Monthly Archives: April 2025

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 27, 2025

Osgemeos – The Endless Story – is an on-going exhibit on the entire 3^rd floor of the Hirshhorn Museum which continues through August 3.  Osgemeos means “the twins” in Portuguese and refers to two twin brothers, Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, who collaborate making art.  The exhibit – their most ambitious ever –is an astonishing explosion of creativity.  Its 1,000 or so pieces, span decades and stem from their lives and work growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

They work in paint, sculpture, drawing, photography, installations, fabric, video, music, light, found objects, and color. 

Much of the work references Tritrez, a surreal and mystical universe they invented and continue to explore. 

Here’s another image from Tritrez.

The Moon Room installation is a room created especially for the Hirshhorn exhibit. This is a view looking through one of the windows. A sense of dreamy intimacy is heightened by a thrilling operatic aria soundtrack drawing the real world into a fantastic one. 

Behind you as you look in the window is a floor to ceiling fantasy image.

For much more on the exhibit, go here:  https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/osgemeos-endless-story/

The Week Ahead…

Highlights: 

• Tuesday, FreeDC demonstrates an “Unwelcome Back” to Congress for failure to authorize DC to spend its own revenue.  See details under “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:”
• Tuesday, Forum on the RFK Stadium Site at the Hill Center.  (Mayor Bowser and the Commaders will announce on Monday the details of a deal to build a new stadium at RFK per WaPo.)  See details under “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:”

Monday, April 28, 2025

ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.  pm

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

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street; Sunday Clean ups in 6A01; May 31, 2025 Block Party; JO Wilson ES Auction; FreeDC.
• 2025 Liaison List & Engaging the Ward 6 Historic Communit.y.
• ANC 6A Grant Application.
• Public Safety Discussion & Brainstorm: Mutual Aid & Caring for Our Community.

ANC 7D Community Outreach and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA

Tuesday, April 29

ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis 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: 

• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with entertainment endorsement at Lydia’s Restaurant and Lounge at 1427 H Street, NE. 
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with cover charge endorsement at The Upper Room 1360 H Street, NE
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with entertainment and summer garden endorsements at Maketto 1351 H Street, NE. 
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with at Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with dancing entertainment and summer garden endorsements at Stable 1324 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with sidewalk cafe endorsements at Taqueria al Lado H 809 12th Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with entertainment and sidewalk endorsements at Choongman 1125 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license at Milk and Honey Cafe 1116 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with dancing entertainment sidewalk cafe and summer garden endorsements at Bens Chili Bowl/Bens Next Door/Ben’s Upstairs 1001 H Street, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class C restaurant license with sidewalk cafe endorsement at Pascual 732 Maryland Avenue, NE.
• Discussion of the renewal of a Class D restaurant license with summer garden endorsements at Whole Foods Market 600 H Street, NE.

Wednesday, April 30

RESCHEDULED April 2025 ANC6B Executive Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

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

Agenda:  TBA. 

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

FreeDC Event, Tuesday, April 29, 8:30am – 11:00am. 

Unwelcome Back Congress – gather in the Spirit of Justice Park on the South side of the Longworth House Office Building.  “The House returns from recess on Tuesday and we want to make sure they know DC wants our money unfrozen…We start with a training and practice session from 8:30-9:00 AM which everyone is encouraged to attend.”

For more info, go here:  https://freedcproject.org/event-list/unwelcome-back-congress

Petition Supporting a Second Story for Rumsey Aquatic Center

CM Charles Allen is circulating a petition to garner support for a redesign of the proposed plans for a new Rumsey Aquatic Center that would include a second floor for a senior center and other amenities. 

Allen says, “While neighbors have said they want a second story – and I funded $15 million more specifically to add one – DGS and DPR did not include a second floor in their first design concepts presented to the community last month. They’ve gone back to the drawing board now, and this petition will help send a message to honor the original plan. The more neighbors we have sharing your voices, the better. Please sign the letter and share it with your friends who love Rumsey and want to see a redesign that meets the community’s needs.”

Here’s a link to the councilmember’s website which has a link to the petition.  https://www.charlesallenward6.com/   

Forum on the RFK Stadium Site – Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE).

No Billionaires Playground/Homes Not Stadiums is holding this community forum (dinner provided) to hear from residents & experts on the real economics behind an NFL stadium and to share a vision for how RFK could be developed to enrich the community.

Confirmed Speakers include:

• Charles Allen, Ward 6 Council Member
• Niciah Mujahid, Executive Director, Fair Budget Coalition
• Dana White, Miriam’s Kitchen
• Ashley Ruff, ANC 7F02
• Dennis Chestnut, environmental activist
• Pat Garofalo, American Economic Liberties Project

For more info and to register, go here:  https://homesnotstadiums.org/

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 20, 2025

DC is reportedly close to a deal with the Commanders to build a new stadium to replace RFK Stadium.  The deal reportedly could cost DC taxpayers up to $1 billion in public funds for supporting infrastructure and associated financing costs – according to Council Chair Phil Mendelson.  No Playground for Billionaires – an organization which opposes using public funds for a new stadium – is hosting a public forum at Hill Center on Tuesday, April 29.  See below under “Capitol Hill Corner Would also like you to know about:” for more information.

Here are some photos of Saturday’s DPW Free Special Waste Collection Event at RFK Stadium Parking Lot Number 3.  DPW organizes the event which brings together organizations which collect hazardous waste, recycle electronics, and shredded paper.  The next scheduled Special Waste Collection Event is on Thursday, June 26, at 10:00am at the same location.  For more information and to register for a timed entry, go here:  https://bit.ly/3GjSlug

Drivers queued up on 22^nd Street NE and turned right onto East Capitol to access Parking Lot #3.  The timed entry made the line manageable and it moved quickly.  After showing their DC driver’s license participants are directed to one or more of the three collection points where employees unload vehicles.  The whole process takes around 30 minutes from the time you join the queue.  

Electronics.

Hazardous waste.

Paper shredding. 

Easter Sunday Morning near Eastern Market: Here’s a photo of café society on 7th Street SE, circa 10:30am. 

The Week Ahead…

MONDAY April 21

ANC6D will hold a virtual meeting at 7:30pm.  Note new time.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://www.anc6d.org/virtual-meetings/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Public Safety Report (PSA 103,105,106).
• Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch).
• DDOT briefing on final design of approach bridges to 14th Street (informational).
• Consent Agenda 1. Approve Amazon-AF Ride May 31, 2. March for Babies May 3.
• ABC Matters
• Shall the ANC comment on a Modification without a Hearing for 2121 1st Street?
• Shall the ANC support developers’ request for a 2-year extension of PUD for 807 Maine?
• SMD Updates
• Chairperson’s Report

Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:

Hill Center Event – Tuesday, April 29 – 6:00pm to 8:00pm 

Forum on future of RFK Stadium sponsored by No Billionaires Playground’ Homes Not Stadiums. 

No Billionaires Playground/Homes Not Stadiums” is holding a community forum (dinner provided) to hear from residents and experts on the economics behind an NFL stadium and to share a vision for how RFK could be developed to enrich the community.

Confirmed Speakers include:

• Charles Allen, Ward 6 Council Member
• Niciah Mujahid, Executive Director, Fair Budget Coalition
• Dana White, Miriam’s Kitchen
• Ashley Ruff, ANC 7F02
• Dennis Chestnut, environmental activist

• Pat Garofalo, American Economic Liberties Project

For more info and to register, go here:  https://homesnotstadiums.org/

Petition Supporting a Second Story for Rumsey Aquatic Center

CM Charles Allen is circulating a petition to garner support for a redesign of the proposed plans for a new Rumsey Aquatic Center that would include a second floor for a senior center and other amenities.  Here’s a link to the councilmember’s website which has a link to the petition.  https://www.charlesallenward6.com/

“Sign My Petition to DPR! Rumsey Pool Needs a Second Story – Rumsey Aquatic Center is a beloved community asset in the heart of Capitol Hill. It’s also one of the most heavily used Department of Parks and Recreation facilities in the District, and it’s sorely in need of modernization.”

Hill Center Event – Thursday, April 24 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm – $10.00 – In Person

Atlantic Journalist Yoni Applebaum Discusses his new Book STUCK in Conversation with New York Times Writer Binyamin Appelbaum

For more and to register, go here:   https://bit.ly/42KlIgX

Hill Center Event – Friday, April 25 – 7:00pm – 9:00pm – $20

Singer/Songwriter Rochelle Rice Presents Tell Her This

For more and for tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/4jJ4Lug

Hill Center Event – Sunday, April 27 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm – $20

Stone Room Concerts Featuring Singer/Songwriters Carrie Elkin & Danny Schmidt.

For more and for tickets, go here:  https://bit.ly/3GgUhnb

Tobacco King opened the smoke shop next to the Miracle Theater earlier this year.

Alcohol/Cannabis Board Rejects Barracks Row Legal Weed Shop Application

by Larry Janezich

Posted Monday, April 24, 2025

According to ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn, the DC Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) today dismissed the application for a medical marijuana license by Aloha/Tobacco King at 539 8^th Street, SE, the former location of La Vagna restaurant. 

Sobelsohn reported that the applicants failed to show up at today’s ABCA Roll Call Hearing at which those protesting the license have an opportunity to explain their opposition.  Opponents, on the other hand, did show up, and they included Sobelsohn, ANC Commissioners Sam Pastore and Anna Krebs, ANC6B’s ABCA Committee chair Ellen Opper-Weiner, and District Montessori director Anjelina Keating.

Sobelsohn said “Tobacco King’s application troubled not only my constituents who live close to that location, but also troubled several important nearby 7th Street, SE, institutions that have programs for children: the Montessori School, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, & the Mormon Church. Our ANC had made very clear to the applicant that our community was united in opposing a cannabis retailer so close to our children.  Thankfully, Tobacco King got the message. No one attended the hearing for Aloha/Tobacco King. As a result, ABCA dismissed the application. For the time being at least, we need not worry about a cannabis retailer so close to our children.”

Aloha was intended to be an upstairs cannabis retail space owned by Tobacco King, a tobacco/smoke shop on the first floor.  There has been evidence that Tobacco King was dispensing cannabis in anticipation of receiving a license legalizing the operation.  The application was been opposed at the ANC Committee level as well as by the full ANC since it would permit Aloha to operate as a dispensary within 400 feet of a school, which is banned by city statute.

ANC6B Pressures DPR/DGS on Rumsey Design

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 12, 2025

On Friday, ANC6B followed through on the commission’s unanimous vote last Tuesday to send a letter to the Directors of the DC Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), requesting a restart on the design of the Rumsey project. 

The tone of the letter was more diplomatic than a letter from Eastern Market Main Street which characterized the designs put forward by DPR/DGS as “a disappointing lack of imagination and or understanding of the rare opportunity this redevelopment project offers the city.”  See here:  https://bit.ly/43A2b4Q

Here’s the full text of the ANC’s email:   

April 11, 2025

Thennie Freeman, Director, DPR;

Delano Hunter, Director, DGS

Ward 6 Councilman, Charles Allen,

VIA EMAIL:thennie.freeman@dc.gov; delano.hunter@dc.gov; callen@dccouncil.gov

Re: Requesting a Restart for Rumsey Aquatic Center Rebuilding

This letter requests a restart in planning for the Rumsey Aquatic Center and explains

why a restart is necessary.

Most are familiar with the Sesame Street jingle: “One of these things is not like the others.” It is not hard to determine which proposal for the Rumsey Aquatic Center is different than the community-based proposals that preceded it.  The one that is different is the one just introduced – without community consultation – on March 12.  Rather than reflecting the RFP that was the  basis for the generous design/build award, the current proposal goes its own direction and seeks to shoehorn a few small auxiliary rooms into the current, single story, pool space.

The difference between the RFP and the proposed project is as great as the difference between Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch: The RFP declares: “In addition to new and upgraded aquatic features, the project will aim to deliver community-based program spaces.”  Implausibly, the current proposal does not propose to provide even the core items stipulated in the RFP:

• senior center with tech lounge and other amenities;
• large multipurpose/recreation room;
• small to medium multipurpose/recreation rooms (note the plural).

At the March community meeting residents were presented with three “options”, none of which included the second floor which has been anticipated by the community, and which will be required to meet the specifications of the RFP.  Not until the Q and A was the issue of a second floor addressed and then only because several residents specifically asked about its surprising omission from the plan.

Capitol Hill residents hold a variety of expectations for pool use.  However, there is universal understanding that the rebuild of Rumsey is a once in a lifetime opportunity to add needed space resources for our built-up neighborhood that are unlikely to arise elsewhere.

Sincerely,

Edward Ryder, Chair of ANC 6B

Fires in Hill East Suggest Serial Arsonist

By Larry Janezich

Posted April 12, 2025

Several fires set in the Hill East/Barney Circle neighborhoods in the last 30 days appear to be the work of a serial arsonist according to residents. The mostly-minor fires were clustered near Barney Circle and Lincoln Park.  One fire was significant, destroying a construction trailer (above photo). 

Residents say there have been several incidents over the past four weeks but most disturbing were three fires set in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 10.  Those fires were set in the alley of the 1600 block of H Street SE and on Kentucky Avenue, SE near Lincoln Park.  The most damaging was one in the 100 block of Kentucky Avenue SE which engulfed a construction trailer full of wood (see more on other locations below).

In addition to those locations, residents say there is evidence of a fire (scorched ground) along the RFK access road off Barney Circle/17th Street SE.  Also, a resident of the 1600 block of H Street SE said leaves and debris in the alley of that block were set on fire within the past month. 

One home owner called MPD to report that a security camera had recorded a suspected arsonist setting a trash can on fire in the alley of the 1600 block of H Street SE.  In the process of filing a police report, the homeowner said that MPD officer called in the DCFD Fire Marshals who followed up and said they were aware of fires like this being lit around the neighborhood.  

The homeowner emailed CM Charles Allen to make sure he was aware of the situation.

Asked for comment, Allen responded:  “I appreciate the neighbors that brought this to my attention earlier today.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  I’ve connected with leaders at both MPD and FEMS this afternoon and I want neighbors to know that patrols will be on the lookout and the Fire Marshal is investigating fully.  If anyone has security videos that might help ID the individual that set these fires, please share them with law enforcement or contact me directly.”

Here’s some additional information regarding the fires:  

March 16, circa 9:00pm, alley of 700 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Fence set on fire. 

March 16, circa 9:00pm, alley of 700 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Fence set on fire. 

April 10, 3:56am, alley behind 1600 block of H Street SE.  Trash can set on fire.  No damage caused as the fire extinguished itself after about 3 minutes.  Video footage captured, but due to angle it’s difficult to make out much about this person.

(No image available.)

April 10, circa 4:30am, 400 block Kentucky Ave SE.  Trash left for bulk pickup in curb box was set on fire.

Thursday April 10, circa 4:40am.  100 block of Kentucky Avenue SE.  Construction trailer set on fire.

Maman Joon’s Kitchen – Persian Kabob – Set to Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted April 10, 2025

Friday night found Maman Joon Kitchen owner Kevin Ejtemai (at right) celebrating the pending opening of the third outlet of his restaurant chain, this one at 404 8^th Street, SE, the former site of The Sweet Lobby.  He has an outlet in Tenleytown and another in McLean.

In the kitchen, the grill was fired up for the first kabobs…

Staff packed them up…

and Ejtemai gave away free samples to passersby on Friday evening.  He said he would probably continue offering samples tomorrow and hopes to formally open on Monday.  Maman’s Kitchen – with no indoor seating – is carryout and catering only. 

Here’s a look at part of the menu.