CAPITOL HILL CORNER

ANC6B Commissioner Kasie Clark Resigns

by Larry Janezich

ANC6B09 Commissioner Kasie Clark has resigned as the representative of single member district, ANC6B09. Yesterday’s District of Columbia Register posted a notice from the Board of Elections certifying the vacancy.  Clark had made it known in February she would resign in March owing to her relocation out of the District.  Her Single Member District (SMD 6B09) abuts part of Reservation 13 to the east and includes half of Barney Circle, the old Boys and Girls Club – currently under development, and Congressional Cemetery.  Clark was elected in 2018, for the two year term ending January 1, 2021.

Clark, is currently a program Director at College to Congress – a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more diverse and effective Congress by financially supporting full time Congressional interns with members of Congress.

A major concern of the 6B09 will be the redevelopment of Barney Circle, currently being planned by the District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.  Other issues include the development of Reservation 13, https://bit.ly/2UJ11Pp the first phase of which is now under construction, discussion and community input on the future of DC Jail, and the problems associated with the high volume of commuter traffic through the community.  The on-going struggle with pop-ups – which are tolerated outside of the Historic District, often over the objections of neighbors, will likely heat up as the city looks for ways to increase density to address the lack of affordable housing. In 2010, ANC opposition quashed a bid to establish a Barney Circle Historic District, but as of now, there is nothing indicating an attempt to revive that effort.  The SMD has a few commercial establishments on 15^th Street, but is free from the headaches sometimes brought to the ANC by liquor licenses.

The usual procedure for filling the seat once declared vacant is by special election at a time and place determined by the ANC.  Candidates must submit a qualifying petition signed by 25 6B09 SMD residents to the Board of Elections.  If only one qualified candidate emerges, the usual procedure is for the ANC to declare that candidate the new commissioner. Capitol Hill Corner will post the details as they become available.

A map of ANC6B is below showing the boundaries of Single Member District 6B09.

National Park Service Mistakenly Closes Lincoln Park, Setting Off Comedy of Errors

by Larry Janezich

Mid-day on Friday, a photo circulated (by the editor of CHC and others) on Capitol Hill listservs showed a sign of an official sign posted at Lincoln Park alerting residents that:  “Lincoln Park is Closed.  As a public precaution, Lincoln Park is temporarily closed for the safety of staff and visitors.  Updates will be posted to the Park website….

That set off a comedy of errors which took much of the day to get resolved, and then, without apology from the Park Service, or acknowledgement that it had been their fault.

A visit to the Park Service website told a different story than the one on the sign:  “Playgrounds are Temporarily Closed as of March 26th, 2020.  Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health officials in consultation with NPS Public Health Service officers, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, Marion Park, and Maryland Ave Playgrounds are temporarily closed.”

However, actions by police seemed to be more in keeping with a park closure.  According to one poster on the Lincoln Park listserv, “Those signs were placed in the general area, by the Lincoln statue, not the playground, after the police made people disperse prior to dusk, about 5:30 p.m.”

At 2:53pm, First District Commander Morgan Kane, who had been asked to help clarify the status of the park, notified the Lincoln Park listserv that “The parks are closed.  I just verified with US Park Police that the parks are closed and no one should be inside using them.  Officers from U.S. Park  Police and MPD will monitor and advise folks to leave the park and practice all the recommendations from the CDC and your local district government leaders in accordance with the Mayor’s Order 2020-053 and National Park Service Record of Determination.  We all are asked to play our important role in flattening the curve of COVID-19 infections.”

At 4:14pm, Kane came back to the Lincoln Park listserv with an update:  “US Park Police just called to notify me that they accidentally closed the entire park versus just closing the playground.  US Park Police will still come through the parks to ensure compliance with their NPS Record of Determination as well social distancing asks.  Please continue to work with us to flatten the curve!!!  MPD will continue to remind you as well.”

ANC6B Commissioner Steve Holtzman reached out to the National Park Service for an explanation.  Robert R. Arzola, Acting Program Management Specialist, Office of the Superintendent replied:

“I am writing regarding questions related to National Park Service signage at Lincoln Park. On Saturday, March 21 the Lincoln Park playground was closed as a public health precaution. Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health in consultation with NPS Public Health Service officers, the playgrounds at Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, Marion Park, and Maryland Ave are temporarily closed. Lincoln Park and the other parks are open.”

By late afternoon on Friday, Lincoln Park was filled with residents enjoying the spring weather.

Trader Joe’s Expands Store Access for Seniors over 60

By Larry Janezich

Our local Trader Joe’s at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, has instituted a new procedure as of this morning, March 23, that provides for additional access for senior shopping between 9:00am and 10:00am.  The new practice applies nationwide.

Crew members have been directed by corporate headquarters to establish a line for senior shoppers, separate from a line for other shoppers.  Seniors will be admitted preferentially – three from their line to one from the other – during the first hour.  Store hours will remain 9:00am – 7:00pm.

(In Lieu of) The Week Ahead…Some Photo Images from the Week Past

There’s nothing scheduled for the week ahead.

by Larry Janezich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitol Hill Food Outlets – Shopping and Take-Away – Updated Periodically

by Larry Janezich

Here’s a list of some nearby grocery venues and their operating hours and shopping restrictions – list will be updated as info becomes available. New additions are marked with an asterisk*. 

Eastern Market – Open Tuesday to Friday – 7:00am -7:00pm; Saturday – 7am – 6pm; Sunday – 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Trader Joe’s – Open 9:00am – 7:00pm until further notice.  Customers asked to limit purchases to 2 of any one item and one full shopping cart.  No special hours for at risk customers.  700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Harris Teeter – Open 7:00am – 8:00pm.  No special hours for high risk patrons.  Product Limits: three (3) items each for the following categories: Water, Toilet Tissue, Canned Meat, Pasta, Cleaning Supplies, Airborne, Cold, Flu & Allergy.  1350 Potomac Avenue, SE.

Whole Foods – Open 8:00am – 9:00pm.  Customers who are 60 and older can shop one hour (7:00am – 8:00am) before opening to the public.  Closure of hot tables and prepared food service.   101 H Street, SE and 600 H Street, NE.

Giant – Open 6:00am – 10:00pm.  The first hour of operation between 6:00am and 7:00pm is reserved for customers 60 and older.  300 H Street, NE.

Yes! Organic Market – Open 7:00am – 10:00pm.  410 8th Street, SE.

*Roland’s – Open 8:00am – 9:00/10:00pm for deli carryout and groceries.

And a list of some Capitol Hill restaurants and coffee shops offering take-away and delivery – list will be updated as info becomes available.  Hours may vary. 

(Emergency legislation passed by the City Council allows for pick up or delivery of beer and wine to be consumed in the home from a restaurant if ordered with food.)

Aatish on the Hill – Open 5:00pm – 10:00pm for carryout.  202-733-5026.

*Barrel – Open 2:00pm – 7:00pm for carryout.  events@barreldc.com

Beuchert’s – Open 5:30pm – 10:00pm for pickup and delivery.  202-733-1384.

*Bibija – Open 11:00am – 5:00pm for carryout.  202-544-3049

*Bombay Street Food – Open 11:30am – 10:00pm for carryout and delivery. 202-558-9506

*Burrito Brothers – Open 7:00am – 9:00pm for carryout and delivery. 202-543-6835.

*Café Berlin – Open 12:00noon – 8:00pm for carryout.  202-543-7656

*CAVA – Open 12:00noon – 9:00pm for carryout and curbside delivery.  202-543-9090.

Chi-Ko – Open 5:00pm – 9:00pm for takeout and delivery.  202-558-9934.

Chipotle – Open 10:45am – 10:00pm for takeout and delivery.  202-464-3390.

District Taco – Open 8:00am – 10:00pm for carryout. District Taco is also available for free delivery independently outside of the food apps. 202-735-5649.

*District Doughnuts – Open 7:00am – 4:00pm for carryout. 202-817-3196

*District Soul Food – Open 4:00pm – 7:00pm for carryout.  202-544-8882

Dunkin’ Donuts – Open 5:00am to 9:00pm for carryout. 202-543-3923

Emilie’s – Open 10:30am to 8:00pm for takeout. 202-544-4368.

*Good Stuff Eatery – Open 11:00am – 10:00pm for carryout and delivery.  202-791-0168.

*Hunan Dynasty – 11:00am – 9:30pm.  Order on line.  http://bit.ly/2wb9kvf

*Hype Café – Open 8:00am – 6:00pm for carryout.  202-629-3046.

*La Lomita – Open 4:00pm – 10:30pm for carryout.  202-546-3109.

*La Lomita Dos – Open 11:30am – 10:pm for carryout.  202-544-0616.

*Las Placitas – Open 11:00am – 10:00pm for carryout.  202-543-3700

La Plaza – Open 11:30am – 1030pm for takeout. 202 546 9512/202-845-7038.

*Lavagna – Open 5:00pm – 10:00pm for carryout and delivery – https://www.lavagnadc.com/ 

*Little Pearl – Open 10:00am – 8:30pm for take out “food and booze”. 202-618-1868.

*Mangialardo’s  – Open 8:00am – 3:00pm for take out.  202-543-6212,

*Mr. Henry’s – Open 4:00pm – 8:00pm for carryout.  202-546-8412.

*Nooshi – Open 5:00pm – 8:00/9:00pm for carry out (30% off). 202-827-8832.

Peregrine – Open 8:00am – 4:00pm for takeout.  202-629-4381.

*Pete’s Diner – Open 6:00am – 3:00pm for carryout.  202-544-7335.

*Pizza Iole and Kabob & More – Open mid-day, hours flexible for carry out.  202-544-0910

Prego Deli – Open 10:00am – 5:00pm for takeout and deliveries. 202-547-8686.

Radicci – Open 7:30am – 8:00pm for takeout.  202-758-0086.

*Rose’s Luxury – Open 5:00am – 8:00pm (may vary) for takeout.  202 580 8889 (text is best).

San Pham – Open 11:00am – 10:00pm for takeout.  202-544-9368.

*Santa Rosa – Open 11:00am – 9:00pm for carryout and curbside pickup.  202-450-4800.

Starbucks 8th Street – Open 6:00am – 8:00pm for grab and go.  202-544-7913.

*Starbucks 3rd Street – Open 6:00am – 6:00pm for grab and go. · 202-544-9783.

*Sushi Hachi – Open 11:30am – 9:30am for curbside pickup and delivery.  202-640-1881.

*Sweetgreen – Open 10:30am – 9:00pm for curbside pickup.  On-line http://bit.ly/2J0h7Pd

*Szechuan House – Open 10:30am – 10:00pm for take out and delivery.  202-546-5303

*Taco City – Open 11:00am – 8:00pm. 202-629-4012.

*The Pursuit Wine Bar & Kitchen – Open 4:00pm – 9:00pm for carryout.  202 609-7420

The Queen Vic – Open 5:30pm – 8:30pm (hours may vary) for carryout.  202- 396-2001.

*Trattoria Alberto – Open 5:00pm – 9:30pm for carryout.  202-544-2007.

*Ted’s Bulletin – Open 7:30am – 8:00pm for carryout and delivery. 202-544-8337.

Tortilla Café – Open 9:00am – 8:00pm for takeout and delivery.  202-547-5700.

*Torai Sushi – Open 11:00am – 9:00pm for carryout.  202-525-2053.

*Tune Inn – Open 8:00am – 10:00pm for carryout food and booze.  202-543-2725.

Tunicliff’s – Open 11:00am – 10:45pm for takeout.  202-544-5680.

*Ugly Mug/Valor – Open 11:00am – 11:00pm for carry out. 202-547-8459/202-547-8459.

*We the People – Open 11:00am – 10:00pm for carryout and delivery.  202-544-4008.

7th Street Hill Café – Open 7:00am – 2:00pm for grab-and-go.  202-544-7770.

& Pizza – 11:00am – 11:00pm for takeout.  202-558-7549.

Hill Restaurant Group Closes Restaurants – Issues Apology – Hopes to Reopen

By Larry Janezich

The following statement was posted this afternoon on the Hill Restaurant Group Homepage:

“To all our valued and loyal customers,

Due to the restrictions set forth by the Mayor’s Office, it has made it impossible for us to continue to stay open for business so we will be closing all of our restaurants to reevaluate our situation. We apologize for the post on district industry- it was not meant to be selfish. We just felt is was unfair for the Mayors office to mandate such hash (sic) restrictions without any notice or consultation with business owners. We reached out to the Mayor’s office to voice our concern on the implications that it would have on the restaurant industry in hopes that she would rethink and maybe come up with more tenable rules and regulations to protect the public and be able to continue to do business and have received no response. We, as a group, have gone to extreme measures to try to make our establishments as safe as possible. Hill Restaurant Group employs 150 people and we were already struggling to keep everyone employed and now with the new restrictions, this has become impossible. We do take the current situation very seriously and will try and reopen in the near future. We do hope this comes to an end as soon as possible and wish for the health and safety of everyone.”

Earlier, Tom Johnson, the managing partner of Hill Restaurant Group, told the Washington Post in regard to the restrictions placed on the industry, “I have to start letting people go. I don’t have the wherewithal to pay them,” Johnson said. “It’s literally going to put me out of business. I’m going to go bankrupt.”

The group comprises seven restaurants on or near Capitol Hill: Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Finn McCool’s, Lola’s, Orchid, Tortuga, Willie’s and Ophelia’s Fish House.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/coronavirus-dc-maryland-virginia/2020/03/16/2362519a-6777-11ea-abef-020f086a3fab_story.html

Mayor Forces Defiant Hill Restaurant Group’s Compliance with New Restrictions

By Larry Janezich

On Sunday, Tom Johnson, managing partner of the Hill Restaurant Group, issued a statement defying the Mayor’s order restricting operations of bars, restaurants and nightclubs (see below). The group comprises seven restaurants on or near Capitol Hill: Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Finn McCool’s, Lola’s, Orchid, Tortuga, Willie’s and Ophelia’s Fish House. On Monday morning, Mayor Bowser personally called out the restaurant group, leading to a hasty retreat.

DC Health Advisory says restaurants and bars “must” limit occupancy to 250, suspend bar seating, suspend service to standing patrons, and limit occupancy to tables and booths six feet apart.

This morning, the Mayor responded personally and directly by tweet, as follows:

“Hill Restaurant Group —

While I recognize that all of us have been stressed beyond our immediate understanding of how coronavirus has so quickly upended our daily lives and personal and business existence — you must comply with the DC Health notice.

We all have an obligation to do our part to contain the spread of this global pandemic and get to the business of recovery as soon as possible.

Until then, your compliance is required, and we will exercise the full force of our MPD, FEMS, DC Health and ABRA……and the emergency authority to achieve it.

Meanwhile, I hope your patrons will encourage you to modify your operations at the soonest, to consider grab & go and delivery options in your food serving establishments……and to stick with you until our city comes out on the other side of this pandemic. We’ll all get through this together.”

Johnson’s statement, on behalf of the Hill Restaurant group, first reported by Jessica Sidman of Washingtonian, is as follows:

“The safety and comfort of our patrons has and always will be a top concern for us at our Hill Restaurant Group restaurants.  Our staff has been trained to maintain even stricter precautions to protect our guests.  In light of recent developments, all Hill Restaurant Group restaurants will continue to operate as normal and we encourage our fellow industry folks to do the same.  We understand the gravity of effects that the Corona Virus (sic) has or will have on our community especially the hospitality industry.  However, we will not bow to pressure from the Mayor’s Office or any group for that matter who covertly is attempting to shut us down.  We fully support our employees and our patrons.  It is not our burden to bear nor is it out staff’s burden to bear. – Hill Restaurant Group”

After the Mayor’s tweet, Johnson said he would comply by closing half his restaurants and laying off staff, according to reporter Fenit Nirappil of the Washington Post.

 

The Week Ahead…& Virus Closes a Capitol Hill Daycare/New Rules for Bars & Restaurants, Etc.

By Larry Janezich

The Washington Post reported this afternoon in a piece by Erin Cox that a Capitol Hill daycare will close after a parent reported infection. 

STEM Preschool Capitol Hill, in the Hine Project at 8^th and D Street, SE, will close for at least a week starting Monday.  A parent reported by email from an anonymous account that s/he had a “mild case” of coronavirus.  Parents were advised to monitor their children for symptoms.  According to the email, the parent was in contact with children, staff, and other parents this week, and that the parent’s child was not currently showing symptoms.

The story was posted in WaPo live local updates section at 1:02pm, here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/03/15/coronavirus-dc-maryland-virginia-updates/

DC Health Department issues rules for restaurants and taverns and closes nightclubs.

Posted on DC’s coronavirus website on Sunday, March 15, 2020, under “News”:

“(Washington, DC) This notice clarifies the actions restaurants, taverns, nightclubs, and multi-purpose facilities must take to comply with the District of Columbia Department of Health’s (DC Health) Emergency Rulemaking to Prohibit Mass Gatherings effective March 13, 2020.

Restaurants and taverns licensed in the District of Columbia are approved with various configurations, floor plans, and occupancy limits. To comply with DC Health’s prohibition of mass gatherings and achieve the public health goals of social distancing, restaurants and taverns shall:

Ensure that no more two hundred and fifty (250) people are present in the space at the same time

Suspend the use of bar seating

Suspend service to standing patrons

Limit individual table seating to six (6) persons or less

Ensure that tables (including booths) that are occupied by patrons are separated by at least six (6) feet of distance

Venues licensed as nightclubs and multi-purpose facilities in the District of Columbia must suspend operations to comply with the Emergency Rulemaking to Prohibit Mass Gatherings.”

For more information on the District’s response, visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

Revised store hours for all Trader Joe’s locations.

From a notice posed on its website on March 14, 2020:

“Beginning Monday, March 16th and until further notice, all Trader Joe’s stores will be open from 9:00am until 7:00pm to support our Crew Members in taking care of one another and our customers.”

Lavagna closing owing to coronavirus.

According to an email distributed by the restaurant, Lavagna is temporarily closed due to coronavirus.

“The health and safety of our guests and staff are our biggest concern, so we’ve decided to close the restaurant temporarily.

We hope that all of our guests practice conscious social distancing, and stay healthy!

We’ll see you soon!”

The Week Ahead…

Monday, March 16

The ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee meeting has been canceled.

Tuesday, March 17

The March 17, 2020 meeting of the ANC6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee meeting has been canceled due to lack of business items.

Wednesday, March 18

The March 18, 2019 of the ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee meeting has been canceled due to lack of business items.

City To Close Day Care Centers and Ban Public Gatherings Over 250 & Over 10 for those at Risk

By Larry Janezich

Mayor Bowser and city officials held a press conference today to update residents on plans for mitigating the coronavirus outbreak and for continuing city operations.

On Monday, and lasting through March 31, the Department of Health will close most day care and all recreation centers.  The city will also ban mass gatherings of 250 people or more and gatherings of 10 or more for people at risk – those over 60, those with chronic health conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.

There are some exceptions.  The city is recruiting day care providers for the children of essential city employees and some near hospitals for the children of health care workers.

Exceptions for gatherings of 250 are restaurants with traditional seating for that number of diners, but the ban will apply to restaurant and banquet rooms.  The ban also applies to theaters with seating for 250 or more but fewer than that will be ok.

Exceptions to the rule against gatherings of 10 or more at risk include the schools, workplace, healthcare facilities, and residential buildings.  Senior centers will be asked to restrict activities.  Related to the latter, guidance will be issued with respect to visiting care facilities.

Asked if social distancing applied to press conferences such as the one ongoing, Bowser replied that ideally a press conference would occur in the emergency operations center, but that could lead to someone infecting the response team.  Her office is considering alternate ways to hold press conferences.

DC Public Libraries will close on Monday, March 16 and will reopen on Wednesday, April 1.

Testing – Doctors will decide when testing is necessary.  Those with symptoms are directed to consult a doctor before visiting a healthcare facility.  If the doctor thinks a test is justified a test can be done at a private lab which will share results – both positive and negative – with the doctor and the DC Department of Health. Currently, there are two major commercial labs accepting samples for testing.  You do not need to go through the Department of Health for testing at a private lab.

Current guidelines for testing by the Department of Health remain in place.  Patients must be referred by a doctor.  Currently, the DOH testing capacity is 10 to 15 a day.  The expected arrival of robotic equipment will enhance that capacity.  At present, ten cases have tested positive, 49 tested negative, and 10 cases are pending.  The Department of Health will track, compile, and post numbers of cases and results in the evenings.

Schools – Remote learning is being implemented Monday, March 16 through March 31, in the interest of the safety of children and staff.  Students will not report to schools during that time.  For those without computers or reliable Internet, hard copies of lessons can be picked up from the schools. Charter schools are advised to conform to this directive.  Bowser asked parents to keep remote learning from being an opportunity for students congregating and stressed social distancing as part of the mitigation plan.

The District will provide meals to students on weekdays from Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meal sites will be posted on coronavirus.dc.gov.  (In Ward 6, meals will be available at Eastern High School and Jefferson Middle School.)

Essential City Services – Starting Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, the city government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule.  About 50% of the city workforce will work from home, portions of some city agencies will conduct operations with limited public interaction, and some agencies like public safety and public works agencies will be fully staffed.  Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, April 1.

Emergency legislation – City Council Chair Phil Mendelson said that next Tuesday, the Counsel will pass emergency legislation which will not need Congressional approval to authorize a public health emergency for the next 45 days.  The Council will work with the city’s chief financial officers to provide relief including tax deferral for businesses, relief for individuals, extension of licenses, and protection for evictions and utility disconnections.

CM Charles Allen on Schools, Risk Exposure, City Services – Emergency Legislation Next Tuesday

By Larry Janezich

CM Charles Allen held a phone call press conference with Capitol Hill community news organizations on Thursday afternoon to answer questions about the city’s response to the health emergency.  He said the City Council will take up legislation next Tuesday to address the coronavirus outbreak.

On schools, Allen said that the Mayor, the Chancellor and Allen himself were assessing the risk levels and that any decision to close schools would be made in the context of its effect on parents who have jobs and on continuation of the schools’ food programs – plans are in place for the latter.  He said everyone should have a backup plan in case a decision is made to close schools.

On risk exposure, Allen said that once an individual tests positive for the virus, a Department of Health epidemiologist team traces the person’s public contacts back for a week or 10 days.  In cases where the individual comes into contact with a large number of people who can’t be reached directly – such as the parishioners of Christ Church in Georgetown – the Department asks anyone who came into contact with the person to call the Department of Health.  Otherwise, every effort is made to protect private information.

City services including trash and recycling pickup will continue throughout the emergency.  Department of Public Works employees have been provided with personal protection equipment, and are already wearing masks and gloves.

City Council Chair Phil Mendelson has placed a package of legislation on the agenda for next Tuesday’s City Council meeting.  The measures provide for wage replacement and job protection for residents who face work stoppages due to quarantine or actual sickness, delayed taxes for businesses, small business grants, and protection from eviction, price gouging, and disconnection of electric, gas, and water service.   Also included are provisions for continuity of public benefits and services, extension of licenses and registration, authority for Medical Board-authorized pharmacists to issue one-time prescription refills, and relief for ANCs and other boards, commissions and public bodies from monthly meeting requirements.  The legislation will extend the time for the Mayor to submit a budget, and allow more flexibility for the Council to conduct its legislative business by permitting remote voting during the emergency.  Copies of the legislation are available on City Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s website here:  http://bit.ly/39LEyHV

To follow CM Allen’s coronavirus updates, go here:  http://www.charlesallenward6.com/

For DC’s coronavirus website, go here:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/