CRIMES IN THE 'HOOD - Jan 1 to Jan 24
(Address by 100 block; not actual address)
SEX ABUSE A1 (RAPE)
4200 Wisconsin, 1/6, 0001, hospital
ASSAULT
4800 Wisconsin, knife, 1/21, 0230, sidewalk
BURGLARY
4300 Windom, 1/21, 0230, house
4400 Alton, 1/1, 1800, house
4500 41st, 1/2, 0830, house
4200 Jenifer, 1/9, 1100, house
4500 Van Ness, 1/1, 0014, house
4100 Fessenden 1/6, 1715, church
4600 River, 1/1, 1600, storage area
4000 Brandywine, 1/19, 1810, office (closed)
4000 Yuma, attempt, 1/6, 2300, church
THEFT - 13  (3 closed)
THEFT FROM AUTO - 6
STOLEN AUTO
3800 Windom, 1/12, 0100, street
3700 Van Ness, 1/15, 0001, street
3700 Yuma, 1/13, 2145, street
4500 Van Ness, attempt, 1/3, 0015, carport
SIMPLE ASSAULT
3900 Chesapeake, 1/18, 0930, school
4500 Wisconsin, 1/8, 2215, street
THREATS - 3900 Chesapeake, 1/9, 1430, school
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY - 5300 Wisconsin, 1/6, 0642, hotel
FRAUD - 5300 Wisconsin, 1/8, 1630, department store (closed)

TOTAL  -- 39
 
 

E-MAIL ADDRESSES FOR 2D POLICE OFFICIALS
Recently a resident asked how to get in touch with several 2D officials.
I thought this an odd request since their addresses were on the CC: line
of a memo I sent him.  I have since learned that only the name shows up
in the CC: line, not the whole address.

To get hold of the following people via e-mail:

Lt. Mark Carter -- MPDCPSA202@netscape.net
Capt. Anthony Poteat -- Apoteat@aol.com
Commander Peter Newsham (head of 2D) -- MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com
 
 

MORE ON DEALING WITH CREDIT CARD FRAUD

**** From:  MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (Peter Newsham)
I will bring these issues regarding Check and Fraud to that attention of
Cmdr. Barret and A/Chief Broadbent.  This is not the first time that I
have heard this complaint.

**** From: Kathy Smith <Ksmith1804@starpower.net>
 To: MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com
 Commander Newsham,  I'm glad you're bringing it to their attention. I
have a gut feeling, however, that it may be too few detectives chasing
too many cases -- the problem with wanting most officers on the street.

The larger issue here is that I want residents to understand that there
are other options than just waiting for a phone call that doesn't come.
I believe that if most people understand where to call when the first
call doesn't get results, there will be a more efficient flow of
information and people will not feel so helpless waiting...
But please do bring it to their attention.

RESPONSE TO ABOVE :
From: MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com
I agree, and I have seen that many people are reluctant to talk to an
officer's supervisor.  There is a certain fear in dealing with the
police. I continuously push that same message, and I do agree with you.

**** From: Gucurtin@aol.com
This happened to us about 7 years ago and we're still dealing with
it..but only when I apply for a new credit card.  At the time we got in
touch with TRW and they made sure that any new accounts applied for
would be checked by phone with us first.  We never even contacted the
local police. (TRW's a big credit checking company. I think they're
located in Texas.  Any bank or credit card company can get you the phone
number.)

****  From: Joanne Capper  <jcapper71@hotmail.com>
Your message re: check and fraud prompted me to send you this note re: a
recent incident that I'm quite disturbed about and wonder if anyone else
has had a similar incident and is willing to pursue a collective legal
claim against the offender.

A few months ago I began receiving two magazines that I had not
subscribed to and wondered how they arrived.  I figured that maybe a
relative had subscribed for me, but didn't pay much attention.  After 3
months of receiving these magazines, I noticed two billings on my First
USA Visa card for each magazine, with an 800 number next to each
billing.  I was furious and immediately called the 800 number and of
course it was a recording offering me the option of accepting or
rejecting the charges and continuing the subscription.  I didn't wait
around for a "real person" option, but probably did try the "0" option.
I then called First USA - the number on the credit card statement - and
finally found out that the company that sent the magazines is a
subsidiary of First USA and that they participated in this instance of
what I feel is fraud.  It's also a Marriott collaboration, where you get
Marriott Hotel points with each dollar charged to the card.  Of course
I'm canceling the card and informing Marriott.

I had absolutely no luck with Check and Fraud, although they were polite
and gave me the number of the FBI - who they said was responsible for
this sort of thing.  The FBI gave me to the Secret Service!!  All said
that this activity may not be ethical, but is not against the law!!!  I
asked about a class action suit and the SS person said that that would
be possible.  While this is not an egregious crime - I'd rather have
this than be mugged - it is something that collective action could
probably put a stop to. I'd like to know if anyone else has had this
happen to them and if they'd like to pursue it.
 
 
 

PROBLEMS WITH THE U.S. MAIL
From: "Sally Haskell" <shaskell@dialup.usdoj.gov>
Last week we received pieces of mail that were sent in mid-November and
mid-December.  some of them had been through one of the  "sanitizing"
processes which I recognize from processed mail at my government
office.  The sanitizing process causes the mail to yellow and become
brittle. Yet the post office official line does not acknowledge that
this is happening. The USPS website even states that private mail in
Washington is unaffected, under the FAQ menu.  I called the USPS contact
number and was told that my mail is not affected.  I have tried calling
the Friendship post office, but can't even get the phone answered.

An official acknowledgement that our mail is affected would be helpful
when I explain to my daughter's college admissions offices that we
didn't know about January events or missing application items.  I wonder
if others have noticed.

--------
>From KS -- We received a piece of mail like this about two or three
weeks ago. Clearly it had been sanitized.
 
 
 

SUPPORT GROUP SPONSORED BY IONA
From: Betsy4801@aol.com (Betsy Mathiasen)
Members of a support group for primary care  takers of the chronically
ill and the demented would welcome new members. The group is sponsored
by Iona Senior Services and meets Thursdays from 10-11:30 at 4125
Albemarle St.,NW.  For further information please call Betsy Mathiasen
at 301-299-9022 or Margaret Johanson at 202-332-9585. Contributions are
welcome, but there is no fee."
 
 
 

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS
**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com
If you are looking for a Golden Retriever, why not try Golden Rescue.
They ALWAYS have dogs that need a good home.  The phone # is
703-620-6593 and the web site is: http://www.grreat.org/
 
 

ANOTHER KIND OF PRINTER FIX
From: "Jim Holway" <JHolway1@starpower.net>
My new H-P Laser gave me an error message that it was unable to connect
after I'd used it three or four days.  I call them.  They sent a patch
immediately which solved the problem which was caused by Windows 98.
 
 

SOME RESPONSES TO "SKIN HEADS" AND WILSON HIGH

**** From: Slam13@aol.com
While I abhor the fact that anyone is being targeted for any reason --
the flags being torn down -- I seriously doubt that "skinheads" at
Tenley are to blame.  First of all, as a Wilson mother who uses the
Tenleytown subway at that time, I know a number of the kids who hang
there.  They are black and white, male and female, and none that I know
are skinheads.  They hang there to pass time before some go home on the
subway while others walk.  I'm not saying its not a student, but unless
you have more proof please don't accuse/attack the kids.

**** From: "Thompson, David"  <David.Thompson@k12.dc.us>
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School takes pride in its diverse student
body. The school has taken great steps to ensure that we are good
neighbors.  Our staff contains several professionals who deal
specifically with hate, and intolerance.  We have several teachers whose
entire job is to deal with local school and community concerns.  Wilson
has several clubs, organizations, and classes that include, Alternatives
to Violence, Peer Mediation, Peer Counseling, Gay, Straight, Bisexual,
Lesbian Parent Teacher Student Alliance, Male and Female Initiative
clubs, and numerous international organizations.

Wilson SHS takes pride in it's academic achievements, with four National
Merit Semi-finalists, high ranking in the Washington Post's most
challenging high schools, and many early acceptances from Ivy-league
schools (including three from Harvard).  We do not take the education of
our students lightly. Last year our school gave 580 Advanced Placement
(AP) exams to 232 students in 21 subjects.  It is unfortunate that
because we are the Public High School in the neighborhood, that we get
blamed for all of the "evil" that occurs here.  As a resident of AU Park
and teacher at Wilson SHS, I take great pride in where I live and work.

I am curious as to how you reached the conclusion that the "skin heads"
congregated outside the Tenley Metro Station, were in fact "skin heads"
and were from Wilson.  I have consulted several of my colleagues,
counselors, administrators, and students, and none of them seem to know
who these "skin heads" are. Is it your conclusion that Wilson is the
home of the "skin heads" due to its proximity to the Tenleytown Metro
station, or do you have some other evidence?  Interestingly enough, many
students from other high schools in the area use the Tenleytown Metro
station and hang out where these "skin heads" do.  Many of these
students, with different personal preferences, attend the Georgetown Day
School, Sidwell Friends, National Cathedral School, and St Albans.  As
you may or may not be aware,  a large number of residents of this
neighborhood do not attend Wilson, but must travel by Subway to reach
their schools.

Wilson is doing all that it can to create a reputation for academics,
for being a good neighbor.  We know that we do fall short at times.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school (282-0120), our principal,
or me when you have concerns.  We here at Wilson would like to work with
you so that something of this kind does not continue or happen again.
We are very proactive and do respond to the communities concerns.
Sincerely,
David G. Thompson
Teacher, Computer Science
282-1176
 
 

CLARIFICATION ON RECYCLING MAGAZINES, STYROFOAM, ETC.
From: Michele.Wolin@nlrb.gov
I know they take glossy magazines ("typical" magazines, catalogs, Sunday
paper advertising inserts).  Just put them in paper bags or tie them,
like you do with newspapers.  They can be mixed in with newspapers,
i.e., you don't need to put them in separate bags.  They also take
office paper, so from that I suspect they would take journals
("non-glossy" magazines).
They also take corrugated cardboard.  If you want to call and ask, their
number is 645-8245.
Another recycling tip: most mailing stores, like Mailboxes, will gladly
take styrofoam peanuts.
 
 
 

AIRPLANE NOISE
From: "Gus Mehrdad" <gmehrdad@starpower.net>
I have been noticing that after the 9/11 tragedy, AU neighborhood has
been getting a lot of airplane traffic. In addition to the Ronald Reagan
Airport traffic which stops around 11 pm, we are getting airplane
traffic from Dulles Airport usually about 2 am to 7 am. This is getting
really annoying. I was wondering if you knew who to write to or if
anybody else has been taking any action on this issue also. Please let
me know.
Thanks, Gus Mehrdad.
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: "Anthony/Barbara Chowney" <chowney@sprynet.com>
 We are looking to replace our old natural gas furnace with a new,
energy-efficient one and would appreciate suggestions as to the most
efficient, energy-saving gas furnace as well as the names of reliable
contractors to remove our old furnace and install the new one.
 
**** From: "kayandpaul" <kayandpaul@erols.com>
 Can anyone recommend someone to shovel snow; youth are fine.  Phone us
at 202-363-4581  or notify by e-mail kayandpaul@erols.com.  Thanks Kay
McClenon.

**** From: <aeichenberger@mindspring.com>
SEEKING FREELANCE PERSON WITH EXCELLENT PHOTOSHOP SKILLS.
I am starting a business and am need of someone skilled in PhotoShop for
occasional projects. This person must have design skills and an
excellent sense of color. Must live in AU, Tenleytown, Friendship
Heights, Dupont Circle or Georgetown.  Must have a portfolio. Pay
commensurate with skills. Ann Eichenberger

**** From: "Maren Handler Siegel" <marenhs@hotmail.com>
I'd like to announce the location and phone number of my new office in
Woodley Park?  I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years
of experience providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy to
adolescents and adults.  I have a Masters Degree in clinical social
work, and post graduate training in family and couples therapy.  My
licensure allows for insurance reimbursement, and I have day, evening
and weekend office hours. If anyone wants to contact me or learn more
about my practice, they can reach me at the information listed below.
Thanks.
Maren Handler Siegel, LICSW
2607 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington D.C., 20008
(202) 320-5935  or  marenhsiegel@hotmail.com

**** From: "G. Richard Reed" <DickReed@compuserve.com>
My son Michael is back here from California and working in the
construction industry. Among many of his talents is building wood
radiator covers. Five years ago he  made six for our home.  It is
amazing how it changed the appearance of our home.  The hot water
heating systems are quite efficient, but the big iron radiators can be a
bit ugly.  In addition he has built home theater systems and small
computer networks, including "in wall" wiring for those systems. You can
contact him on  202-362-9029.

**** From: RedSage2@aol.com  (Will Critzman)
Computer: Free to Good Home
We are in the possession of a fully functioning Macintosh Quandra 650:
keyboard, drivers, wires and all.  If you or anyone you know can provide
a warm and happy environment for our beloved computer, please email Will
at RedSage2@aol.com.

**** From: Andrew Strasfogel <squasher@starpower.net>
Free - Decent used men's and women's clothing, including business suits
and many T shirts and a used 286  computer and monitor (with
WordPerfect) for donation to a charitable cause.  Please call or email
me if you know to whom I can donate these.  Andrew Strasfogel,
squasher@starpower.net, 966-6194.

Northwest Voucher (1 or 2) - Good for RT travel anywhere in continental
Canada and US (including Alaska), Mexico, and Caribbean where NW
Airlines flies, through 12/20/2002.  Book your flight and the voucher is
transferrable when the ticket is issued.  W class (same as frequent
flier miles).  Asking $500 each.

**** From: Resident
Thank you for your exhaustive list of tradespeople.  I have to tell you
that we had a bad experience with Delbe company.  They sent a handyman
who was not qualified to do the work we specified, and then fought us
hard when we did not want to pay for his inadequate work.  They no
longer use this handyman, but we were still out a lot more money than we
thought we owed.  Please withhold my name.

**** From:  themail@dcwatch.com
From: David Sobelsohn, dsobelso@capacces.org
You can buy coupons for movie tickets for $5.25 per ticket plus 50 cents
per order postage and handling, good for one year from date of purchase
except for the first ten days of the run, by calling the Department of
Agriculture at 720-ESRA. I think other federal agencies (e.g. the FCC)
have the same deal, and you needn't have any connection to the federal
government to buy
these coupons.

**** From:  themail@dcwatch.com
From: Bill Adler, billonline@adlerbooks.com
I thought I'd let you know that there's a new, local flying club based
at Maryland Airport (2W5). Club members share a 2001 Cessna 172SP, fully
loaded with all the latest avionics, including a 2-axis autopilot
coupled to the GPS. I've just joined. If you're interested, there's more
information at http://www.lrn2fly.com. Or you can call ATC at
301-248-1480. The club and plane will move back to Potomac Airfield
(VKX) when Potomac reopens, which will be very soon.
 
 
 
 

PARKING GARAGE
From:   Donald E McMullin <dmcmullin@juno.com>
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER HART (From St. Ann's Church Bulletin - 20 Jan
'02)
"  _  it appears that American University is planning to build a 250
space parking garage and an expanded ground parking lot on the south
side of Yuma Street and the east side of 42nd Street. The Zoning Board
has given the University permission to build in spite of the fact that
an agreement by which American University obtained the property from
Immaculata High School, strictly forbade them from building any new
structures on the site. It seems that the Zoning Board has decided to
ignore this contingency clause by which American University is legally
bound. The entrance to the garage will be on Yuma Street, almost
directly opposite the alley by which our children enter and exit St.
Ann's Academy. If you have had the misfortune to be on Yuma Street when
school lets out, you know well the bottleneck that is created by the
buses and cars that must  come to a standstill when the children are
dismissed. My concern, and a concern that is shared by our Parish
Pastoral Council, is 250 and more cars entering and exiting the proposed
garage will only exacerbate this problem and prove more dangerous to our
children. Several of our parishioners and neighbors have been actively
fighting this proposal. In view of our defeat in terms of the Zoning
Board ruling, we are turning directly to you to enlist your support
against American University's refusal to abide by the legal agreement
between them and the citizens of Tenleytown. If you are willing to go on
record as opposing the building of a parking garage on Yuma Street, or
to see how you can help in this serious problem, I urge you to contact
Mr. Tony Byrne, 4205 Warren Street, NW, telephone: 202-966-8759. He and
AI Peter, one of our parishioners, are well acquainted with the
development and status of American University's proposal. In appealing
this ruling we have to be able to demonstrate that a large portion of
our parish is opposing the parking garage. It would also be of great
help to generate some publicity about this proposal. If you have any
"ins" with people in the DC Government or in the news media, I would
appreciate very much your informing them of this situation.  _  "
 
 
 

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE U.S. ARMY
"Henry, Theodore J NAB02" <Theodore.J.Henry@nab02.usace.army.mil>
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
Spring Valley Restoration Advisory Board
Membership Solicitation

The Department of the Army recognizes the importance of stakeholder
participation in the Defense Environmental Restoration Program.
Therefore, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
established the Spring Valley Restoration Advisory Board (RAB).  The RAB
was created to improve public participation in the environmental
restoration of the Formerly Used Defense Site property at Spring Valley.

The RAB currently has two vacancies.  Let this notice serve as
solicitation for applications to fill those vacancies.

The RAB includes community members who reflect the diverse interests of
the local community.  RAB members are asked to review and comment on
plans and technical documents relating to the ongoing environmental
studies and restoration activities at Spring Valley.  RAB members have
the opportunity to provide comments that may accelerate the
restoration.  Members also serve as liaisons between the community and
the Baltimore District and need to be available to meet with community
members and/or groups.  Community RAB members receive no compensation
for their service.  RAB meetings are open to the public.

Application forms can be obtained by calling the Baltimore District
Public Affairs Office at 410-962-2809 or logging onto the Spring Valley
Website at:
http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/projects/WashingtonDC/springvalley.htm
Once on the web site "click" the Restoration Advisory Board button and
then the RAB Application Form button.

Members will be expected to serve one or two-year terms and attend
monthly RAB meetings.  Forms will be reviewed by the RAB Selection
Committee, which consists of Spring Valley residents. This committee
will then make recommendations to the Col. Charles J. Fiala, Jr.,
Commander of the Baltimore District, who will review and approve the
list in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the Washington DC Department of Health.

Applications must be received no later than February 6, 2002 to be
considered for selection.
 

--END--