrepreneurs and Consultants Special
Interest Group (E&C SIG). These monthly events are free and open to
all. This month’s event is at the Cleveland Park Branch Library (first
floor large meeting room) at 3310 Connecticut Avenue, NW (between Macomb
and Newark Streets), just over a block south of the Cleveland Park
Metrorail Station on the Red Line. For more information about the
seminar, the speaker, and CPCUG (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational
organization), visit http://entrepreneur.cpcug.org/909meet.html.
To RSVP, send an E-mail to bconn@cpcug.org.
###############
Holding DC Government Officials Responsible
and Health Care Reform, September 24
Thomas Smith, tmfsmith@starpower.net
The Ward Three Democratic Committee will hold a community dialogue
with former Ward 3 DC Councilmember Kathy Patterson on making DC
government elected officials accountable (7:15 p.m.) and a panel
discussion on “The Politics Of Health Care Reform” (7:45 p.m.).
Thursday, September 24, 7:15 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of St.
Columba Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street, NW (one block off
Wisconsin Avenue at Tenleytown Metro).
The panel discussion on The Politics of Health Care Reform will be
moderated by Shelley Tomkin, First Vice Chair, Ward Three Democratic
Committee; panelists will be Amy Walter, National Journal,
Editor-In-Chief, Hotline; Sharon Baskerville, CEO, DC Primary Care
Association; Alex Lawson, Campaign for America’s Future; and JoAnne
Lamphere, American Association of Retired Persons. For more information,
contact Thomas M. Smith, Chair, Ward Three Democratic Committee,
364-7130, tmfsmith@starpower.net.
###############
The Fenty File, September 30
Parisa Nourizi, parisa@empowerdc.org
The Empowerment Circle Series presents The Fenty File: The Truth
About Adrian Fenty’s Attacks Against DC Residents and Workers, on
Wednesday, September 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Charles Sumner School,
1201 17th Street, NW, 17th and M Streets Light refreshments; child care
available.
Join us for an in-depth look at the real record of the Fenty
Administration, and find out what you can do to stop his path of
destruction. Public property for private profit: Oscar Madsen, Empower
DC- People’s Property Campaign; Tony Norman, McMillan Park Committee,
The Fight to Save McMillan Reservoir. Privatization and Attacks on
Public Sector Workers: Vanessa Dixon, Doctor’s Council of DC,
dismantling of DC Mental Health; Sydnetta Collins, Malcolm X Early Care,
privatization of Parks and Recreations child care services; Deborah
Daniels, Terminated MSS Employees Group, wrongfully terminated DC
government employees. RSVP to parisa@empowerdc.org
or 234-9119.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — INTERNS
Moment Magazine
Internships
Diana Cohen Altman, Moment Magazine, Daltman@momentmag.com
Positions available at well-established bimonthly cultural/political
magazine with a Tenleytown, DC, location. Monday-Friday, daytime hours
flexible. Will work with academic institution regarding interning
requirements. Contact Diana Altman, daltman@momentmag.com.
Design interns: Design background preferred. Must have experience
with Adobe Creative Suite and preferably Dreamweaver. Excellent
opportunity to learn about design planning, layout, and production from
seasoned designers. Flexibility, reliability, drive for quality, and
team orientation a must.
Editorial interns/journalism apprentices: Strong research skills,
organizational ability, and attention to detail required. Training
provided. Flexibility, reliability, drive for quality, and team
orientation a must.
Marketing interns: excellent opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts
of publication marketing and advertising. Depending on interest, chance
to learn the process of collaborative program planning and executive
that is key to nonprofit success in today’s environment. Flexibility,
reliability, drive for quality, and team orientation a must.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — VOLUNTEERS
Dupont Circle House Tour Volunteers and
Tickets, October 18
Robin Diener, president@dupont-circle.org
There’s still time to volunteer for the 2009 house tour on Sunday,
October 18. Volunteers are needed as house monitors and to assist with
afternoon tea at the Washington Club. Volunteers earn a free ticket to
the tour and an invitation to the volunteer after party on Sunday
evening. Please contact volunteer coordinator Kay Marlin to sign up for
a shift. Please specify if you prefer first or second shift and if you
are volunteering with a particular person or group. There will be a
special meeting for volunteers on Monday, September 21, at 7:00 p.m., at
the Toutorsky Mansion, 1720 16th Street. Arrive early (6:30) to take a
tour of this landmark residence. Refreshments. This meeting is not
mandatory, but it will be fun.
There’s still time to contribute as a patron, benefactor, or
sponsor. Have your name listed in the 2009 house tour brochure and in
the Dupont Current. There’s still time to advertise in the tour
booklet; contact Robin Diener, 431-9254. And there’s still time to buy
tickets. Purchase online ($25 in advance/$30 day of). Tickets will be
available in the following locations about September 25: Axis Salon,
1509 Connecticut Avenue, NW; Design within Reach, 1838 Columbia Road,
NW; Goodwood American Furniture, 1428 U Street, NW; Greater Goods, 1626
U Street, NW; and Home Rule, 1807 14th Street, NW.
###############
CLASSIFIEDS — DONATIONS
Books and Buyers for Columbia Heights
Educational Campus Book Sale, October 17
Marie Drissel, marie.drissel@verizon.net
Donate books, DVDs and CDs to the Columbia Heights Educational Campus
to improve the library and literacy programs and to purchase LCD
projectors at Bell Multicultural High School and Lincoln Middle School.
Tax-deductible donations are being accepted at the main offices of Bell
and Lincoln during the workday. The campus is located at 3101 16th
Street, NW (corner of 16th and Irving Streets) until October 14. And
please join us at the book sale on Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m.
until 2:00 p.m. in the Bell cafeteria. We will try to pick up books on
Wednesdays. Call Marie Drissel 797-0832. Visit http://www.checdc.org/overview-2.html
for more information about the schools.
###############
themail@dcwatch is an E-mail discussion forum that is published every
Wednesday and Sunday. To change the E-mail address for your subscription
to themail, use the Update Profile/Email address link below in the
E-mail edition. To unsubscribe, use the Safe Unsubscribe link in the
E-mail edition. An archive of all past issues is available at http://www.dcwatch.com/themail.
All postings should be submitted to themail@dcwatch.com,
and should be about life, government, or politics in the District of
Columbia in one way or another. All postings must be signed in order to
be printed, and messages should be reasonably short — one or two brief
paragraphs would be ideal — so that as many messages as possible can
be put into each mailing.
