CAPITOL HILL CORNER

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 1, 2026

On Saturday, the National Museum of the American Indian celebrated the Day of the Dead.  Here’s a photo of the altar commonly created in celebrant’s homes holding an offering to encourage the spirits of those who have passed away to visit. 

Here’s a closer view.  Visitors placed photos of departed loved ones.

The celebration featured the ancient “Dance of the Jaguar” portraying a battle between good and evil and order and chaos (the jaguar) which presents history as cyclical.  Here’s the protagonist. 

During the dance, villagers and domestic animals such as the dog, pursue, corner and kill the jaguar as depicted here. 

Congressional Cemetery celebrated Day of the Dead on Sunday.

Here’s a photo of the altar constructed in the cemetery chapel where community members were invited to place carnations and photos of departed loved ones. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, November 2

ANC6B Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:

License Renewals 

• Renewal Placard Notice: Extra Fancy
• Renewal Placard Notice: Union Kitchen
• Renewal Placard Notice: Wine and Butter
• Renewal Placard Notice: Streets Market

Protests/Other Updates

• Cafe 8 – ongoing discussion

Wednesday, November 4

ANC6B Transportation and Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:

• Suite of traffic infrastructure requests relating to 700 block of 12th Street, SE
• Notice of Intent for MPDD (contraflow bike lane on the 1200 block of G Street, SE)

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee

Special Virtual Meeting at 11:00am  to discuss upcoming DGS 2027 – 2033 Budget to be forwarded to Mayor which must contain EMCAC recommendations and comment.

To join the meeting, go here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84998602275

Thursday, November 5

ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

Agenda:

• 916 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E.  Historic Preservation Application.   Zoned as commercial & residential mixed use up to 50 feet tall, so zoning relief not needed.  Concept – Rear and roof addition, front areaway, and steps.  Neighbors: across the street from BP and the Hill Center; rear lot abuts an apartment building; rest of the block appears to be small businesses and lobbyists.
• 1009 E Street, SE.  Historic Preservation Application.   Zoned as commercial & residential mixed use up to 50 feet tall, so zoning relief not needed.  Former dental office.  Proposal: add a 3-story addition to the rear.  Neighbors: the 1000 block of E Street  appears to be entirely offices.  To the SW/S/SE across the alleyway there are residences.
• Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, SE. Historic Preservation Application.  Addition to Gatehouse, demolition of garage.  Neighbors: not visible to anyone in 6B (visible to 7D residents and 7F inmates.)  Cemetery staff briefed us on this at the February 2026 P&Z meeting.

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You To Know About

Friday, November 6

Congressional Cemetery – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, Free

John Phillips Sousa Birthday Concert  2026.

Please join Congressional Cemetery and the Marine Band for a celebration of the life and legacy of John Philip Sousa. The Marine Band plays the music the “March King.”

Friday, November 6

Hill Center – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, $23

Scottish Fiddler Louise Bichan in Concert:  All Hallows’ Eve:  Spooky tunes, songs and tales from Scotland

“Come disguised in your best costume to fool the evil spirits and bring your most frighteningly carved neep (turnip) or pumpkin to win a prize.”

Go here to get tickets:  https://bit.ly/4e67jCk

Friday November 6

Miracle Theater on Barracks Row – 7:00pm and Saturday November 7 at 2:00pm, $10

Film:  Selma

In 1965 Selma, Alabama became the center for the struggle for suffrage for Blacks.  Selma was the site of the historic march lead by Martin Luther King, Jr., part of the effort which led to the passage and signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

For tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/47RUJDe

Saturday, November 7

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop – 5:30-7:00 pm

Opening reception for the Exhibition:  Capitol Hill Art League Celebrates “Nature’s Gifts.”

545 7th Street, SE..  The show will be open from November 7- December 4.

For information about the Art League: Website: https://www.caphillartleague.org

Saturday, November 7

NE Library Book Sale

10:00am until 3:00pm. 

The Friends of the Northeast Library Used Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, in the lower level of the library.  Northeast Library is located at 330 7th Street, NE.

Café 8’s Deal to Reopen Doesn’t Help Neighbors – ANC6B Committee Continues Discussion Monday Night

by Larry Janezich

Posted November 1, 2026

The 800 block of E Street, SE, Sunday morning.

An MPD security camera has been installed at 8th and E Streets, SE.

The compromise agreed to by Café 8 Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) allowing Café 8 to reopen did nothing to help the nearby residents who suffer the late night neighborhood activities of Café 8 patrons who socialize/party on the street before and after Café 8 closes.  Given  the limitations on what Café 8 and MPD can do and concern among ANC commissioners about what greater involvement by the National Guard would mean, the matter has by default been handed off to ANC6B and its Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee.  The committee will continue the discussion of Café 8 at its virtual meeting Monday night, November 2, at 7:00pm.  Here’s a link to the meeting: https://bit.ly/4BtSWSa

Last week, at a discussion with ANC6B Public Safety Committee meeting, Elif Sam, the café’s general manager (her father is listed as the owner) says that the late night disturbances are not all attributable to Café 8 patrons – that Ginza and Lola’s attracts the same clientele.  She cited Café 8’s own unsuccessful efforts to address what happens in the neighborhood beyond Café 8. 

A half dozen residents attended the meeting, to petition for a solution to the late night weekend street parties.  They say the police response to calls amounts to an E Street drive- through which tamps down the activity in the presence of police but resumes when they move on. 

Here’s a description of last Friday night on E Street from an email to MPD 1^st District at 1:22am:

“Friday night Oct 30: Street noise less frequent but still enough to wake us up, from people parked in front of our houses heading to or from 8th Street, presumably Cafe 8. Noise started 12:30 am. Two recordings attached, from my living room at 12:52 am.  Tonight, marijuana smoke has been coming in through our CLOSED windows since 10 pm.  Yesterday afternoon, marijuana smoke on the sidewalk in front of Cafe 8 was so thick you could get high just standing there.  The language below in OAG’s “compromise” agreement is unhelpful to us — because street parties often begin AFTER closing, and move onto our block.”

And here’s 1^st District Captain Michael Hamlin’s response at 1:27am.  :

“We have been checking on 800 E St throughout evening. We got a little busy. However, a unit will be back there shortly to clear the block”.

Although the compromise does not help residents, the two parties agree that more security for the area would be beneficial.  They both want a higher police presence and/or a more visible presence and active security involvement by the National Guard.  Sam urged the return of the bike and scooter patrols which she said had made a huge difference.  However, each proposed solution is problematic. 

MPD 1st District Captain Adam Crist, who attended the meeting, said MPD does what it can, but with a 20-25 person police detail to cover Sector 3 of the First District on nighttime weekends, he can’t afford a higher police presence on Barracks Row.  The 3^rd Sector includes he Ball Park, the Wharf, Navy Yard, and stretches east all the way to the McDonald’s on PA Avenue, SE.  (Presumably, MPD deployment depends on the number of calls for service, and it might be helpful for MPD to include this data for Sector 3 and other Sectors with similar nightlife establishments in its monthly reports to the ANC Public Safety Committee.)

Crist gives credit to Café 8 whose owners he said have been cooperative in past investigations and who has already started making changes which will help their situation.  He alluded to an  MPD fledgling effort to reconstitute the bike and scooter deployment but did not commit to bringing it back to Barracks Row.  He cites the limited personnel he has (20 – 25 officers) to cover Sector 3 on weekend nights, noting the force i down 700 – 800 officers and it’s difficult to recruit officers in the face of much higher salaries in Alexandria.  He also said that it is difficult to recruit MPD volunteers for  MPD’s business reimbursement program (businesses pay off-duty officers) because they already work overtime involuntarily and want weekends off with their families.  He added, “There is a little bit of a stigma attached to the location (which discourages volunteering) – people don’t want to deal with that – what might happen from there.”  Crist said he had “signed the paperwork” for installation of a MPD camera at 8^th and E Streets. 

Café 8 and residents would welcome a greater visible presence by the National Guard.  However, whenever the National Guard interacts violently on DC streets, it raises questions about their DC deployment.  The idea of their greater involvement received push back from ANC6B Commissioner and 6B ABCA Committee chair Karen Hughes who questioned the wisdom of encouraging National Guard lingering in a place which already has a high degree of tension, the lack of a well-defined deployment, a lack of training, and the finding by the DC Office of Attorney General that the deployment is illegal.

ANC6B commissioner Brian Gorman who chairs ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee agreed, noting the Guard is so politicized and not trained for policing that it leads him believe they should not be overly engaged.  He suggests pursuing greater cooperation among Barracks Row Businesses to address the broader neighborhood security issues and supports the convening of the long-discussed Barracks Row business community roundtable to address the issue.

At last week’s meeting with Sam, neither commissioners nor the neighbors raised the question of why what used to be a family style Mediterranean restaurant rebranded itself into an edgy hookah (“lounge” is too mild a term) venue with a club vibe which attracts a clientele drawn to a late night place where patrons are searched for weapons upon entry. The next statutory deadline for Café 8 to renew its license is March 31, 2028 which will bring it back before the ANC with a request that the ANC support the renewal. 

Café 8 Cleared to Reopen Immediately

by Larry Janezich

Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2026

ABCA Public Hearing October 28, 2026

Wednesday afternoon, the DC Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) voted 6-0 to lift the suspension of Café 8’s liquor license.  The suspension was lifted immediately by ABCA’s acceptance of an “Offer In Compromise” negotiated by the DC Office of Attorney General (OAG) and submitted to the Board this morning.  The conditions amounted to an enhanced security plan and a $4000 fine for violations of DC Code. 

The terms of the compromise included increasing the number of security personnel from 4 to 6 Thursday – Sunday after 5:00pm until closing.  Additional security requirements include training for all staff on terms of the security plan, a requirement that all patrons show a valid ID and submit to a search for weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol by using metal detector hand held wands and pat downs. 

Under questioning by the Donovan Anderson, Board Chair, Assistant Attorney General Sophia Mietus (OAG) said that it is the position of the government that the Board accept the Offer in Compromise.  The Board then voted unanimously to accept it. Nearby neighbors were unlikely to be assuaged by the agreement, since it offered nothing to address the behavior of patrons of late night bars on Barracks Row who disturb nearby neighborhoods with street parties.  ANC6B will be tasked with finding ways to address that issue.  Another article on that subjects will be forthcoming on CHC.

Café 8 Liquor License Suspended Indefinitely

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 24, 2026

Café 8, 424 8^th Street, SE

Cafe 8 Liqour License Sespended Indefinately

Friday, the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) posted notices suspending Café 8’s restaurant liquor license indefinitely.  That, however, does not mean forever.

According to a source with knowledge of ABCA proceedings, the next step in the days ahead is an adjudication proceeding which involves ABCA, the Office of the Attorney General and the Licensee.  The only factors under consideration are reports from the ABCA Investigator, the Office of Attorney General and MPD, as well as the operating procedures in Café 8’s existing Settlement Agreement.  It is not a hearing where the ANC or the community is heard.  The case could be reconciled here with an agreement among all parties on reopening under additional limitations and operating conditions – or continued in the case of a determination made that further action should be taken.

Here’s a photo of one of Café 8’s four rooms tables sans hookah pipes.  That, plus the removal of the blackout curtains which shielded the restaurant from street view, gives the place a somewhat different vibe. 

Tomorrow – Maury Elementary Fall Fest – October 24

Fall fest is an annual tradition at Maury with a carnival like atmosphere – all put on by the Maury 5th grade class to support their end of the year activity – a tradition every 5th grader looks forward to.

Don’t delay and get your tickets today! Early bird ticket pricing ends soon.

📅 When: Saturday, October 24, 2026

⏰ Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

What’s in store?

🍕Delicious Food

🎨 Crafts & Face Painting

🎲 Games & Raffles – enter to win a chance to silly string Principal Hassler or a special face painting from Mr. Derrick and Ms. Conant!

🎂 Cake Walk

👻 Haunted House

Admission Details:

Free Entry

Tickets required for activities and food:

🎟 All-inclusive wristband: $25 now — $30 at the door (save $5 with advance purchase!

🎟 Individual tickets: $1 each

BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE: https://bit.ly/4skbY9v

Reminders:  Tonight and the Weekend

By Larry Janezich

Posted:  October 22, 2026

Reminders

Thursday, October 22

The Capitol Hillbillies host the Capitol Hill Swing Dance – Third Thursdays at St. Mark’s

7:30pm – 9:30pm (Lesson at 7:00pm).

Live music. Laminate wood‐like floor. Admission: $10, teens $5

Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE; some parking available.

Facebook event/RSVP page is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1599063928547639/

Contact: Joel Bailes, rollingpiano@gmail.com

Friday, October 23

Harvest Spooktacular at Americal Legion Post #8.

3pm – 6pm at 321 D Street, SE, corner of 3rd and D Streets, SE

Friday, October 23

1st District MPD hosts Movie in the Park

Monsters, Inc. at Lincoln Park on Friday, October 23, 2026, starting at 7:00pm.

Sunday, October 25

Congressional Cemetery

Fulcrum’s A Halloween Happening – 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Join Fulcrum Residential for one of our favorite traditions of the year — A Halloween Happening at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE.

Bring the whole family (and your best costumes!) for an afternoon packed with Halloween fun. We’ll have hayrides through the cemetery, games, a costume contest, food and drinks, and plenty of treats — plus a DJ from Scorpio Entertainment keeping the party going all afternoon.

Come dressed up, bring your friends and neighbors, and spend the afternoon celebrating Halloween with the Fulcrum community.

For more info, go here: https://bit.ly/4yVYpzs