CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Café 8 Will Likely Reopen – Conditionally 

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 20, 2026

In the days or weeks ahead, it seems likely that the Alcohol Beverage Control Board will allow Café 8 to reopen with a new set of conditions attached to their liquor license. 

MPD ordered the summary 96 hour closure of Café 8 on Barracks Row at 7:00pm Monday night in accordance with the finding by the Chief of Police that continued operation would present an imminent danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Under DC Code, Café 8 can appeal the closure and request a hearing before the Board.  The Board could receive and act on the request at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 21 and then set a time and date for the appeal hearing.  In the mean time, it is likely the Board will extend the 96 hour closure.

Wednesday’s 10:30am meeting will be virtual and a link to live coverage is here:  https://www.youtube.com/live/v5eMj0wyvlU (Likewise, the administrate adjudication hearing will also be virtual at a time and date TBA)

After hearing the evidence in the future proceeding, the Board will decide Café 8’s fate.  There are three options: 

• Lift the closure if Café 8 is found to have already addressed the reasons for closure.
• Allow Café 8 to reopen with additional operating conditions.
• Continue the closure and schedule a show cause hearing  (is a formal legal administrative hearing) where Café 8 will have to show why they should be allowed to reopen.  (This too could result in a conditional reopening – or in a suspension of the liquor license)

Tuesday night, ANC6B Chair Sam Pastore and the ABC6B’s ABC Committee chair Karen Hughes, called for an emergency meeting of the Commission at 6:30pm that evening.  The purpose of the meeting was to vote on a letter to the ABC Board, ahead of their regular Wednesday meeting, to ensure that the ANC has a voice in the anticipated consideration of the review of the summary closing of Café 8. 

The letter states that “ANC6B supports the emergency 96-hour closure imposed by the Metropolitan Police Department on Oct. 19 and requests that the Board use its investigatory and regulatory powers to work proactively with Café 8 to determine appropriate additional security measures necessary to protect public safety, peace, order, and quiet.”

The letter acknowledged the numerous complaints from neighbors about late night/early morning disruptions on nearby streets the letter and cited the need for the ABC Board to require stronger operational safeguards…but notes that “…ANC 6B is not requesting revocation of Café 8’s license. It urgently requests, however, that the Board consider the following conditions before Café 8 resumes regular late-night operations.”

(To that end, the letter suggest conditions which reflect conversations between ANC6B Commissioner Brian Gorman (who represents the district in which Café 8 lies) and the restaurant’s management.)

• Full documented compliance with all existing security obligations contained in the ANC 6B settlement agreement.
• The addition of visible cameras on Café 8’s exterior.
• A written and enforced banned-patron policy covering individuals involved in violence, threats, firearms offenses, drug activity, fights, or repeated disorderly conduct associated with the establishment.
• Clear signage advising patrons that off-premises violence and neighborhood disorder may result in exclusion from the establishment.
• A strengthened operational and security plan demonstrating how Café 8 will prevent the recurrence of dangerous conditions associated with its late-night business activity.
• A commitment to working with neighboring late-night restaurants and bars to reduce the chance of incidents on Barracks Row.
• Quarterly reporting to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration as well as ANC 6B that documents security incidents and any mitigation measures undertaken.

The Commission further urged the Board to make clear that continued licensure depends on demonstrated compliance, effective security management, and real accountability for patrons whose conduct endangers residents, visitors, and public servants alike.

The letter passed 6 – 0. A copy will be available on the ANC6B website shortly. 

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 19, 2026

This official notice of closure was posted at Café 8 this evening.  Photo credit: Nicky Sundt

Despite not referring to an effective date and time, it is effective when the closure is handed to the management. 

The licensee has 3 business days after the service of the notice to file a formal request for a hearing with ABCA.  Once requested, ABCA is required to hold a hearing within 2 business days of receiving request.

See here:  https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-826

by Larry Janezich

Posted Monday, October 19, 2026

CM Allen Calls for 96 Hour Closing of Café 8

Monday morning. CM Charles Allen posted on social media that because of repeated issues outside Barracks Row’s Café 8, including gun shots, he believes that an emergency closure should take place until the business changes how they operate.  He said, “I’ve spoken with (MPD’s 1D Commander) Hall as well as head of ABCA.”  An hour later, Allen hosted an online “Press Avail on the Café 8 shooting. “

In response to questions, Allen said the pattern of violence outside this establishment has been ongoing for a year and a half or two years and MPD has had to put a lot of resources on the corridor.  He said that other businesses and residents are “sick and tired of it”… and he believes an emergency closure is warranted.

How this would work, Allen said, is when you’ve got a public safety hazard it requires a 96 hour shutdown closure and oftentimes ABCA will have a safety plan that has to be met for reopening.  (ABCA could extend the 96 hour closure pending an safety plan agreement or dispostion.)

The ABCA board next meets on Wednesday;  that would be first opportunity when the board could vote for a 96 hour closure.

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 19, 2026

Last night about 11:10pm, a fight broke out on the 400 block of Barracks Row in front of an establishment on the block.  According to interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll who held an early morning press conference on the scene, there were gunshots fired and nearby National Guard members exited a nearby van and intervened.  The suspect ignored Guard commands to drop the weapon and fired a shot at the Guard who “discharged their weapons “  In an exchange of gunfire, the Guard member was shot in the leg and the shooter was shot in the abdomen.  Carroll said in a an early morning press conference at the scene that both of the wounded were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.  This was the second time individuals have been shot this year on the block. Here’s the video from Carroll’s news conference as posted on X:  https://x.com/DCPoliceDept/status/2112072633630212106

The troubled 400 block of Barracks Row has grown increasingly rowdy on weekend nights and MPD has established a strong weekend night time presence.  Last Saturday, they cleared an after-midnight gathering on the block, an increasingly frequent occurrence not only there but spilling over to late night gatherings on the 700 and 800 block of E Street, SE. 

At the last MPD community meeting on October 6, a resident told 1^st District Commander Colin Hall that the disturbances on E Street had flared up again after quieting down for a time.  Hall said MPD would deploy a Crime Suppression team to send a message that the street is not a good place to hang out.

The Week Ahead…& Part II Postal Museum + Photo from Last Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, October 18

Postal Museum Part II

The lower level of the Postal Museums contains artifacts related to the early delivery systems for the mail service.  The 90 foot ceilings accommodate suspension of aircraft which delivered the mail.  Here are photos of three.

The Wiseman-Cooke – which accomplished a shot delivery in 1911.  Fred Wiseman delivered letters from Petaluma to Santa Rosa, CA flying 100 feet off the ground at a speed of 70 mph.

The de Havilland of 1918.  The Post Office requested 100 planes from the Army but found them unsuitable for mail delivery, requiring a redesign in 1919.  It became the work horse of airmail services and carried 775 million letters in the first year of service.

The Stinson Reliant of 1939.  Designed for providing airmail service for small communities without airports, it collected and delivered mail and express packages without landing.  It was never profitable and was discontinued in 1939. 

Here’s a full sized replica of an 1851 Concord stage coach.  They were first used to deliver the mail in the 1820s and remained in use until the early 1900s.

And here’s the Postal Museum gift shop. 

Last Saturday, FreeDC organized an event at Eastern Market to promote early voting.  Here’s a photo of the supporters circa 10am.  Photo credit – Amber Jones. 

The Week Ahead…

Monday, October 19

ANC6D will hold and IN PERSON meeting at 7:00pm in the 2nd floor Conference Center at 1100 4th Street SW.

Among items on the draft agenda:

Public Safety ReportBoard of Elections: Ranked Choice Voting Refresher

Bill 26-769: Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance (Audi Field)

Public Safety Report

Community Announcements (1 minute per speaker; please contact us 48 hours in advance)

Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)

Commissioner Announcements

Community Concerns (3 minutes per speaker; please send request to speak 48 hours in advance)

Presentation: BOE “Refresher” on Ranked Choice Voting

Presentation: Update on 375 & 425 M Street SW

ABC Matters

Zoning Commission Case: 401 14th St SW Map Amendment

Bill 26-769, the “Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance Act of 2026”

Proposed ANC Legislation: B26-0831 and B26-0832

Single Member District Updates

Chairperson’s Report

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Old Business

• Vision Zero Hardening at 13th Street/Tennessee Avenue/Constitution Avenue – Tentative plan for DDOT to attend and discuss construction updates on this project at Maury Elementary School.

New Business

• DDOT Public Space Application – Indochine, a new restaurant at the Southwest corner of 11th and H Streets NE, has applied to alter the furniture and number of people permitted on their patio.
• Lead Free DC Project in alleyway between 1200 blocks of Duncan Place NE and D Street NE – DC Water will join to inform the ANC about restoration that will occur and meeting they are hosting on October 21, 2026.
• DC Water and DDOT Sidewalk and Street Repair – Tentative plan for DC Water and DDOT to discuss asphalt patches to roads and sidewalks.
• Draft Resolution on Increased Transit Funding and Infrastructure Related to RFK Development.

Additional community comment

Tuesday, October 20

ANCA Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Old Business

• H Street Land Use Plan: Final H St Land Use and Market Study Open House will be held  Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Sherwood Recreation Center, 2nd floor large multi-purpose room, 640 10th St NE.
• Vacant Property. Discuss idea to “divide and document” vacant property with each SMD and request ANC to send a letter to DOB with findings.
• 1226 F Street, NE, BZA Application to construct a third story addition, to an existing, detached, two-story, 4-unit, apartment house in the RF-1 zone. Presented to EDZ meeting June 17 asked to negotiate with neighbors in June and again in July. The developer and lawyer gave tardy notice for a Zoom meeting Tuesday August 18. Eight neighbors attended; no agreement was reached. In September, EDZ and ANC voted unanimously to withhold support. At BZA hearing September 16, 2026. BZA requested a “sketch” or map of neighbor support and opposition which was submitted by the EDZ; the BZA decision hearing is October 21.
• 1225 F Street NE. BZA Application to construct a second-story addition to an accessory building (garage) in the rear yard of an existing two-story plus cellar principal row dwelling in the RF-1 zone.
• 23 Overbeck Aly.  Architect/resident/homeowner Jack Becker seeks a supporting letter from the ANC to DDOT’s Public Space Committee for a cornice to be added.
• 1020 C ST NE.  BZA Application to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story plus basement, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone

ANC7D Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning, Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here (and scroll down):  https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

Among items on the draft agenda: 

Presentation on BZA Case No. 21535 (1624 D Street NE)

Presentation on BZA Case No. 21531 (1525 A St NE)

Update on District 7 Bar & Grill (1500 East Capitol Street) and Request for Stipulated Alcoholic Beverage License

Discussion of Renewal of ABRA License 103270 (Circle 7 Express Food Store, 740 Kenilworth Avenue NE)

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Tuesday, October 20

Ward 6 State Board of Education Candidate Forum

Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization is holding a virtual Ward 6 SBOE Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7 pm. 

To join the meeting, go here:  http://bit.ly/W6SBOEFORUM26

Wednesday, October 21

Hill Center Event

At Issue: The Remaking of the Pentagon

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $12 | Get tickets  https://bit.ly/4s9Dbf5

Featuring New York Times Pentagon Reporter Greg Jaffe, Erik Slavin, Former Editor-in-Chief of Stars and Stripes, & The Atlantic’s Nancy A. Youssef

Thursday, October 22

Hill Center Event

Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Inner Spaces

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $23 | Get tickets https://bit.ly/4dIxzm3

Trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and composer Amir ElSaffar joins electronic composer and performer Lorenzo Bianchi Hoesch explore the intersection of Arabic maqam and sonic innovation. 

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 3^rd and D Streets, SE

Friday, October 23

1^st 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

Reminder for Sunday, October 18:  Renovators House Tour

Posted October 17

24th Annual Capitol Hill Homes Open Their Doors for a Great Cause.  Step inside some of Capitol Hill’s most interesting renovated homes.  This beloved neighborhood tradition offers a behind-the-scenes look at creative renovations, thoughtful design, and unique solutions for living in Capitol Hill’s historic homes. Whether you’re planning a renovation, looking for inspiration, or simply love seeing inside neighborhood homes, the Tour is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  Tour is a community fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA, supporting students at Peabody Elementary, Watkins Elementary, and Stuart-Hobson Middle School.  Tickets at $35.  For more info and to purchase tickets, go here: www.renovatorstour.org

Reminders for Tonight and the Weekend:

by Larry Janezich

Posted Friday, October 16

Reminders: 

Friday, October 16

Hill Center Event

Stone Room Concerts Featuring Modern Folk/Americana band Buffalo Rose

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$23.00

For more, and to purchase tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4yjeOwX

Saturday, October 17

No Kings Day of Action –  DC Events – October 17 https://bit.ly/4B1XqiC

The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.

***Saturday, October 17, No Kings: Vote Early Rally and March near Memorial Circle.***

Join Third Act DMV for a VOTE EARLY rally between Arlington Cemetery metro and Memorial Bridge, just south of Memorial Circle.  We will then march across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.  We end up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool with a few brief remarks.  Be inspired in community!

For more info and to register:  https://bit.ly/4ijwXG0

Also: 

FreeDC is organizing Ward by Ward events to encourage early voting.  On October 17, the community will have the opportunity to join others from your ward to vote early. Go here for more details:  https://freedcproject.org/event-list/vote-early

Ward 6

• H St / NoMa (9 AM @ Tango Pastry and 3:30 PM @ Solid State Books)
• SouthWest Library @ 12 PM
• Eastern Market @ 10 AM

The Lincoln Park Free DC noisemakers will gather to VOTE  EARLY. Join us at the north end of Eastern Market at 10am and wear your Free DC, Hands Off DC, or other DC gear.

Saturday, October 17

National Gallery of Art East Building

Film:  Maysles Films Inc.’s Salesman – Part of A Camera That Goes Anywhere: American Cinema Verité

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

East Building, Concourse, Large Auditorium

More info and to register, go here:  https://bit.ly/4eiuzNl

Sunday, October 18

National Gallery of Art East Building

Films:  The National Gallery and its Artists: Portraits on Film

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

East Building, Concourse, Large Auditorium

For more and to register, go here:  https://bit.ly/3VPJCb5

Also: 

You Can Now Dispose of Batteries at Eastern Market

Ward 6 residents can now find battery drop-off boxes available at Eastern Market.  Look for the blue Zero Waste tent at Eastern Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to accepting food waste and food-soiled paper for composting, the drop-off tents at select farmers markets will also take single-use (primary) and rechargeable household batteries under 11 lbs. DC residents are encouraged to bring their old small-format batteries safe disposal.

To learn more about battery disposal in DC, please visit: https://doee.dc.gov/page/doee-battery-recycling-program

Final List of ANC Candidates for Capitol Hill ANCs

by Larry Janezich

Posted October 14, 2026

Overview:  There will be major a turnover on some Capitol Hill ANC Commissions. 

17 Commissioners are not seeking reelection or have resigned owing to relocation, leaving vacant seats.

• ANC6A Amber Gove                         Not seeking reelection
• ANC6A Steve Kolb                            Resigned (relocation)
• ANC6B  Tyler Wolanin                     Not seeking reelection
• ANC6B  Brian Gorman                      Not seeking reelection
• ANC6B  Anna Krebs                          Not seeking reelection
• ANC6B  Vince Mareino                     Not seeking reelection
• ANC6B  Edward Ryder                      Resigned (relocation)
• ANC6C  Karen Wirt                           Not seeking reelection
• ANC6C  Andrew Hayes                    Not seeking reelection
• ANC6C  Tony Goodman                    Resigned (relocation)
• ANC6D  Gottlieb Simon                    Not seeking reelection (No candidate)
• ANC6D  Andrea Pawley                    Not seeking reelection
• ANC6D  Chearie Phelps-EL             Not seeking reelection
• ANC6D  Bruce Levine                       Not seeking reelection
• ANC7D  Artilie Wright                      Not seeking reelection (No candidate)
• ANC7D  Ebony Payne                        Not seeking reelection
• ANC7D  Brett Astmann                     Not seeking reelection

ANC6B has the most incumbents (5) who are not seeking reelection

List of Candidates for ANC6A, ANC6B, ANC6C, ANC6D and ANC7D

ANC6C has two contested seats

ANC6D has three contested seats

ANC7D has two contested seats

Asterisk indicates incumbent 

Strike Through indicates incumbents not seeking reelection

Italic indicates challenger for a contested seat

Bold and Underline indicates contested seat

6A01 Scott Burger*

6A02 Kimberly Butler*

6A02 Kari Cooke

6A02 Cole Rinner

6A03 Roberta Shapiro*

6A04 Amber Gove* Steve Geimann

6A05 Morgan Conley*

6A06 Ben Hammer*

6A06 Chris Kennedy

6A06 Daniel Aboagye 

6A06 Ray Biggs, II 

6A07 Steve Kolb Jeff Giertz

6B01 Tyler Wolanin*   Jon Mandel

6B02 Gerald “Jerry” Sroufe*

6B03 David Sobelsohn*

6B04 Brian Gorman*  Dana White

6B05 Samuel Pastore*

6B06 Anna Krebs*  Lisa Matsumoto

6B07 Vince Mareino*  Rachel E Feinstein

6B08 Edward Ryder*  Jeffrey Menzer

6B09 Karen Hughes*

6C01 Jeremiah Foxwell*

6C02 Karen Wirt* Lea M. Crusey

6C03 Jay Adelstein*

6C04 Mark Eckenwiler*

6C05 Daniela McInerney*

6C06 Andrew Hayes* Lorenzo Cinalli

6C07 Tony Goodman* Grayson Lewis

6D01 Marquell Washington* (Incumbent running as a Write In Candidate)

6D01 Garritt Garcia (Challenger running as a Write In Candidate)

6D02 Gottlieb Simon*  (No candidate)

6D03 Gail Fast* 

6D03 Katie L. Henke

6D04 Andrea Pawley*   Manasi Raveendran

6D05 Chearie Phelps-EL*  Timothy M. Taylor

6D06 Bruce Levine*  (not seeking reelection)

6D06 Mitchell Calhoun 

6D06 Julian Hunt

6D07 Fredrica Kramer*

6D08 Rhonda Hamilton*

7D01 Joshua Taborn*

7D02 (Vacant seat) Toya Henderson

7D03 Artilie Wright*  (No candidate)

7D04 Katie Murphy* 

7D04 Charles Boston

7D05 Ebony Payne*  Nisha Patruni

7D06 Donte Dominic Massey

7D06 Dominic Pacheco* 

7D07 Brett Astmann*  Sarah C. Miller

7D08 Brian Alcorn*

7D09 Ashley Schapitl*

7D10 Dev Myers*

No Kings Day of Action Events – October 17

Posted by Larry Janezich

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.

The main event of the No Kings Day of action in DC is being organized by Third Act DMV.

***Saturday, October 17, No Kings: Vote Early Rally and March near Memorial Circle.***

Join Third Act DMV for a VOTE EARLY rally between Arlington Cemetery metro and Memorial Bridge, just south of Memorial Circle.  We will then march across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.  We end up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial overlooking the reflecting pool with a few brief remarks.  Be inspired in community!

For more info and to register:  https://bit.ly/4ijwXG0

*Note:  The description in the mobilize link is not accurate and we are waiting on the No Kings folks to update this, the march will start near Memorial Circle and marching across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.  Sign up to get the latest information.

FreeDC is organizing Ward by Ward events to encourage early voting.  On October 17, the community will have the opportunity to join others from your ward to vote early. https://freedcproject.org/event-list/vote-early

Ward 6

H St / NoMa (9 AM @ Tango Pastry and 3:30 PM @ Solid State Books)

Join your H Street community for two walks: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We’ll meet at a Procott neighborhood business, walk together to drop off our ballots, and then head to another Procott H St business to eat, drink, and socialize with neighbors. Join the chat to learn more.

SouthWest Library @ 12 PM

Bring your completed ballot, properly sealed in its envelope, to the dropbox at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Place SW) at 12 PM. After voting, we’ll enjoy snacks, treats, and drinks while socializing and celebrating democracy. Please bring snacks/treats to share if you’re able. Other voters (and future voters) are welcome to join the fun! Join the chat to learn more.

Eastern Market @ 10 AM

The Lincoln Park Free DC noisemakers will gather to VOTE  EARLY. Join us at the north end of Eastern Market at 10am and wear your Free DC, Hands Off DC, or other DC gear. 

Take a selfie dropping off your ballot, say hi to a neighbor! After dropping off our ballots, we will walk to get a snack or drink at Mott’s Market or a favorite neighborhood spot.

Accessibility: This is an outdoor area. Ballot drop box is outside the North Hall of Eastern Market.