CALLS TO OUR PSA LIEUTENANTS
From:  MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com  (Commander Peter Newsham)
Please let your readers know that if they need to contact a Second
District Lieutenant, and no one answers their line, they can leave a
message on (202) 282-0032  24/7  and we will get it to them.  Thank you.
 
 

WHO TO CALL FOR ABANDONED AUTOS
Call the Mayor's all-purpose number at 727-1000. They will ask you for
the address where it's abandoned, if it has tags, color. It's a good
idea to write down the tag number to give to them.
 
 

QUESTION ABOUT CITY TREE PLANTING
From: "Tommy Tomlinson and Penni St. Hilaire" <tommyt@erols.com>
Do you happen to know what kind of trees the city is planting on the
parking strips in the neighborhood (the so called Public Space Tree)?
Are they, god forbid, Silver Maples or are they some more benign and
less unfriendly tree such as red maples?  Silver maples are brittle,
shallow rooted (thus placing roots at the surface and interfering with
other growth, and generally unappealing to the eye, but Cheap to plant.

ANSWER: I don't know but this would be a good question for Will Craft,
the City Arborist. He's on 727-5512 or wilcraft@netscape.com.
 
 

SOME POPULAR AUTOS TO THIEVES
From: "David M. Winn" <dmwinn@starpower.net>
You might want to warn people specifically about:  a) Honda Accords, b)
old Honda Accords, and c) station wagons (good for transporting stolen
stuff).
 
 

RE: TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SAFETY
From: dnielsen@worldbank.org  (Dean Nielsen)
I have a safely concern which the police should know about.  A few weeks
ago the traffic police placed "It's the Law" signs at intersections
along Wisconsin avenue as a reminder to drivers to stop for pedestrians
at crosswalks. Most of the signs have survived, at least those at light
controlled intersections where they really aren't needed since the red
lights do effectively stop cars. At the intersection of Ingomar street,
which has a crosswalk but no light, the sign was smashed by a car and
taken away.  That means that cars are not reminded to stop for
pedestrians there and they don't.  Every day when I cross Wisconsin
there (in the crosswalk) I risk my life, since cars don't stop and even
seem to resent my being in the way.  At the very least the police should
replace the sign that was there but removed, so that drivers are
reminded, and make sure that the sign is permanent.  The signs are light
controlled intersections are irrelevant; those at crosswalks are vital.
 
 

RE: SIGNS ON THE SIDEWALK
**** From: Stephanie <yoffeest@usa.net>
Can you give me some advice about the rules for commercial signage
along  Wisconsin Ave.? Is it true that there are no A-frame type signs
allowed in the sidewalk area, even if the area of sidewalk belongs to
the owner of  the building and is not considered "public space"?
Stephanie Yoffee
Artwares, LLC
4904 Wisconsin Ave., NW 2nd Floor
 
 

A FOLLOW-UP ABOUT FINDING A COMPUTER FOR DWAYNE
From: "Laura Akgulian" <laura@marginata.com>
Last autumn a Wilson senior ran a notice in Communit-E. Jared
Prudoff-Smith hoped to locate a computer for his classmate and good
friend Dwayne Crossgill. Dwayne, a top sprinter, was excelling
academically in spite of the fact that he lacked a computer. Not having
such a system in this day and age makes classwork infinitely more
challenging for students. Jared decided that the most positive
contribution he could make in the life of this dedicated scholar-athlete
was to surprise him with a computer. So he reached out to us, the
community, for help.
 
The response has been tremendous. E-mails began arriving immediately,
with offers ranging from systems or components to laptops on loan to
money for repairs. Among those who responded so generously: Tristan
Zaia, Jane Duffy, Richard Clark, Sam Figuli, Fred and Betty Bullock,
Anji Henderson, Lee Lockwood, Barbara Bergmann, Llewellyn Bensfield,
Emily Rocque, and Joanna Rom.  Jared's parents, Cris Smith and Gail
Gorlitzz, contributed time and resources, as did Tim Weber, who upgraded
the system.
 
A few weeks ago, Jared presented Dwayne with a "new" computer, complete
with free hours on AOL. Jared writes, "I would like to thank everyone
who made a donation towards my request of a computer for Dwayne
Crossgill. Not only were we able to get him a fabulous computer, but
everything else donated was given to Deal Junior High or to the Dean of
Students at Wilson in order for him to give to students who need a
computer or supplies. Dwayne loves his new computer and is ecstatic
about having it. Again, many thanks."

Adds Dwayne, "Thank you very much for the computer. It's been a great
help to me already. I've been able to type my college essay, resume, and
English papers. It has made a big difference. Thanks again."
 
Last month I met Dwayne at a basketball game. Like Jared, he radiates
kindness and intelligence. It's been a thrill to watch them strengthen
the bonds of their friendship and a privilege to share in the
experience. Many have inquired what to do with old components. One
possibility: Wilson High's Computer Repair Class gives students hands-on
training in dismantling and reassembling equipment. Contact Mr.
Dickerson through the main office, 202-282-0120. If your system is new
and in excellent condition, you might call Diana Tardd at Deal Junior
High, 202-282-0100. Since $ for internet service is often a stumbling
block, you could donate some hours to get a child going. Another
tried-and-true option for good working systems: Martha's Table, the soup
kitchen and
community center, on 14th Street NW, 202-328-6608.
 
Thanks again for making Jared's and Dwayne's mutual dream a reality.
Laura Akgulian

RE:  OFFER TO PAINT FIREBOXES

**** From: BOBWRIN@aol.com
Paul Kelsey Williams has been leading a citizen effort to refurbish the
call boxes for various uses.  According to Tom Sherwood's NOTEBOOK
column on pg. 12 of the current (March 13) issue of the Northwest
Current, the D.C. Heritage Tourism Coalition and the D.C. Commission of
Arts and Humanities will conduct a workshop for the Arts on Call project
at 1 p.m. on March 23 in the True Reformer Building at 1200 U St., NW.
You might want to contact Paul Kelsey Williams at callboxes@aol.com
regarding the actual painting.
Bob Wrin, President , Chevy Chase Citizens Association

**** From:  "Bonnie Gantt" <bgantt@wamu.org>
There is an ongoing project to fix up those old red (fire) and blue
(police) emergency boxes around D.C.  The contact person is Paul
Williams.   See below:
Call Box lovers:
Taking a break today from lots of calls and interest (even from
Congress) in regard to the Call Box project as a result of the terrific
article on our "Art on Call" project in today's District Weekly.   In
case you and your volunteers have not seen it, its available at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55277-2002Jan16.html

And, I've attached the Post version (sans pictures) for your use.  This
should help you glean additional volunteers.   Also: the mention of 25
boxes being removed from 'neighborhoods' and replaced downtown refers to
boxes being removed from undesirable and logistically difficult
locations like under freeway ramps, where they are known to exist...

More later on an upcoming meeting where you will meet Unity
Construction. As always, I'm available to meet with your group anywhere
and anytime!  Paul
Paul K. Williams (Kelsey & Associates)
Heritage Tourism Coalition
Police and Fire Call Box Project Manager
1250 H Street, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20005
202-462-3
 
 

RE: CATS IN THE 'HOOD
From: "kayandpaul" <kayandpaul@erols.com>
Re:  people's concern about the animal control office euthanizing cats,
which is run by the SPCA, I think. There is also a Humane Society at 71
Oglethorpe St., NE, which does not kill.
 
 

FINDING BABYSITTERS
From: "Laura Roth" <roths@sprintmail.com>
Maren Handler Siegel might try the AU website (www.american.edu) to look
for babysitters.  I've used two sitters, having found them on this site,
and it's been great.  From the home page, select "au students."  From
that page, select "student life" (under the resources heading).  A
pop-up menu will
appear and you select "JobCorps" from that.  Good luck!
 
 

IRS-SPONSORED HELP WITH INCOME TAXES
From:  "Grace and John Hyslop" <gjhy@starpower.net>
 The Internal Revenue Service Sponsors two programs of volunteer income
tax preparation assistance.   Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), in
collaboration with AARP, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
Both programs are operating during the tax season at sites in our
neighborhood.
TCE clients are mostly seniors.  Its sites and schedules are

Chevy Chase Community Center
5601 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
202-966-8603, 202-282-2204
Wednesdays, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Walk-in

Guy Mason Recreation Center
3600 Calvert St., N.W.
202-282-2180
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm
Walk-in

Ingleside Presbyterian Retirement Community
3050 Military Road, N.W.
202-363-8310
By Appointment

Iona Senior Service Center
4125 Albermarle St., N.W.
202-966-1055
By Appointment on Thursdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Tenley-Friendship Library
Albermarle St. and Wisconsin Ave
202-282-3090
Thursdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Walk-in

The VITA site is staffed by accounting students at the University of the
District of Columbia.  Its address and hours of operation are:
University of the District of Columbia, Bldg 52, 4340 Connecticut Ave.,
N.W. , Room 410, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:00pm, Saturdays, 10:00am
to 2:00pm
Walk-in

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: "Nadine Horenstein/Clifford Johnson" <nadineh@mindspring.com>
Nadineh@mindspring.com: Does anyone have a name of a good, reliable
housekeeper?  We are looking for someone for a few hours a week to clean
the house, do laundry etc...Must be legal; some English preferred.

**** From: Cathy Fiorillo <cathyf@wt.net>
Hello Businesses and NW Residents,  Want to generate business and help a
DCPS and Rec Center at the same time?  Stoddert Elementary School and
the Friends of Glover Park have teamed up together to provide as many
opportunities as possible for our children and the community.  On April
27, the School and Friends of Glover Park are  holding the Big Chili
Auction at Fannie Mae from 7-10 PM.  Would you like to attend?  Would
you like to advertise in the Big Chili catalog which will reach at least
250 families from the DC area?  Send an e-mail to cathf@wt.net.  She'll
follow up with how you can advertise and/or get you on the invitation
list.
 
 

HOLLYWOOD VIDEO = LATE FEE SCAMS?
From:  "otterboystanley" <s.weiser@verizon.net>
Reply-To: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
I'm curious if anyone else has had bad experiences with the Tenley
Hollywood Video, or if I'm just suffering more of my own personal bad
luck with modern-day "service" providers.  Twice in the last two weeks
I've had a dispute where I returned a movie on time only to have one
never logged back in, and another logged in as late.  The one that I
supposedly didn't return was eventually found on the shelf, but after I
spoke to three separate people on three separate occasions requesting
that they look into it.  In addition, there never seems to be a
"manager" that can actually do anything about the mistakes on my
account.
So, is it just me, or is this a more widespread problem?
 
 

SCHEDULED STREET SWEEPING RESUMED
Resumed on March 18, 2002
Residents Return to Alternate-Side Street Parking on Street Cleaning
Days
From: "Myers, Mary (DPW)" <Mary.Myers@dc.gov>
(202) 671-2375
 
(Washington, DC) The familiar, orange street sweepers are coming out of
hibernation to resume scheduled street cleaning operations beginning on
Monday, March 18, 2002.  Parking restrictions during street sweeping
hours will also be in effect once again.  Parking citations ($20 fine)
will be issued to vehicles parked during street sweeping hours in areas
posted with "No Parking/Street Cleaning" signs.

Scheduled residential street cleaning is suspended every year during
January, February and the two weeks of March.  Department of Public
Works (DPW) officials explain that the large street-sweeping machinery
spreads a thin layer of water under its rotating brushes to prevent
excessive dust from being stirred into the air.  The water can create
hazardous road conditions during the winter when temperatures typically
fall below freezing. DPW also uses the winter months to refurbish the
heavy-duty sweepers for spring-cleaning season.
 
 

US ATTORNEY'S VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT
From: "Graves, Charlene" <Charlene.T.Graves@usdoj.gov>
Name,  Room,  Phone, IC, Pager
Chief
Julie Breslow, 1810A, 514-7364, 01,  843-2952
Central Services
David Foster, 1810E,  514-7370, 03,  515-0949
Gregory Nelson, 1810B, 514-5032, 12, 515-7160
La June Thames, 1810C, 616-0896, 10
Katina A. Adams, 1810, 514-7130, 07
Kiersten Brent(YOC), 1810E, 514-7130
For On-call Spanish Interpreter
514-7370

Victim Witness Program Specialists
James Brennan (Homicide), 3437, 514-1378, 543, 515-7612
Meretha Hamilton (Felony/Grand Jury), 3644, 307-3554, 651,
843-9049
Kathy Brothers (CPS) (1,5,6th Districts), 9612, 307-2765, 458, 928-2911
Yvonne Bryant(CPS)* (2 & 4,3,7th Districts),  9412, 305-4524, 457,
801-8137

Domestic Violence
Lorraine Chase/Supervisor-DVU,  4717A, 353-8039, 554, 515-0894
Deardre Smith, 4443, 353-8134, 577, 336-4278
Marcy Rinker, 4829, 353-8085, 563, 843-2964
Nicole Gaskin-Laniyan**, 4640, 353-8049, 555, 801-7884
Maria Shumar, 4712, 353-8022, 578, 843-2364
Michael Hailey, 4224, 353-7571, 517, 928-2620
Domestic Violence Intake Center, 4235, 879-7844
(Superior Court), C195, 616-8173
Domestic Violence Cell Phone, 305-5891

Sex Offense Unit
Carol Collins/Supervisor-SOCAIS, 4717B, 353-8051, 589, 515-8406
Veronica A.Vaughan(Child Abuse),  4714, 353-9465, 532, 336-2853
Rosie Pettway(Child Abuse), 4837, 353-8073, 566, 592-7232
Kim Poyer(Child Interview Spec),  4841, 353-8070, 522, 843-4291
Tracey Yeldell(Adult), 4638, 353-8047, 580, 515-8537
SOCAIS-Sex Offense Child/Adult/Interview Specialist

Witness Security
Diane Hobdy/Supervisor-Witsec, 1810F, 305-2158, 20, 843-8794
Leslie Faucette, 1318, 616-2123, 08, 336-0717
M. LaVerne Forrest, 1809, 514-7949, 19, 515-0945
Debra Cannon, 1811, 616-2584, 16, 837-1715
Edwina (U.S. Marshals Service), 1316, 616-0895, 877-639-5576
Conference Room, 1115, 307-3999

VWAU FAX: 514-9162
WITSEC FAX: 514-6454-Diane's Office/307-5700-LaVerne's Office
TDD/TTY: 305-9195
Spanish Speaking*
French Speaking**
as of 11/29/00
 
 
 

ABC RENEWAL LICENSES
From: "Polly King" <pking@lldhhome.org>
The following ABC establishments in ANC 3E are renewing their licenses.
Any concerns regarding renewal licenses should be directed to the
commissioner in your single member district.

Embassy Suites, 5225 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/30/02
Melio's Restaurant, 4847 Mass Avenue NW, Petition date 4/30/02
Matisse Bar and Grill, 4924 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/30/02
49 Twelve Tai Cuisine, 4912 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/30/02
Yosaku Restaurant, 4712 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/23/02
Casa Fiesta, 4910 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/23/02
La Vide Loca, 4615 41 Street NW, Petition date 4/16/02
Bambule, 5225 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/16/02
Dancing Crab, 4611 41 Street NW, Petition date 4/16/02
Booymonger Restaurant, 5252 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Petition date 4/9/02
 
 
 

POLICE CADET PROGRAM TEST DATE REMINDER
From: "Insp. Jeffrey Moore" <JAMOORE.MPD-RECRUIT.MPD-HQ4@mpdc.org>
Cadet test April 6, 2002
Test to be given at 9 a.m. at  #6 DC Village Lane, S.W. Bldg 1-A
 Call 202-645-0445 for directions

Dear Members:
I am pleased to announce that this year's recruiting campaign for the
Metropolitan Police Department's Cadet Program is underway.  The Cadet
Program will provide an excellent career opportunity for graduating
seniors and young adults between the ages of 17 to 21.  The Department
has established the Cadet Program in conjunction with the University of
the District of Columbia.  The Cadet Program is designed to provide
educational and on-the-job training to qualified recent high  school
graduates who are interested in a career in law enforcement.  Persons
selected as police  cadets become full-time students at UDC while
gaining on-the-job-exposure to policing principles and methods.  Tuition
for attending UDC is paid by the Department.   In addition, cadet
students attend training at the Institute of Police Science where they
are introduced to law enforcement ethics and  principles.  Finally,
students appointed as police cadets are considered civilian employees of
the  Department and are paid a 30 hour part time salary of approx
$18,000.00 (DS-6 level).  At the completion of the two-year program,
successful candidates receive an Associate Degree from UDC  and are
converted to career police status to begin their employment as police
officer recruits.

Please consider passing this information along to relatives or friends
that might be interested in a position with the Department as a police
cadet.  This program offers a solid salary, paid college tuition,
comprehensive health benefits, generous leave, and employment that
provides a viable career path for recent high school graduates.
Information about the Cadet Program is available through our recruiting
unit, in room 2169 of police headquarters.  They can be reached on
727-2767.  Information is also available on the Department's  website at
www.mpdc.org.

One behalf of Chief of Police Charles Ramsey, I would like to thank you
in advance for any exposure you can give the Cadet Program.  Please
consider giving the program a plug when you attend your  community
meetings.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FOR WASHINGTON CLINIC SITE
From: JenNielsen007@aol.com
I wish to express my strong opposition to the residential/commercial
complex proposed for the current site of the Washington Clinic as
developed by Stonebridge Associates.  I heard a discussion of the
project on March 6 for a structure that exceeds the current zoning
allowance and believe it should be scaled back to a complex that remains
within the R-5-B and R-2 zoning regulations to preserve our residential
neighborhood and avoid possible disruptions to water tables by the
serious excavations proposed for the parking facility.

I am in agreement with a proposal put forth by a member of the ANC 3E
neighborhood organization working group that has been meeting with the
developers; namely:
--the structure be limited to 60 feet in height at Western Avenue with a
maximum of 40 feet at the eastern half of Military Road, and a minimum
set back of 150 feet from Military Road
--the floor area be limited to a maximum of 137,520 square feet
--the floor area ratio (FAR) held at 2.337.
--the construction preserve as many as possible of the venerable old
trees that currently grace the
property
--the underground parking area be scaled back and excavated in a way
that does minimal damage to existing homes.

This form would limit the number of apartments to 117 rather than the
proposed 210, but allow the proposed retail area of 7,500 square feet.
Alternative, and in my opinion best of all, the proposal could be
limited to townhouses in the style of those built behind the Chevy Chase
Pavilion on 43rd Street, NW.

Surely a more modest complex would still be highly profitable in this
desirable neighborhood and allow the character to remain one attractive
to families like mine with children who covet the little remaining green
space in the area.  It also protects the homeowners closest to the
development from the potential of flooded basements and weakened
foundations.

--END--