Tonight: Tree Lighting on Eastern Market Metro Plaza & Schedule for Capitol Hill’s Holiday Events
By Larry Janezich
Posted November 22, 2025
The Capitol Hill Holiday Tree Await’s Tonight’s Illumination at 5:30pm on Eastern Market Metro Plaza
Saturday, September 29th – Small Business Saturday –Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots. (See below)
Schedule of Events:
Saturday, Nov 22
Capitol Hill BID’s 19th Annual Capitol Hill Tree Lighting.
5:30pm
Eastern Market Metro Park
“Men in Blue” will serve hot chocolate and doughnuts while local musical groups perform.
Entertainment: Joyous Voices, Washington Men’s Camerata, Capitol Hill Chorale, and Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s Suzuki Strings
Masters of Ceremonies: Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood
All festivities will be held at the tree known as “Sonny” in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza (Corner of 7th and D St SE). Members of the Didden family will flip the switch to illuminate the tree that was planted to honor the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community.
Also, launching of 4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange running Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Outside on 7th St. SE and NC Avenue SE. During the outdoor market from 10am until 3pm, shoppers can find the Jazz Café – green bistro tables and chairs at the north end of 7th Street, SE.
Eastern Market & Hill is Home Holiday Time Machine (21+ only)
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Eastern Market’s Holiday Time Machine promises to be a homegrown, historic antidote to the impersonal shopping experience of Black Friday: a festive gathering of local makers and artists, plus the introduction of delicious, social-media ready hot chocolate drink by Melt by Hippie Sippin.’ Republic Restoratives, a small batch, women-owned distillery will be at the event, offering samples of their award-winning spirits.
The event – co-hosted by local blog The Hill is Home – is a preview of the entire holiday experience. For only $30 at the door or $25 for early-birds who buy online, you can attend a holiday party you actually want to go to… Go here for more https://www.thehollydays.com/ and here for tickets https://bit.ly/4rfcftn
Saturday, September 29th Small Business Saturday
Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots.
10:00am
Members of the staff bake cookies (subsidized by management). Customers eat the cookies, vote for their favorites with donations and the cookie that earns the most wins. All of the donations go to Toys for Tots.
Sunday, November 30
11:00am – 1:00pm
Eastern Market.
The Betty the Yeti Welcome and Parade (all ages!) Santa Claus, who will appear Saturdays from 11am to 1pm at the Market, and iconic cryptid Betty the Yeti, who will appear Sundays from 11am to 1pm.
Monday, December 1
The Barrack’s Row and Eastern Market Main Street’s Sip and Shop.
5::00pm – 8:00pm – with wine tastings and exclusive in-store specials.
Co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah, the annyual event celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE). This year’s celebration will take place on the second night of Hanukkah.
The 9-foot Menorah was gifted to the Capitol Hill Community in 2014 by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District in honor of past Chairman of the Board and Community Leader, Paul L. Pascal, Esq. The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa.
The Week Ahead…& Photos from Barracks Row July 4th Parade
By Larry Janezich
Posted July 6, 2025
Here’s Eastern High School’s Blue and White Marching Machine, “The Pride of Capitol Hill,” setting the mood and the pace for the Barracks Row July 4th Parade.
Mayor Bowser was close behind, waving the flag and wearing a Commander Jersey.
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb followed the Mayor.
City Council Chair and Capitol Hill resident Phil Mendelson marched alone – as is his custom – without a supporting contingent and leading the way for CM Charles Allen…
…who trailed a large groups of his supporters.
Technically, MPD lead the parade, clearing the way for the politicians, bands, and community groups that followed. First District Commander Colin Hall did some community building with the next generation of Capitol Hill residents.
The crowd gave it up for the tightly disciplined Ruff Ridaz Percussion Squad performance.
ANC6B marched with a banner carried by (l-r), Commissioners David Sobelsohn, Vince Mareino, and Tyler Wolanin. Commissioner Jerry Sroufe is at the rear, far left.
The Fife and Drum Corp was a crowd pleaser, juxtapositioned appropriately with the local Chapter of the Judge Lynn Daughters of the American Revolution.
Free DC showed their colors and their relentless enthusiasm for lobbying Congress to restore DC’s authority to spend their own revenues for the balance of the current FY – which has been denied by Conress’ failure to include that routine measure in the recently passed Reconsiliation funding bill. Free DC is a force to be reckoned with.
Pride showed up, marching proudly.
This required some concentration as well as hand and eye coordination.
The Week Ahead
Highlights:
Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation, will visit ANC6B Tuesday night. The ANC has a list of transportation issues which could come up. See below.
Thursday, the 257th Army Band will performance in Lincoln Park. See “Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:” below.
MONDAY July 7
ANC6D will hold a virtual Administrative Meeting at 7:00pm.
Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE. Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling. Filing pending.
LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.
ANC6C Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites. 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. NE Class C restaurant.
Proper Exotic. 313 8th Street, NE. Medical Cannabis Retailer. (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate)
White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco, 521 H Street, NE.
Tuesday, July 8
ANC6B will hold a hybrid meeting at 7:00pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, 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:
Presentations
Sharon Kershbaum, Director DC Department of Transportation.
(Here at the topics the ANC6B Transportation Committee has prioritized in meetings which could be discussed with the Director.)
Lincoln Park – comprehensive traffic safety study of Lincoln Park.
Open Streets – How are decisions made about where to host Open Streets, and why aren’t the ANCs a part of that process?
RFK – How is DDOT participating in evaluating the transportation needs and opportunities around the RFK parcel given the Mayor’s proposal?
School Safety – How is DDOT evaluating school safety initiatives like the Safe Routes, Crossing Guards and School Transit support?
Vision Zero – What’s the status of Vision Zero?
Eastern Market Traffic Plans & Safety – How are people are getting to Eastern Market and the general traffic patterns around Capitol Hill. Are there any plans to study modes of transport on the Hill? What I the current status of safety bollards being approved for use at Eastern Market?
Robin Roesch, Creciendo Chisholm Initiative.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license renewals:
Ted’s Bulletin, 505 8th Street, SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant; Protest Petition Deadline: July 18, 2025 [6B03] (Originally Extended by 60 days).
The Flying Mexican (Renewal of License held previously by: Playa Ocho Cantina), 514 8th Street SE; Renewal of Class C Restaurant.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis license new applications:
ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Application for new Class C Restaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis License protests and other updates:
Ambar (ANC6B is currently protesting – non-compliance with signed Settlement Agreement).
ALOHA (Status of Request for Reinstatement from Applicant for cannabis license).
Planning & Zoning Update:
Legislation: short update from Connor Laughland about DC City Council bill to develop social housing (https://janeeseward4.com/gnd/ ).
Citizen request: illegal vacation rental at 220 14th Street, SE.
Proposal: draft a short letter endorsing DOB investigation
Renovation: 409 East Capitol Street SE, Sambria & Co. Zoning Adjustment Application. New rear addition.
Renovation: 730 Rear 11th Street, SE. Demolition of an existing attached rear commercial space and replacement with a single-family dwelling. Filing pending.
LATE BREAKING: Renovation: 418 4th Street, SE.
LATE BREAKING: Nominations for Committee leadership positions.
LATE BREAKING: Recommendations on encouraging commercial variety in ANC6B.
Hakeem Mumford, Manager, External Affairs, PEPCO Update from PEPCO.
Kunta Bedney and Mike Dempsey, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Local Union 197 Apprenticeship Opportunity Information.
DC Government Updates
Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder.
Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services.
Committee Reports and Motions
Transportation/Public Space Committee
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a resolution that expresses support for the ongoing operation of the DC Streetcar, an important public transit link for the H Street Corridor, Rosedale, Carver/Langston, Kingman Park and the RFK campus; and recommend any funding resultant from any change in Streetcar service be reinvested into these communities.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Zoning Commission for plans as presented by So Others May Eat to renovate and expand an existing building at 2 18th St, SE to convert it from a nonconforming rooming house with 57 units to an apartment building with 61 units.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC7D issue a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a Special Exception to construct a two-story rear addition to an existing attached two-story plus basement principal dwelling located at 515 21st Street, NE.
RFK Campus Checkup
Opportunity for 7D Commissioners to Discuss Ongoing RFK Development Related Activity.
Planning Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
502 C Street, NE. Historic Preservation Application. Concept approval to renovate three-story mixed-use structure and enlarge new three-story rear addition.
409 East Capitol Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception and use variance to construct a third story rear addition and a second dwelling unit, and convert the first floor to office use at an attached mixed-use two-story building.
1128 4th Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Special exception for after-the-fact approval of an illegally constructed railing atop a porch roof.
Transportation and Public Space Committee
H Street Main Street NE, Public space improvements. Mr. Saleem is seeking ANC support for public space improvements on the H Street corridor.
1232 4th Street, NE. Transportation Online Permitting – paving, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. The applicant requests a permit for public space improvements including electric vaults, new curb and gutter, closure of existing driveway, bike racks, new trees and plantings, benches, balcony, and bay window.
1 Columbus Circle, NE. Transportation Online Permitting – WMATA installation of a bus stop bench.
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee
Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites. 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Class C restaurant license.
Proper Exotic LLC, Application for Medical Cannabis Retailer license. (Located in ANC 6A, but ANC 6C is directly across the street and has authority to participate.)
White Horse Hookah Bar and Tobacco. 502 H Street NE.
Within School @ Goding Leaks in the Basement Project – Andrew Walker, DCPS.
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Committee
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C multipurpose license with Cover Charge, Dancing, Entertainment, and Summer Garden endorsements at Gallery O on H at 1354 H Street NE, and that the ANC update the settlement agreement.
Recommendation: ANC6A protest the renewal of an alcoholic beverage license with summer garden endorsement at Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro at 709 H Street, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter supporting the renewal of a Class C restaurant license Entertainment and Sidewalk Café endorsements at Fresca Taqueria, 701 H Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC6A protest the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine at B & B Convenience and More at 1447 Maryland Avenue, NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached.
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to ABRA requesting clarification that the proposed location for Proper Exotic at 313 8th Street, NE, is not in violation of the proximate requirements of the specific nearby establishments that cater to children/minors.
Community Outreach
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter of support to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a public arts initiative along H Street NE within the boundaries of ANC6A.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC6A send a letter to DDOT requesting speed bumps in the Atlas Court alley between 11th and 12th Streets, NE.
New Business Recommendation:
ANC 6A send a letter to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget.
Suggested Motion: ANC6A send a letter of support to BZA for a special exception for a porch renovation at 916 D Street NE.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT in support of the Notice of Intent to add a protected bike lane and other safety measures to 14th Street, NE, between Maryland Avenue and G Street NE.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Monday-Friday throughout July and August, 7 pm, Military Bands Capitol Summer Concert Series, west lawn of the Capitol Building. For more, go here: https://bit.ly/4lF97Dq
Comments Off on The Week Ahead…& Photos from Barracks Row July 4th Parade
Another Quiet Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted December 29
Joselito Closes after Seven Years at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Here’s the notice announcing the closure posted next to the entrance.
“With a heavy heart, we announce the permanent closure of Joselito Casa de Comidas in Eastern Market on December 28th.
It has been our privilege to serve you for the past seven years. The laughter shared, the special occasions celebrated, and the community we have built together, especially through the pandemic, have been the highlights of our journey at Joselito. Each meal, every conversation, and all of the faces we’ve seen have made Joseliro a place my father would have been proud of: a place of warmth, connection and joy where friends and family gather.
While this closure is necessary, it is not the end of our story. We are launching “el Rincon de Joselito,” twelve special seats at our chef’s counter at SER, our restaurant in Arlington, where guests will experience tasting menus from Joselito. Seatings will be available by reservations made at least 24 hours in advance and will begin early in 2025.
We are incredibly grateful for your support and love over the years. Thank you for being a part of our story and we hope to see you at “el Rincon de Joselito” at SER.
With deepest appreciation,
Javier, Christiana and the entire Joselito Team”
Last October, owner Javier Candon, told Eater DC that he would close once someone signed a new lease. He said that once he found a tenant, the landlord (Stanton Development) agreed to let them go without any penalties. No word yet on who Joselito’s successor in the space might be.
And on Barracks Row, Hill Restaurant Group announced that its Playa Ocho Cantina on Barracks Row was up for sale. The sign says its temporarily closed for renovations.
The week before Christmas, Los Caballeros at 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, was celebrating its one year anniversary.
The Furies Collective House on 11th Street, SE, designated a National Historic Landmark. On December 16, the National Park Service finalized the designation, marking an additional recognition of the significance of the house at 219 11th Street, SE. The house had previously been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Furies Collective was a group of 12 lesbian feminist activists who made the house their operational center and published a newspaper called “The Furies.” Between 1971 and 1973 the group’s publication raised questions about women’s place in society and the nature of the relationship between men and women, women and other women, and women and society. In Greek mythology, The Furies were three goddesses of vengeance.
The house is now the home of Capitol Hill author Robert Pohl and his wife Antonia. Here’s a link to Pohl’s Facebook page which follows progress on his latest book, 101 House in a Zeppelinhttps://www.facebook.com/RobertPohlAuthor
Fencing the Capitol. Sunday afternoon, the Architect of the Capitol’s securing of the Capitol Complex with 8 foot fencing was underway. This is the view from 2nd and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The fencing will eventually encompass the Capitol.
Status Report on the Inaugural Platform. Construction continues on the West Front of the US Capitol. As seen in the photo, the structure on the far left is the radio platform from which audio correspondents will broadcast live coverage of the ceremony. Just to the left of center, the narrow white structure is the Center Camera Stand, where the network pool will provide head-on video coverage to other news subscribers who do not have cameras on this platform. Other occupants of the structure will be network cameras (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX) providing unilateral coverage as well a C-SPAN camera and official video cameras. Also on this platform will be still photographers from major news organizations. On the far right, the South Camera Stand will be home to additional network cameras, video cameras from the major network and independent news organizations, and more still photographers.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, December 30
ANC6A’s Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 