Capitol Hill’s Small Business Gift Card Exchange Starts Saturday, November 22
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 21, 2025
A slew of Capitol Hill business organizations are sponsoring the 4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange running Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 7, 2025. The event is one of two local promotion efforts to encourage community support for local small businesses this holiday season. This Saturday launches the holiday season with the lighting of the Capitol Hill Holiday Tree at Eastern Market Metro Park starting at 5:30pm.
Here’s how the exchange works: shop at any of the 31 participating business (see below) between 11/22 and 12/7 and receive a free gift card from another local favorite. Some terms apply and gifts are available while supplies last.
Participating Businesses include:
Eastern Market Pottery, Clothes Encounters, Relume, Photopia, La Casina, Music on the Hill,
Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, Hill’s Kitchen, East City Bookshop, Mr. Henry’s, Barrel, Little District Books, Awakening Bar & Grill, DCANTER Wine Boutique, Ambar, Frame of Mine, The Miracle Theatre, Bistro Cacao, Café Berlin, The Queen Vic, Granville Moore’s, The Pug, City Dogs, Jade Fitness, Hill East Burger, The DC Dentist, Ginkgo Gardens, Santa Rosa Taqueria, Good Stuff Eatery, We, the Pizza, Hawk & Dove.
Launched by Kathleen Donahue, owner of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, during the post-COVID recovery, Better Together celebrates the strength and spirit of Capitol Hill’s small business community. Shopping local means investing in your community – supporting the people, schools, and organizations that make Capitol Hill thrive.
The second event is The Barrack’s Row and Eastern Market Main Street’s Sip and Shop onMonday, December 1 from 5pm to 8pm with wine tastings and exclusive in-store specials. DCanter will be providing different wines to each location so it will be a walking wine tasting.
Participating businesses include:
Clothes Encounters DC, Eastern Market Pottery, Refume, Capitol Hill Books, Groovy DC Cards and Gifts, Paris Bleu, Spin Time Records, East City Books, Labyrinth, Hills Kitchen, DCanter.
Update on Spotify’s Purchase of 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 19, 2025
Last week, ANC6B discussed the Historic Preservation Application by the $137 billion Spotify Corporation (headquartered in Stockholm but operating in the US through one of its subsidiaries, Spotify USA). The company recently purchased the residence at 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE, along with the adjoining garage/carriage house at 435 1st St SE. The company plans to renovate the property.
According to ANC6B Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Vince Marino, “…the renovations themselves are minor and clearly designed to respect the property’s history, so no one on the ANC objects to them as such.”
Some members of the Committee, however, are concerned about Spotify’s claim that it does not need an exemption from zoning regulations for the residential property, because they fear Spotify will use the property for commercial purposes at the expense of the residential fabric of the neighborhood – as has happened with other residential properties on the block.
Marino says, “One may suspect that Spotify might succumb to the temptation to use the home as an employee hotel, or as a lobbying office. Spotify denies that it will. But that’s certainly what we seem to be seeing with many other Capitol Hill homes owned by corporations and advocacy groups. … We need to have a neighborhood-wide conversation about whether more areas should be upzoned for mixed use and/or higher density.
ANC6B went on to unanimously approve a proposal to designate ANC6B Commissioner Tyler Wolanin – in whose single member district 440 New Jersey is located – to attempt to reach a settlement agreement with Spotify.
Marino says, “We hope that such a settlement agreement would confirm that Spotify will indeed use 440 New Jersey Avenue SE as a residence rather than as a hotel or office. This would provide Spotify with the reassurance that we are not trying to evict them, and it would provide the neighbors with the reassurance that ANC6B is trying to contain the situation, one home at a time, while the BZA and the City Council work on a broader solution to the tight property market.”
Last Friday, CM Wendell Felder presided over the unveiling of Elmore-Friendship Court in the back alley of 1608 East Capitol Street, NE. The naming was necessary so a residential property located there can be completed and hooked up to utilities. The court was named to honor long time former residents of the neighborhood, Morgan Elmore and his wife – now deceased. Elmore operated a community-serving upholstery enterprise in the alley. The City Council passed legislation naming the alley last summer. ANC7D shepherded the legislation through the process and Felder brought it before the council. The alley in is the Single Member District of ANC7D Chair, Brian Alcorn. CM Felder is at left center above, and to his left is Linda Elmore, Morgan Elmore’s daughter. Brian Alcorn is at far left.
Here’s Mark Hudson, New Director of Congressional Cemetery. Hudson was named Executive Director on August 29th and began serving in his new role on September 8. Photo from Congressional Cemetery.
Last Wednesday night, Hudson, introduced himself to ANC6B during the commission’s hybrid virtual/in-person November meeting. Hudson came to the job after serving as Executive Director of Tudor Place Historic House and Garden in Georgetown. Also pictured, from lower left: Commissioner Sam Pastore, Hudson, Chair Edward Ryder, and Commissioner Vince Marino.
He spoke to the ANC of wrapping up the on-going planning for the five-to-ten year master plan for enhancing the cemetery’s ability to serve its primary function of an active cemetery to find ways to better care for and sustain the cemetery’s resources. He said he looks forward to being invited back before the commission to explain what those five-to-ten years will look like.
Hudson will host a meet and greet this coming Saturday, November22, in the Chapel at Congressional Cemetery, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. For details, see below under “Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:”
The Latest on St. Georges Boulangerie. Here’s the latest photo on the build out of St. Georges across from Eastern Market. Photo courtesy of a CHC reader.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, November 17
ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion: 11th Street NE and E Street NE. Traffic Study Initiative 25-00614939 is part of 2026 Q1 prioritization. Speeding, pedestrian safety, and property damage continue to be an issue on 11th Street.
Constitution Avenue/13th Street NE/Tennessee Avenue NE. This area in front of Maury Elementary was the site of a recent installation of arts in the right of way which may be damaged by DC Water work that is also delaying the Vision Zero Hardening at this intersection. DDOT will provide written update and may have a representative attend in person.
Atlas Court NE. This alley between 11th and 12th Streets NE and H and Eye Streets NE is extremely wide and the site of speeding and truck traffic. A resident’s alley dwelling was recently damaged by truck traffic. ANC 6A requested DDOT traffic calming here over the summer.
ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor – Conference Room #1 (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Government Announcements (Executive and Legislative Branch)
Commissioner Announcements
Consent Agenda
Report of Task Force on Pedestrian Safety
ABC Matters
Merchants Marina
Owners of 801 Maine Ave are requesting a time extension for their PUD (Zoning Case).
SMD Updates
Chairperson’s Report (Executive Session)
Tuesday, November 18
ANC6B will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm. *Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.
1231 F Street NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception to construct a second story accessory dwelling unit to an existing, detached, accessory garage, in the rear of an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.
Background: In September 2025 ANC 6A EDZ voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for subject request, which was approved in the Consent Agenda during the October 2025 ANC 6A meeting. A letter of support was submitted to BZA dated October 26, 2025.
Update: Dr. Daniel Kocevski and/or Ms. Eleanor Garretson will testify as the owners and occupants of the adjacent property at 1233 F Street NE, located immediately to the east of 1231 F Street NE, which is the subject of the application for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Their testimony will describe the adverse impacts that the proposed ADU would have on the use and enjoyment of their property and their property value. In addition, their testimony will describe how the proposed ADU is not in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning regulations and zoning maps.
The BZA Hearing is currently scheduled for December 10, 2025.
New Business
1378 C Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application for a Special Exception to construct front and side additions, to an existing, semi-detached, two-story, principal dwelling unit.
Thursday, November 20
ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026
Contemporary Art at the Folger Library featuring the work of Missy Dunaway.
Blending acrylic ink with research, Missy Dunaway investigates the connections between art, literature, history, and the natural world. Her ongoing project The Birds of Shakespeare visually catalogs every bird mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poems – at least 65 species – in consultation with an ornithologist and a scholar of early modern natural history. Dunaway’s detailed work reminds us that wildlife destruction is a cultural loss as well as an environmental one. For more, go here: https://www.folger.edu/whats-on/programs/contemporary-art-at-the-folger/
Thursday, November 20
Folger Salon with Virginia Burnett, Dorothy Kim, and Mary Beth Long
4:30pm
Great Hall, Folger Library
Free; no ticket required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discussion: Caribbean Shakespeares. Chaucer’s Black London. Martyrdom.
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time. Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation. Arrive early to purchase food and drink from the Folger’s new café, Quill & Crumb.
Saturday, November 22
Congressional Cemetery Event
Join Historic Congressional Cemetery’s Executive Director, Mark Hudson, for a fall afternoon of conversation and community. We’ll have hot cider, seasonal sweets, and light refreshments as you get to know the leader helping guide the future of this beloved historic landmark.
Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel
This informal meet and greet is a chance to:
Hear about Mark’s vision for Congressional Cemetery
Ask questions about upcoming projects and events.
Share your ideas, hopes, and stories about the cemetery
Connect with fellow neighbors, members, and friends in a relaxed setting
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, you’re invited to stop by, grab a cup of cider, and say hello.
Leaf Collection in underway. Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker. https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections. This week, leaf pickup will start in Section B.)
Comments Off on The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
Last night, ANC6A heard the results of a survey conducted by ANC6A03 Commissioner Roberta Shapiro on neighbor’s use of the Sherwood Recreation Center. She told commissioners that she probably gets more email from her constituents on Sherwood than any other topic, save parking. Sherwood lies in Shapiro’s single member district.
Shapiro said, “I’ve done my share of complaining up and down the food chain about the situation there but decided that we really needed more data to back up the complaints.” So she conducted a survey and received 289 responses from nearby households comprising some 900 residents – 90% within a mile of Sherwood and 71% within a half mile. She told the ANC that these responses are from people who have an opportunity to use Sherwood, but about 2/3 had never used the inside facility.
The main answers given to the question of why not, included lack of awareness, lack of cleanliness and maintenance, and concerns about safety. The outdoor facilities – the playground, the tennis court, the basketball court, and the field running track were more broadly used.
The survey showed that more than half of respondents said they get no communication from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) about the facilities. And reacting to information provided about Sherwood programs, only 14% of the respondents said that programming choices were good. Also, only 23% rated the equipment as good, and only 25% rated maintenance and cleanliness good.
Shapiro said that people have a fairly negative view of the facility, but there was “very strong interest in having expanded programming for little kids, preschoolers, and adult exercise programs.”
When asked what additional facilities people wanted, Shapiro said there was “a whole range of answers but 50% of respondents said they’d like to see a kid’s splash park like the one at Eastern Market Metro Park and 25% said they were interested in community gardens.”
There were 88 responses in which people took the time to write narrative answers to the question whether there was anything else they’d like to comment on or suggest. The number one topic was poor cleanliness and maintenance, number two was loitering, gambling, alcohol and drug consumption on the north side of the building. Those were followed by the need for more programming and expanded hours – people complained about being there with their kids on a Sunday and there’s no access to a bathroom facility. (CM Charles Allen has legislation pending before the City Council to expand hours at DC Recreation Facilities, requiring minimum weekend hours and increased weekday hours.) Also mentioned was the need for improvements in fixing equipment, ventilation, and cleaning.
Shapiro said, … ”there are other DPR facilities which are in really good shape and offer extensive programming and I don’t quite understand why Sherwood is the stepchild of the system.”
She referenced $4 million in the DC FY26 capital budget for improvements at Sherwood and said there needs to be a real effort to engage the community in terms of how those dollars get spent, and added that DPR says they are behind schedule but pledged community engagement.
With respect to nest steps, Shapiro said she had shared the survey with CM Charles Allen’s office and DPR. She said “we have written multiple times to Director Thennie Freeman (DPR) and we did not even get the courtesy of a response. So I think we just all need to keep making noise. I guess we could send another letter and copy the council and copy Director Freeman and copy DGS Director Hunter as well but I sort of feel like we are whistling into the wind.”
Commissioner and former ANC6A Chair Amber Gove suggested a next step could be drafting testimony for thecouncil’s performance oversight hearing. She added, “I would say that I very much recognize whenever I venture into NW that there is a huge difference in the quality of our facilities managed by DPR, and it would be wonderful if attention could be drawn to that … I don’t know if you recall but a couple years ago when this topic came up and in a letter to Director Freeman we actually did a comparison programming at all of the other DPR facilities … and Sherwood was at the bottom of the barrel in terms of … programming offered.”
Gove went on, “I think a conversation … identifying some of the discrepancies and showing them just what we’re seeing as commissioners, not just in our areas but in Ward 7 and 8, that the quality of facilities can be quite different than they are in the other parts of the city.
Comments Off on Neighbors Voice Discontent with Sherwood Rec Center
CIVIC at 501 8th Street, SE on Barracks Row, will open this winter in the space formerly occupied by Ophelia’s Fish House.
CIVIC’s operator Rhonda Foxx (left) with beverage director Andra “AJ” Johnson.
“CIVIC” on Barracks Row – Rhonda Foxx’s new concept for a day time coffee bar/evening cocktail bar – is best described by its website: “A Salon for the City.” https://www.salonforthecity.com/
CIVIC’s genesis can be traced back to an organization Foxx founded in 2023 – “PERSIST,” a 70,000 member nonprofit women’s political coalition who aim is to connect power players, national leaders, influencers, organizers and everyday activists. Foxx says, “After 15 years in national Democratic politics and three in corporate America I realized that we have to have a place to get offline and bring together people who are like minded.” The concept behind CIVIC, she said, is Gloria Steinem’s “gathering circles” – who holds informal, in-person meetings in her apartment where activists, organizers and individuals gather to share ideas, and build community. Foxx was inspired by these events after being invited to host one at Steinem’s home.
Her take away from the gathering circle was the importance of building physical community and CIVIC pays tribute to that idea – “a place to gather, to create and make things happen.”
The website says as much:
“Where culture and community meet. From coffee to cocktails, CIVIC. is a neighborhood salon built for connection. Woman-owned and locally operated, we honor what came before while shaping what’s next – through conversation, curation, and craft.
We feature a rotating lineup of coffee roasters in residence, guest chefs, visual artists, and music curators. New voices, new work, more reasons to stop in.”
Foxx says, “You’ll see some really cool iconic DC women in this place, for example (DC muralist) Lisa Marie’s murals will go up on the back wall. And, you know, we’re a cocktail and coffee bar and that’s being powered by Andra “AJ” Johnson (beverage director and managing partner at Serenata at Union Market). And (DC artist) Maggie O’Neill will be one of the first artists that we showcase on our walls… if you remember Winnette McIntosh Ambrose (two-time Food Network Champion who ran Souk Bakery and Sweet Lobby), she’ll provide our pastry offerings.”
Foxx says CIVIC is still working on its restaurant alcohol beverage license and hopes have a soft opening before year’s end. Their day time café and beverage menu – featuring locally sourced Swing’s coffee – is here. https://www.salonforthecity.com/menu An evening menu will follow.
Spotify joins the corporations buying residential properties near the Capitol. Spotify has purchased the townhouse at 440 New Jersey Avenue, SE, near the Congressional Office Buildings. Company reps came before ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee on Thursday night to support a Historic Preservation Application for work at the address. The applicants said they planned on fulfilling the city’s requirement that the townhouse have a full time resident and added that they are maintaining the current office space at 1100 15th Street, NW. A group of commissioners will meet with Spotify before the ANC meeting next Wednesday, November 12, to see if they are willing to provide a written agreement about use. Neighbors around 440 NJ may join the debate then.
The illegal use of residences by corporations for business activities is an ongoing controversy for neighborhoods close in to the Capitol. A concerted effort by ANCs 6A and 6C and efforts of CM Charles Allen appeared to be making traction with Brian Hanlon, Director of the DC Department of Buildings, until Mayor Bowser stepped in and ordered Hanlon to turn a blind eye to the violations. See here: https://bit.ly/4hX7kJx (Update)
Dos Toros Taqueria Capitol Hill at 215 Pennsylvania Ave SE, has been open for a couple of weeks now. Here’s their menu: https://www.dostoros.com/menu
Emergency vehicles respond to death at Eastern Market Metro on Wednesday night. Here’s a photo of the scene at Eastern Market Metro Plaza at circa 10:10pm on Wednesday night. At least 20 MPD, DC Transit, ambulances and other emergency vehicles surrounded Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Subsequently, DC Metro reported that an individual had apparently placed themselves in the path of an oncoming train.
Volunteer Musicians stepped up when Marine Band cancelled its annual concert to honor Marine Band legend John Phillips Sousa on the anniversary of his birthday at his grave site at Congressional Cemetery. The tradition’s rescue was organized by Capital City Symphony member Sarah Hanks (second from left), who reached out to colleagues and the community to help remember Sousa.
A crowd of some 50 community members turned out for the ceremony.
Organizers distributed flowers to lay on Sousa’s grave.
Here’s video of the band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The Week Ahead…
Monday, November 10
ANC6B Parks and Public Spaces Task Force will hold an IN PERSON ONLY meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 2nd floor.
Agenda: TBA
Tuesday, November 11
ANC7D will hold its November virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Proposed Motion: ANC 7D send a letter to relevant District agencies recommending the re-designation of a presently unnamed alley as Graceland Court, NE.
Wednesday, November 12
ANC6B will hold its November hybrid meeting at 7:00pm. Note: This meeting date has been adjusted to avoid conflicts with holidays, religious days, or other events.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Consent Agenda
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Items (TBA)
Transportation Committee Items (TBA)
Planning & Zoning Committee Items (TBA)
Public Safety Committee Items (TBA)
SE Library Task Force Items (TBA)
Public Parks and Recreation Spaces Task Force Items (TBA)
Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee Items (TBA)
Administrative Consent Items (If Any)
Community & Commission Announcements & Speak Out
Office of the Mayor (MOCR)
Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office
Metropolitan Police Department
Congressional Cemetery
Update on Items from Executive Committee Meeting
Adoption of Revised Standing Rules (Update/Announcement)
Reminder of Upcoming Meeting Dates
Presentations
11th Street Bridge Park Presentation
ANC 6B Input on Other Concerns
Testimony Regarding MPD & Immigration Enforcement
Testimony Regarding Youth Curfew
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee Renewals
Hawk N’ Dove– 329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Dos Toros Taqueria – 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Kaiju Ramen – 525 8th Street SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Sidewalk Café and Summer Garden Endorsements.
Lola’s, LLC t/a Lola’s – 711 8th Street SE (ABRA-086141), Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Hill East Burger – 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Protests/Other Updates
Ambar – 523 8th Street SE. Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing. Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE (ABRA-129362). Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest. (Roll Call Hearing 11/03/25)
Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning.
Consideration of Letter Regarding Cannabis Licensees.
Planning and Zoning Committee
655 South Carolina Avenue SE; Zoning Adjustment Application.
440 New Jersey Avenue SE; Historic Preservation Application.
ANC6C will hold its November virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee Recommendations:
ANC 6A take no action on the renewals:
Class C Tavern license with for Brewpub, Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Henceforth DC , 1335 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license for Providencia, 1321 Linden Court NE.
Class C Tavern license with Dancing, Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Sushi Sato, 1245 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for Solid State Books, 600 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for The Little Grand, 808 7th Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Copycat Co., 1110 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Dancing and Entertainment endorsements for District Alley on H, 1378 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Dancing and Summer Garden endorsements for Pie Shop, 1339 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Sol Mexican Grill, 1251 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with an Entertainment endorsement for Allure Lounge, 711 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Dancing and Entertainment endorsements for Ethio Vegan, 1362 H Street NE.
Class C Tavern license with Cover Charge, Entertainment and Summer Garden endorsements for Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar, 1104 H Street NE.
Economic Development and Zoning Committee:
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support of a special exception for rear yard and lot occupancy requirements at 1332 Corbin Place NE to construct a third story and a three-story with basement rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story with basement, principal dwelling unit.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to BZA in support of a time extension for 1371-1375 H Street NE submitted by Salvation Arts, LLC, to extend for an additional year, the Board of Zoning Adjustment Order Number 20967, to construct a new, attached, six-story with roof deck, 30-unit, mixed use building.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT and WMATA asking that they coordinate to fill the gap in transit service that will be left by the early end of Streetcar service.
Recommendation: ANC 6A Send a letter to DDOT outlining ANC 6A’s requests for their update to the Strategic Bikeways Plan.
Standing Committee Reports
New Business
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A approve Lorena Gil as a member of Community Outreach (COC) Committee
Presentation: Results of survey about Sherwood Recreation Center
Single Member District reports
ANC6D Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Leaf Collection in underway. Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker. https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections.)
The Week Ahead…& Some Day of the Dead Photos from the Past Week
By Larry Janezich
Posted November 2, 2025
The National Community Church (NCC) will launch $5M renovation of historic Navy Yard Car Barn – according to a story by Daniel Sernovits in the Washington Business Journal. NCC Pastor Mark Batterson plans on turning the “Capitol Turnaround” – formerly and informally named “The Blue Castle” at 8th and M Streets, SE, into an event space with a coffee shop. CHC talked to events staff who said that the 8th Street and M Street sides of the building will be renovated to provide event space. Another venture owned by NCC – “Ebenezers Coffeehouse” – will be located inside the main entrance at the corner of 8th and M Streets. The original Ebenezers, founded in 2006, is at 201 F Street, NE.
Here’s the space inside the main entrace at 8th and M Street, SE, which will be the future home of Ebenezers Coffee House.
Día de los Muertos at Congressional Cemetery. This day is a tradition that honors loved ones who have passed, celebrating the ongoing bond between the living and the dead. Millions in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond celebrate by creating colorful ofrendas (altars) to welcome spirits back to the earthly world.
Sunday, November 2, was the cemetery’s second celebration of Día de los Muertos, where the chapel in the center of the cemetery was transformed into a place of learning, remembrance, community gathering, and celebration of the “Day of the Dead.”
The ofrenda alter is traditionally set up in the home to honor decease loved ones and decorated with marigolds, photographs of the deceased, candles, and offerings like sugar skulls, favorite foods, drinks, mementos and religious symbols. Key elements often include references to the four elements: water, aid, earth and fire. The paper banners (papel picado) represent air.
Here’s a detail photo of the main altar.
Visitors decorate traditional sugar skulls and craft paper flowers.
A festival atmosphere dominates Dios de los Muertos as relatives and friends celebrate those who have gone before them and joyfully welcome their spiritual return.
This free community event is made possible by the Congressional Cemetery’s nonprofit, The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery.
The Week Ahead…
Highlight: Tuesday: First District MPD Community Advisory Committee Meeting. Discussion: The Wharf and Navy Yard Juvenile Safety Concerns. See below.
Highlight: Thursday. Free John Philip Sousa Birthday Concert at Congressional Cemetery. See below under “Capitol Hill Cornor Would Also Like You to Know About:”
Monday, November 3
ANC6C ABC Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting at 7:00pm, but has not posted an agenda.
Presentation by DC Sentencing Commission on Homicide and Car Jacking Convictions
The Wharf and Navy Yard Juvenile Safety Concerns
3rd – 14th Streets NE Safety concerns
G-K Streets NE Safety Concerns
Burglaries, Carjacking/Stolen Autos and Homicide Reports
Policing 14th Place and 15th Street, NE
Policing North Capitol Street, NE/NW
ANC6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Second Floor, Conference Room 1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
ABC Renewals
Hawk N’ Dove – 329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Dos Toros Taqueria – 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Restaurant License with Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Kaiju Ramen – 525 8th Street SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Sidewalk Café and Summer Garden Endorsements.
Lola’s – 711 8th Street SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Hill East Burger – 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Renewal of Class “C” Tavern License with Entertainment and Sidewalk Café Endorsements.
Protests & Other Updates
Ambar – 523 8th Street SE. Ongoing negotiation regarding settlement agreement and protest hearing. Parties have requested continuance while discussions proceed.
ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer (Second Application) – 539 8th Street SE. Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest. (Roll Call Hearing 11/03/25)
Continue Discussion for “Vision for Barracks Row”/Roundtable Planning
Consideration of Letter Regarding Cannabis Licensees
Wednesday, November 5
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
DDOT Update on Penn/Potomac Intersection Redesign Project
Calming Measures at 6th & G SE
Issues at Capitol South Metro
Speeding in Barracks Row Alleys
Automated Curb Management
ANC6C Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 6:30pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Congressional Cemetery Event:
Thursday, November 6, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Free, but please register here: https://bit.ly/47vGNzr
John Philip Sousa Birthday Concert 2025. Please join Congressional Cemetery and the Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” for a celebration of the life and legacy of John Philip Sousa. The Marine Band plays the music the “March King” composed at his graveside every year on his birthday and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend, for free!
Congressional Cemetery will start the program at 12:30 pm with a short awards ceremony, followed by a brief lecture by a John Philip Sousa impersonator.
The Marine Corps band will enter through the 17th Street gate at precisely 1:00 PM for a 25 minute concert at the grave site, located near the chapel.
Folger Library Event.
Friday, Nov 7–9. Virtuosos of Violin and Verse. Tickets start at $20.
Folger Consort, in a special collaboration with the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series, will open its 2025-2026 season of “exquisitely played programs”
L-R, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb; Commissioner Brian Gorman, Chair, ANC6B Public Safety Committee; Commissioner Sam Pastore.
Office of DC Attorney General Under Seige, AG Schwalb Tells ANC Committee
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 28, 2025
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb attended ANC6B’s Public Safety Committee meeting Monday night. He summarized what his office does for the city: serving as its law firm, serving as a public advocate defending and protecting the public interest, and protecting public safety – which he said was broader than prosecuting crime.
He defended the independence of the Attorney General’s Office noting that “our Mayor has never been a fan of an independent Attorney General” but it’s a necessary check on executive power. Currently, he said, his office was very much under siege and an attack from the federal government. For example, after filing lawsuits against the federal government for taking over the MPD and deploying out-of-state National Guard in the city, Schwalb said a member of congress introduced a bill – in collaboration with the White House – to change the independent elected DC attorney general to a presidential appointed attorney general with no Senate confirmation. The proposed law would make the attorney general accountable to the President – which allows for the office to be weaponized. The bill has passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and will come up on the House floor at the discretion of the Speaker of the House.
He cited another bill which reflects the administration’s hostility to the District – supposedly in the interest of public safety which Schwalb termed a “ruse” used to attack home rule – the Judicial Nominations Reform Act which would abolish the District’s Judicial Nomination Commission which currently vets and recommends candidates for DC’s local courts. The bill would shift shift this power to the President with confirmation by the Senate.
He also pointed to the House of Representatives’ passage of the Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act that would – at the discretion of the US Attorney General – lower the age from 16 to 14 for prosecution of District juveniles as adults for some violent crimes, including murder, first-degree sexual assault, first-degree burglary, and robbery while armed or assault with intent to commit any of these offenses.
Schwalb criticized the District’s bifurcated criminal justice system which provides for the prosecution of adults by the District’s US Attorney and juveniles by the DC Attorney General. He says we need a local prosecutor accountable to the people of the District.
He said that there are 16 bills* before Congress that would change the way home rule operates in the District and debate on all of them is on-going. He urged residents to support home rule.
Appearing under a time constraint, Schwalb took several questions from members of the public and the Public Safety Committee. On the issue of enforcement against reckless moped drivers, he offered criminal prosecution where warranted and a potential investigation of the questionable operation of problematic third party providers – neither suggestion provided much satisfaction to the father of a child who had received a concussion from a recklessly operated food delivery moped. (See CHC post here: http://bit.ly/3WtcTW0 ) Similarly, he could not offer much insight with respect to a question about the performance of Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services owing to the “difficulty in measuring recidivism,” or much hope with respect to a question of progress on renovating the DC Jail, noting “it’s in our interest to get jail repaired – but not easy with tight dollars.”
*In addition to the bills affecting home rule mentioned by Schwalb, some of the other 16 bills pending in Congress which would affect DC home rule include:
Repeal of policing legislation: Overturns police reform legislation the D.C. Council passed after the murder of George Floyd.
D.C. Policing Protection Act: Expands the circumstances under which police officers are allowed to engage in vehicular pursuits.
Amendments to the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act: Would eliminate judicial discretion to sentence eligible youth offenders below a mandatory minimum and restrict youth offender status for individuals convicted of certain crimes.
Repeal of the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act: Nullifies a D.C. law that allows juveniles to petition for early release after serving 15 years.
Bail system overhaul: Requires pretrial detention for anyone charged with a “violent or dangerous offense,” including some felony drug charges, and brings back the use of cash bail for certain crimes.
Criminalizing homelessness: Makes it illegal to sleep in public places, including in a car.
Last Friday night, Capitol Hill historian Robert Pohl lead a tour of Capitol Hill’s reputed haunted houses, sponsored by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society for its members. Here, at the tour’s beginning on Eastern Market Metro Plaza, Pohl related the story of the haunting of the US Capitol’s old House Chamber (currently Statuary Hall) by John Quincy Adams, who returned to the House of Representatives after serving as President of the United States.
A house across from the Marine Barracks at 822 G Street, SE, was owned by a curmudgeonly career Marine named “Old Howard.” After his passing, the family rented it out to successive tenants who reported the presence in the house of a poltergeist – presumably “Old Howard” – who would move the bed around the room while it was occupied. Old Howard’s restless spirit eventually departed the premises.
The Marine Commandant’s House at 801 G Street, SE, is reputed to have three ghosts: Two sergeants who in 1814 were directed to hide the Barrack’s payroll on the grounds before departing to try to halt the British army’s advance on Washington (where they were killed in the battle) and the ghost of Archibald Henderson known as the “Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps” for his record 38-year tenure as Commandant who by his causing his portrait to fall off the wall during a reception, seemed to be protesting the admission of women to the Marine Corps as clerical workers.
The John Phillips Sousa House at 636 G Street, SE, was the occasion for relating the history of the Marine Band leader and the claim that on foggy days, the “lonesome sound of the Sousaphone can be heard over Congressional Cemetery,” where Sousa is buried. (On November 6, the Marine Band remembers Sousa with a birthday concert at his grave site in Congressional Cemetery.)
The MPD 1st District Substation on Marion Park was the site of the murder of an MPD police captain by a disgruntled officer in the late 19th Century, which could be the genesis for the report of a late night appearance of a solitary dripping wet figure who entered the front door of the station and disappeared through a locked side door.
The hour-plus long tour became darker figuratively as well as literally near the end which was at The Maples, at 619 D Street, SE. One of the oldest houses on Capitol Hill, The Maples was purchased in 1871 by Emily Edson Briggs, the first female reporter in the here-to-fore all male Senate Press Gallery. Briggs’ husband died shortly thereafter. His widow, who continued to live in the house, began experiencing unexplained sounds of weeping and piano playing which culminated in evidence of a slept-in guest room bed and a presence – and departure – marked by the leaving of a single pearl on the bed’s pillow. The peculiar happenings ceased after the pearl incident. A possible connection, Pohl suggested, was the ghastly suicide in the house of a friend of the wife of a previous owner. That owner, one Augustus Nicholson, the Marine Barracks Quartermaster in the 1840s, was by all accounts a bounder, who had been keeping company with another woman, Sally Carroll, who he married six months after his wife’s suicide.
Robert Pohl is the author of “Wicked Capitol Hill: An Unruly History of Behaving Badly”
Wolfgang Puck’s Place in Union Station. Here are some photos of where Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant is going to be in Union Station, and a rendering of what it’s going to look like. It will be at the top of the escalator – which from the mezzanine – will lead UNIQLO on the west end of Union Station.
On the right hand side of the up escalator in the space formerly occupied by Pizzaria Uno is where you’ll find Wolfgang Puck’s BAR + Bites.
And here’s an architect’s rendering of what it’s going to look like.
Construction Update on SE Library Renovation. Photos from the DC Library’s October 23 Construction update – a view of the skylight from the historic entrance on 7th Street, and the view from the inside looking toward the historic entrance. (Apparently the postings on the bulletin boards inside the historic entrance will be last to go of the interior features of the original libarary.)
Inside the universal entrance at the South Carolina Entrance at street level.
Photo of the glass façade and canopy at the South Carolina Avenue Entrance. For more, go here: SE Library Construction Update for October 23: http://bit.ly/4noq3yI
Triple Candies’ monthly installations in the former Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue,SE. For nearly 50hears, DC artist Betsy Packard has transferred the objects she encountered in her life into art:paintings made from dryer lint; tapestries sewn with used clothes and hair clippings: and toys. Accoring to curators Triple Candies, her work references Constructibism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Nouveau Realism, Fluxus, Feminist Art, etc. Triple Candies is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett.
The Week Ahead….
Highlight: Monday, ANC6B Public Safety Committee discussion with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb. 7:00pm. See below.
Monday, October 27
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee holds and IN PERSON meeting at 7:00pm.
Location: 1207 H Street NE (Old Autozone Building).
Among items on the draft agenda:
Announcements and Reminders: People’s Front of H Street, Sunday Clean ups in 6A01.
Meet your ANC Commissioner.
FreeDC with COC Member Ashley Blake.
ANC6B Public Safety Committee will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Physical Location: 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 2nd Floor – Conference Room #2 (Entrance Adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Briefing from MPD 1st District (Captain Crist).
Discussion with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
Planning for next meeting.
ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor, Conference Room #1 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here: https://anc6b.org/
Among items on the draft agenda:
Update on renovation from Jaspreet Pahwa, of the library system (DCPL), & from Terri Bosnick, of general contractor Whiting Turner.
Discuss progress on maintaining & expanding access to the interim library at the Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th St., SE.
Tuesday, October 28
ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Saturday, November 1
CHRS House Expo Set for Saturday, November 1, in the North Hall of Eastern Market.
The Expo connects homeowners with contractors & experts. Free House Expo is hosted by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) , from 9am to 3pm Saturday, November 1, in Eastern Market’s North Hall.
A “Day of the Dead” celebration in collaboration with Capitol Hill resident Rosa Moreno. The public is invited to contribute memories to a shared ofrenda. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Folger Library Tours: Tuesday – Friday | 11:30am – 4:30pm | Each tour lasts 1 hour. We invite groups of all ages to sign up for guided tours of the Folger’s building and grounds. All tours are led by experienced guides who can share details about the Folger’s collection, the architecture of the building, and fascinating facts about Shakespeare, his world, and our own. Priced at $25 per person with discounts for student groups, tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Special student experiences are also available for classes. http://bit.ly/43t0LYS
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