Jim Toole, 1937 – 2023 (photo: Capitol Hill Books)
Capitol Hill’s Legendary Bookseller Jim Toole Dies
By Larry Janezich
Posted November 12, 2023
Capitol Hill Books at 657 C Street, SE, on Sunday afternoon.
The shock of the death of Morton “Jim” Toole – legendary former owner of Capitol Hill Books – spread through the Capitol Hill book-loving community on Sunday.
Toole collapsed on his way home after having dinner at Tunnicliff’s on Saturday night. He was 86.
Toole owned and operated Capitol Hill Books from 1995 until July of 2018 when he sold the business to long time employees and friends of the store. According to their website, the new owners vowed to preserve the fiercely independent spirit of the bookstore and ensure it maintains its place as a literary hub of the community.
Toole was a retired Navy rear admiral – a veteran of the Vietnam War – with a degree in history from UCLA and a Master’s from American University. One of Toole’s long time friends noted that his death on Veteran’s Day was a fitting and poetic way to go.
Toole’s wit and finely tuned curmudgeoness enlivened the structured disorganization that characterized the nationally known eclectic bookshop.
Those qualities were evidenced by these 2014 photos of signage advising and admonishing patrons who browsed the three floors of used and rare books.
Capitol Hill Books was opened in 1991 by Bill Kerr, a graduate of Wayward Books – another beloved used bookstore located at 725 7th Street, SE. Wayward Books relocated to Maine in 1990. Kerr – who worked at the Washington Post – opened his own store around the corner at 657 C Street, SE.
New Medical Marijuana Dispensary Looks to Open on Barracks Row. Last Thursday night, ANC6B’s ABC Committee heard a presentation from attorney Meredith Kinner about the plan of her client – Barbara Bernabe of Virginia – to open a licensed medical marijuana outlet at 727 8th Street, SE. The space was previously occupied by Honey Made Boutique which closed in July of this year. Before that, it was the home for five years of Summit to Soul sports wear which closed in June of 2021. The ANC Committee is discussing a potential settlement agreement regarding the outlet’s operation prior to receipt of a request for support for the ABCA license needed to open at the location.
Pacci’s Trattatoria needs expansion to 2nd Floor to survive says owner. ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee heard from Spiro Goldasis, owner of Pacci’s Trattatoria at 106 13th Street, SE, that the restaurant needs to expand to the second floor in order to survive. The owner says that the restaurant’s dining space in the basement has not proven to be “desireable.” The problem is that zoning regulations require the second floor to be residential – and getting around that is problematic. ANC6B and ANC6A are lining up to support a zoning adjustment to solve the problem, but the outcome is uncertain. Concerned neighbors can reach out to Commissioner Chander Jayaraman to lend their voices to his upcoming testimony before the Zoning Adjustment Board. His contact info is 6b06@anc.dc.gov
New Images of Conservative Partnership’s Plans for Alley Closing behind former Capitol Lounge. On Thursday night, ANC6B’s Planning and Zoining Committee heard a presentation from attorney Christine Shiker of Holland and Knight regarding the latest plans for the use of 229, 231, and 233 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, the future headquarters of the Conservative Partnership. The purpose of the presentation was to solicit the input from ANC6B on mondifications to the façades of the buildings to satisfy a community feedback requirement of the Commission on Fine Arts which reviews changes to historic properties facing major gateway corridors to the US Capitol.
The applicants also shared renderings of the latest plan for the still-pending application to close the alley behind the Capitol Lounge and additions to the rear of the three buildings. The drawings show that the alley space could be event space – which appears to be the anticipated use of the roof top of the several connected garages (also owned by the Conservative Partnership) bordering the proposed closed alley. Or the space could be used for outdoor seating for the restaurant that the Partnership intends to establish in the space formerly occupied by the Capitol Lounge. The Committee voted 15 – 0 to recommend the full ANC support the changes to the façade and to note that they haves concerns about noise and privacy issues regarding the event/outdoor seating space at the rear of the properties.
Sunday was the 150th Anniversary of Eastern Market – one of the longest continuously operating market’s in the country. Councilmember Charles Allen and Council Chair Phil Mendelsohn were on hand at a 12 noon ceremony to mark the event.
Allen closed the event by ringing a cow bell – a tradition used by farmers markets across the country to announce the opening and closing of the market.
ANC6B’s Southeast Library Task Force met Sunday afternoon, chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn (center left). The Task Force discussed DC LibraryExecutive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan’s response to a letter from ANC6B concerning the operation and facilities which will be provided at an interim library services site at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center duing the SE Library renovation. Commissioner Frank” D’Andrea moved to authorize Chair Sobelsohn to draft a letter for consideration by the full ANC seeking clarification on some issues which are still unclear, especially regarding the services available at the interim site and the hours which the interim site will be open to library patrons. This was the groups first use of the new hybrid meeting system, simultaneously in-person and virtual, utilizing “Meeting Owl” – a 360-degree camera, mic, and speaker device (shown in the middle of the meeting) that captures a panoramic view of surroundings and allows remote viewers to see all participants. The Task Force will next meet on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor.
Chris Williams– President & CEO of Anacostia Watershed Society
Scott Kratz – 11th Street Bridge Park Director
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee
Dos Toros Taqueria 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Application for a new restaurant liquor license.
Omakase of Barracks Row, 522 8th Street SE, 2nd Floor. Application for a new restaurant liquor license with entertainment endorsement.
Radici, 310-303 7th Street, SE. Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license
Rose’s at Home, 721 8th Street SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Internet
Trader Joe’s #622, 750 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s
Café 8, Class “C” Restaurant License; Establishment requesting a substantial change to their existing liquor license.
Discussion Items:
Opposition to Renewal of Harris Teeter Liquor License
I Egg You Protest and Lessons Learned
Notice to Cure for Establishments on the 500 Block of Barracks Row
ACBA Law Review and Revision Upcoming this Fall
Cannabis Retailers Licensing
Transportation Committee
DDOT Presentation on D Street Alternatives for 8th Street Bus Priority Project (At Committee Meeting)
DDOT Presentation on Pedestrian Crossings at 14th/D/Kentucky SE Intersection Near Safeway
Traffic Concerns Near Watkins Elementary
Resolution on Parked Dockless Scooters and Bikes Impeding Sidewalk Access
Planning and Zoning Committee
Pacci’s 106 13TH Street SE, Project: BZA Application to expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.
630 G Street SE, Project: BZA Application to construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
630 G Street SE. Project. Historic Preservation Application to construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone
231 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Project. Commission on Fine Arts Review re Conservative Partnership’s planned renovation and expansion of existing buildings on 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. (Sqaure 762, Lots 842, 843, 823).
Update on Alley Closing in Square 762.
Letter Regarding Enforcement of Historic Preservation Regulations and Vacancies on Zoning Committee, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment and Historic Preservation Review Board.
Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties.
Other business
Report of Southeast Library Task Force.
Letter Regarding the Closing of the Southeast Library.
Report of the Southeast Library Task Force.
Report of the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
Report of the Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force.
Report of the Special Committee on Public Safety.
Report of the Special Committee on Public Safety.
Report of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee.
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS).
Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray.
Community Presentations
Michael Halvin, President, Friends of the DC Streetcar DDOT (pending).
Public Safety Committee
October Report of the Committee.
Other Business
Proposed Motion – ANC 7D to send a letter to Verizon concerning property at 580 23rd Place, NE.
ANC 7F Letter to DDOT Concerning Unresolved TSI Requests.
ANC 7D Letter to Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) Concerning Economy Market (License #0094127) .
ANC 7D Letter to DDOT Concerning NOI 23-106-TESD to Reduce Speed Limit to 20 miles per hour (TBD).
Saturday, November 18
DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative meets from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Southeast Library, 403 7th Street, SE.
The organization’s partner with tutoring & mentoring organizations and schools that need help. DCTMI connects tutoring and mentoring volunteers with organizations according to the volunteer’s availability.
Vandals Strike Chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetary
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 7, 2023
Last Saturday, the chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetery was vandalized, according to the following email addressed to the members of the cemetery’s K9 dog walking community by the cemetary staff.
Date: Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Subject: Chapel Vandalized Saturday 11/4
Dear K9 Community,
We are sending this email to ask for your help.
This afternoon during a private event, someone entered our chapel and vandalized this historic space. The offender(s) used the fire extinguisher inside and sprayed its contents all over our funeral equipment, chairs, and nineteenth century furniture. We have filed a police report and are currently reviewing security footage.
If you were on the grounds between 2 and 5 PM and saw anything suspicious, please report it to us by emailing staff@congressionalcemetery.org.
Sincerely,
Historic Congressional Cemetery
A staff member told CHC that the chapel is usually locked but had been opened prior to an event. (A souce told CHC that the event – which did not directlty involve the chapel – was scheduled to begin at 3:00pm and that the vandalism likely occurred prior to the event.) The staffer said the vandalism was “strange” because there was no way that someone would know in advance that the chapel would be unlocked. The chapel has been cleaned up and it does not appear that the incident will affect on-going cemetery activities or events. There is no new information regarding the identity or identities of those responsible.
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Here’s a view of the new main entrance to the Folger Theater. Beyond the glass doors, accessible by ramps and stairs, is the East Lobby – the site of the relocated Folger Theater box office. An elevator and stairs will take patrons to the lobby outside the theater.
At a media preview last Wednesday, Folger Director Michael Witmore (at right) summarized the thinking behind the $80 million Folger Library renovation: “We asked the designer to make unmistakable that this was a place you could come and visit – you’re going to feel great – you’re going to feel welcome. Their solution was, ok, what we need to do is use the landscape to start bringing people down the garden path, to come out of out of the federal world and enter the world of story telling…. It’s all designed to bring people in…another thing that was important [was to create] a reliable space to show people what we have…rare books and mansuscripts covering the beginning of the age of print all the way through the creation of the Atlantic world….Shakespeare is still the most performed playwright on the planet. Stories have a certain kind of power and heartbeat…and the words – specifically the words – have stayng power.”
Following the introduction, members of the media were led to a a demonstration of the reconstructed printing press – like the one used to print Shakespeare’s First Folio – located in the new Shakespeare Exhibition Hall. The Hall runs the length of the building with the West Lobby at the end, marked by the glass doors of the west entrance.
Caroline Duroselle-Melish, Associate Librarian for Collection Care and Development, demonstrated how Shakespeare’s First Folio was printed. The book, published in 1623 after his death, gave us the most complete compilation of Shakespeare’s plays. There are about 900 pages in the First Folio. The book was made by folding printed sheets of paper in half, with each sheet forming four pages.
Each of the Folios is unique owing to continuing corrections to the text as each page was printed. Paper was too valuable to discard, so according to Witmore (center), the Folios are a random collection of corrected, semi-corrected and uncorrected pages.
Members of the media were invited to view a display of rare books in the Founder’s Room. After the press entered the room, staffers removed paper covers which protected the four books on display from the light.
Four rare books from the Folger collection, left to right: Joseph Moxon’s printing manual, Titus Andronicus quarto (the equivalent of a paperback today) with this copy being the only one in the world, Robert Greene’s novel Pandosto, and a Shakespeare First Folio: Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies.
Owen Williams, Associate Director, Scholarly Programs, Folger Institute talked about the books on display. He said 750 copies of the First Folio were printed and of those, 235 known copies remain. The Folger has 82 of them and this will be the first time the First Folios in the Folger collection will be made public. Until now they have been kept in a vault. The First Folio was the first publication to categorize the plays as comedy, history and tragedy. Williams says that books are media containing stories that need to be collected, treasured, and preserved.
Here’s a view of the current state of Renaissance Hall – familiar to theater goers – as media members passed through it on the way to the lobby outside of the Folger Theater.
The Winter’s Tale. In the lobby of the theater, Folger Director of Programming and Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels (left), introducted Director of this season’s presentation of The Winter’s Tale, Tamilla Woodard. Woodard spoke about the significance of the play. (Shakespeare based it on an earlier darker novel by Robert Greene, Pandosto – a copy of which was displayed as one of the rare books in the Founder’s Room.) The Winter’s Tale was one of the 18 plays first printed in the First Folio. Woodard called it “a tale of redemption for spring….A tale of lives almost destroyed, reconciliation after years of sacrifice, and then finding a way to move forward together.” The play opened at the Folger on November 4 and will run through December 17.
As the media left, a staff assistant called attention to artist Anke Neumann’s handmade paper sculpture embedded with fiber optics titled Clouds of Imagination, in the East Stairwell. The staffer noted the sculpture is “symbolic of what paper means to the Folger.”
The Folger Library will announce its opening date by the end of 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets to The Winter’s Tale, go here: https://www.folger.edu/
The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) opened it final show of the year at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) last week. Here is a selection of images from the show.
Allegra by Jennifer Wilkeson. Multi Media
Bacchus in Profile by Marilyn Saks-McMillion. Photography
Betelgeuse Erupts by Alan Hirsch. Digital Art.
Andean Trio by Kenneth Bachman. Oil
Azaleas by Tara Hamilton. Watercolor
Venice 3 by Jane Mann. Photo Montage
Tourist Attraction by Meera Rao. Watercolor.
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 5, 2023
The Week Ahead….
Highlights:
Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:15pm. MPD First District Citizens Advisory Council. MPD lists the more serious recent crimes committed in the First District in the agenda for the public safety discussion. See Tuesday below for link to the complete list.
Wednesday, ANC6C. Discussion of commercial use of residential properties.
Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee. Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone. (City regulations stand in the way of this application, which the restaurant owner says is critical to the success of the restaurant.)
Thursday, ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee. Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Schedule for EASTERN MARKET 150TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND. See below.
Saturday, Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veterans Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE.
The Week Ahead….
Monday, November 6
ANC6D will hold a virtual administrative meeting at 7:00pm.
For info on how to join the meeting, go here (and request a link from the ANC): 6d@anc.dc.gov
Agenda:
To discuss the agenda for the full commission meeting on November 16.
The Washington Bach Consort offers a Noontime Cantata performance on Monday, November 6, at 12:10 pm. Free. Visit https://bachconsort.org/ for more info.
Tuesday, November 7
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. In person at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd Floor Conference Room.
Dos Toros Taqueria, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Restaurant License.
Omakase, 522 8th Street, SE, 2nd Floor; Application for a new Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License.
Class A Renewals
Radici, 310-303 7th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
Rose’s at Home (catering), 721 8th Street, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailers’ Class “B” Internet Liquor license.
Trader Joe’s, 750 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for the renewal of a Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
DCanter, 545 8th Street, SE; Application for renewal of Retailer’s Class “B” Grocery Liquor license.
Other Business
Café 8, 424 8th Street, SE; Class “C” Restaurant License; Request to modify their existing liquor license to expand hours of sales on the interior to full hours and add an Entertainment endorsement for a DJ to play amplified music until 2am.
Discussion Items:
Cannabis Rulemaking and Retailer Licensing.
New Cannabis Retailer Introductory Presentation.
I Egg You Protest and Lessons Learned.
Notice to Cure for Establishments on the 500 block of Barracks Row.
ABRA law review and revision upcoming this fall.
MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meeting 6:00 – 7:15pm
To join (and to see the full list of serious crimes committed in First District), go here: https://1dcac.com
Among items on the Agenda:
Public Safety Discussion including:
Shooting and homicide at Tennesee Avenue and C Street, NE.
14 year old juvenile arrested and charged with Armed Robbery at 1400 A Street, SE.
Robbery (force and violence) 1502 A Street, SE.
Cannabis shops on H Street, NE and license requiremennts .
Man terrorizing neighborhood near Potomac Avenue and 13th/14th Streets, SE.
Commuity Safety Walks.
Wednesday, November 8
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual Meeting at 7:00pm.
Among items on the draft agenda:
DDOT Presentation on D Street Alternatives for 8th Street Bus Priority Project.
DDOT Presentation on Pedestrian Crossings at 14th/D/Kentucky, SE Intersection Near Safeway.
Traffic Concerns Near Watkins Elementary School.
Resolution on Parked Dockless Scooters and Bikes Impeding Sidewalk Access.
Pacci’s, 106 13th Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To expand an existing restaurant use to the second floor, of a semi-detached, two-story with basement, commercial building in the RF-1 zone.
630 G Street, SE; Zoning Adjustment Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
630 G Street, SE – Historic Preservation Application – Project: To construct a new, three-story rear addition, and penthouse with roof deck, to an existing, detached, three-story flat in the RF-1 zone.
Former Capitol Lounge at 231 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Commission on Fine Arts Review – Project: Renovation and expansion of existing buildings.
Update on Alley Closing in Square 762 (behind the former Capitol Lounge).
Letter Regarding Enforcement of Historic Preservation Regulations and Vacnacies on Zoning Commission, Bureau of Zoning Adjustment, and Hthe Historic Preservation Review Board.
Joint Letter from ANC 6B and 6C to Acting Director Hanlon and DC Council Regarding Commercial Use of Residentially-Zoned Properties.
150th Anniversary of Eastern Market Celebration, Friday, November 10; Saturday, November 11; Sunday, November 12.
Friday, November 11
NOVEMBERFEST: Buy your tickets now for this kick-off fundraiser to celebrate Eastern Market’s 150th Anniversary. This 21+ event features a limited edition beer from Atlas Brew Works and live music by local legends, the Rock Creek Kings. Learn more and buy tickets at https://www.easternmarketmainstreet.org/150
November 10, 2023 | 6PM-9pm
Eastern Market North Hall, 227 7th Street, SE
$25 per person, each ticket includes a $10 food/beverage token
Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12thwill be the days full of music, activities, and festivities, including:
Stage at the top of the street with music and performances all day long
Classes, demos, and other activities in the North Hall
Tours of the market
Giant chess
Evening ghost tour
A world-renowned silhouette artist demonstration
The Wheelmen give a demonstration of their giant penny-farthing bicycles, Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm
Kenneth H. Nash DC Post No. 8 will host its annual Veteran’s Day Program in Folger Park at 11:00am, 224 D Street, SE.
Sunday, November 12
ANC6D Southeast Library Taskforce will hold an in person meeting at 3:00pm, downstairs at the SE Library, 403 7th Street, SE. A virtual option is Available: Meeting Link TBD.
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The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Hosts Capitol Hill Art League’s – “Color Explosion” opening reception tomorrow.
The Capitol Hill Art League members have been asked to challenge their usual palette choices and dive into color. See the results at this juried art show’s opening reception in the CHAW Gallery on Saturday, November 4th from 5:30-7:00pm. Juror, Jason Bruns will present awards and talk about the art. The show runs through December 2.
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Art Gallery is at 545 7th Street, SE.
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I Egg You – whose restaurant liquor license finally came through – is set to open on November 18, according to staff. It will feature 60 seats and a bar for breakfast sandwich brunch and an afterhours event space at 517 Eighth St., SE.
Here’s a peek inside the restaurant
Barracks Row is still anticipating the arrival of a new family style restaurant (like the original Marty’s before the days of CAVA) at 527 8th Street, SE. Timeline for opening is still uncertain.
ICYMI
Yesterday, Crazy Aunt Helen’s at 713 8th Street on Barracks Row announced it had closed.
And that follows the closure last week of Mason & Greene at 8th and D Street, SE, on Barracks Row.
CM Charles Allen led a public safety walk on Barracks Row last Wednesday night.
CM Charles Allen’s Barracks Row Safety Walk
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 29, 2023
Last Wednesday night, CM Charles Allen hosted a Barracks Row Public Safety Walk. MPD 1st District officers accompanied Commander Colin Hall, Dr. Jasmine Brann, principal of Tyler Elementary School; representatives from the federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA); and others including Brian Ready, Executive Director of Barracks Row Main Street ANC6B Commissioners Frank D’Andrea and David Sobelsohn. The community turnout was substantial, numbering in the dozens.
The state of the Eastern Market Metro Plaza – specifically the SW quadrant – monopolized discussion. One attendee pressed for removal of the furniture, a suggestion which Allen rejected. Commander Hall laid out a plan for a reinvigorated police commitment to the plaza, including increased foot and bike patrols and some things he declined to specify, possibly an allusion to undercover work.
An attendee asked about the recent mini-spike in robberies and carjackings. The Commander responded that this was his number one priority and the First District had some additional resources patrolling that very evening. CM Allen said he was working on coordinating a community crime meeting on carjackings.
Commander Hall responded to a question about the possible return of orange hat patrols by saying he welcomed them.
Another attendee raised the issue of dangerous driving. Hall and Allen referenced a new traffic enforcement plan including additional enforcement against drivers operating vehicles with false or expired temporary tags. In addition, he intends to step up traffic enforcement at the 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection.
Another question regarding the cannabis gift shops on Barracks Row drew Allen’s response that the shops are illegal but there is no enforcement. New licensing regulations going into effect will provide greater oversight and regulation and provide that no gift shop can operate within 400 feet of another. Allen urged people to use medical marijuana establishments for any needs, as those are regulated by the city.
Asked for comment after the meeting, ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn said, “The huge crowd … showed the deep concern Capitol Hill residents have about the increased threat to public safety in our community. First District Commander Colin Hall, who led the walk, takes the threat seriously and personally. As Councilmember Allen pointed out, the threat is both critical and complex. It requires a multifaceted approach. But law enforcement is key. Actions must have consequences. I hope soon to arrange regular updates by First District MPD officers at our ANC meetings, either at our monthly full ANC meetings or at meetings of our newly revived Public Safety Committee….”
ANC6B Commissioner Frank D’Andrea said, “Attendance was very high…a lot of the discussion turned to general concerns around crime. Carjacking, muggings and shootings … were of course mentioned….papering cases remains an issue and without the accountability of a possible trial and sentencing arrests won’t have a great impact….the US Attorney’s office is going to start liaising with MPD to identify issues and hopefully get the cases that should be papered, get papered.
Another big topic of discussion was the Eastern Market Metro Park, specifically the group of people experiencing homelessness that will sometimes camp out under the bandstand….MPD will be conducting more patrols and has assigned an officer to be in charge of the park….a lot of the issues experienced at the EMMP and the blocks surrounding the metro….are not MPD issues and are rather quality of life issues that need to be dealt with by other agencies…. If there is one overall take away it’s that crime is complicated and there is no silver bullet. Crime that occurs must be prosecuted, but also measures to stop crime before it happens or alleviate qualify of life issues need to be robust.”
The Week Ahead… & Day of the Dead at the National Museum of the American Indian
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 29, 2023
This past weekend, the National Museum of the American Indian was given over to the Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos originated in ancient Mexico and northern Central America where the Aztec, Maya and Toltec had specific times when they honored the dead. The commemorations were later incorporated into Spanish holidays, All Saints Day on November 1 and All Soul’s Day, November 2. Despite its name, the holiday is a joyful remembering and celebration of life of those who have departed. Día de los Muertos is celebrated on Nov. 2.
The exhibits included dances traditionally associated with Día de los Muertos, including Danza de los Viejitos—the dance of the little old men and La Danza de los Tecuanes—the dance of the jaguars.
The ofrenda is the altar which is at the center of the holiday. This ofrenda is topped by a calvera (skull in Spanish) which has come to mean the whole skeleton.
The ofrenda features skulls, skeletons, mementos and photographs of those who have died. In addition, loaves of bread and sugar skulls, jugs of water, candles, and lacey paper cutouts called Papel picado, represent the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind. The marigolds guide the spirits home and Monarch butterflies – which arrive in Mexico for the winter on November 1 – are believed to hold the spirits of the departed.
This calvera is Catrina – a female skeleton – the most recognizable female figure for the Day of the Dead. This one made from paper flowers.
The humorous and joyful Dance of the Old Men has its origins in pre-Hispanic times and some sources say it honors the Aztec Sun God to ensure good harvests. The four old men represent the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The dancers wear wooden soled shoes which provide a staccato percussion to the dance steps.
The Dance of the Jaguars features characters, including impersonators of villagers, the devil, death and the jaguar who move the narrative forward.
The jaguar – “one who eats” – represents the greatest danger to the village and the dance begins with villagers seeking strength and guidance to hunt and kill the jaguar before the ofrenda. The jaguar impersonator instills fear with a whip which he cracks – sounding like a firecracker – while striding between and among the villagers, pausing occasionally to maul one. The jaugar’s demise eventually comes at the hands of the characters who then celebrate. The dance, both primitive and elemental, is presented by the local Grupo las Tecuanes, and accompanied by a single musician who simultaneously plays a drum and a flute.
(See below for Día de los Muertos celebration at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday, November 2)
The Week Ahead….
Monday, October 30
ANC6B will hold a virtual Executive Committee meeting at 7:00pm, to set the agenda for the November meeting of the full ANC.
ANC6B Special Committee On Public Safety will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm. (Physical Location: Meeting will be held at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
National Portrait Gallery Día de los Muertos celebration includes music and dance performances and a projection of “La Común Unidad: Caminando con los Ancestros,” a video work by artists MasPaz and Guache. 5 to 8:30pm – Free.
CM Charles Allen and Acting Director of Department of Buildings Brian Hanlon at last Wednesday’s nomination hearing.
“Obnoxious” – DOB Acting Director Calls Out Commercial Use of Residential Property
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 25,2023
At last week’s hearing on Brian Hanlon’s nomination to be Director of the Department of Housing (DOH), CM Charles Allen grilled Hanlon on where DOB stands in terms of investigating residential properties being used for commercial purposes. As it turns out, it’s complicated.
Hanlon: “I find encroachment into residential areas of properties being used in a manner not consistent with residential use obnoxious. I want to stem and stop that if we can. When we start discussing enforcement it becomes more thorny.” He says he is looking at a two pronged approach – what to do about the enforcement regarding the existing problem, and then what to do to stop the conversions from continuing.
Regarding what to do about the existing problem, “We are trying to figure out what tools and resources we have to deal with this….We’re talking about … a series of incredibly well funded enterprises that will stall/push back – so we’re trying to get our arms around what it will take to enforce against these ongoing issues.” He added, “This is a bipartisan problem,” and cited the Freedom Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Navajo Nation.
As for the how to stop the conversions from continuing, Hanlon cited an on-going conversation with Tiffany Crowe, Acting Director of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) regarding finding ways to prevent commercialization of these properties. Hanlon said, “This will take some doing – there are all sorts of ways for people to find loopholes in the system.”
Allen responded, “I can appreciate it will take time to come up with different strategies,” but added that he needs to be able to share with ANC Commissioners and with community members what that looks like. “It seems right now we don’t have any enforcement taking place when concerns are raised about residential properties used as commercial properties. Is there any enforcement on that?”
Hanlon admitted there is not, saying, the last enforcement or inspection was in 2020, related to the Navajo Nation.
Allen probed, asking what enforcement barriers are there and how to identify them.
Hanlon’s response went straight to the difficulty of enforcing existing regulations against illegal use of residential properties. It’s not the barriers regarding the initial issuing of a Notice of Intent for violating DOB regulations, it’s the follow-up. Then the barriers start becoming apparent. In addition to the aforementioned stalling and pushback, Hanlon said, “We have a team of line attorneys working every day every week 10 to 12 hours a day just on the work that we have. For the adjudication process this type of enforcement is likely to introduce we would need additional resources – which I can’t quantify – to meet that demand.” He added that in DOB’s “triage of enforcement” the primary focus is on life, safety and health. Resources are largely deployed looking at these issues first. The illegal use of residential properties is related – as a quality of life issue – but it’s not a priority.
Allen proposed creating two task forces (similar to the one that addresses vacant and blighted buildings) comprised of the several agencies that have responsibilities for these issues – one for enforcing regulations against existing illegal uses and another for stopping the ongoing illegal conversion of properties to commercial use. Both problems, he said, need a multi-agency strategic approach.
Hanlon said that communication and gathering of ideas is always a good thing; the emphasis is on a moving forward strategy – how to stem the conversions going forward. That’s a conversation that is underway.
Allen replied, that he is looking to hold accountable those illegal commercial operations we have already. In addition, “Every day that goes by we’re seeing houses being sold and bought and converted to these uses. We’re losing homes. When they come off the market were seeing housing pressures that force home buyers to look farther out and that affects affordability.”
He thinks twin parallel tracks to create tailored solutions are needed. He said, “I think that’s the right approach to start momentum. I need to see momentum – the ANCs need to see it – and I know,” he told Hanlon, “you would like to see it as well.”
Hanlon, former head of the Department of General Services, did not encounter any opposition during the hearing which would stand in the way of his confirmation as Director of DOB before the end of the current City Council session in December.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 