"WATCH YOUR CAR" PROGRAM
DC has joined some 14 other states, including Maryland, in a program
that enables police officers to stop a car, without probable cause,
between the hours of 1:00 am to 5:00 am to determine if the car has been
stolen. This is the time when most auto thefts and joy-riding by
youthful thieves occurs. It is also the time when most car owners are
asleep. The program is free and is a good tool in helping to deter auto
theft and to return stolen autos to their owners.

I joined the program and encourage you to do so also. You can register
for it online at
http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/programs/wyc.shtm#f.   The web site at
http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/programs/ also includes more information about
it. Unlike previous programs such as CAT (Combat Auto Theft), Watch Your
Car is in operation in other states. If a stolen car is taken from DC to
MD, for example, the MD police can stop it during those hours and ask
for identification from the driver, if  the owner is participating in
the program.
 
 

REMINDER -- ANC3E MEETS TOMORROW NIGHT, APRIL 11, AT 7:30.
 
 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 11
From:  "Myers, Mary (DPW)" <Mary.Myers@dc.gov>
The District Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold its annual
spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 11,
2002 from 9 AM to 3 PM at 3815 Fort Drive, NW (adjacent to Alice Deal
Jr. HS, Nebraska Ave and Davenport Street, NW).

"Certain common household products that we keep in and around the home -
sometimes for years - can be dangerous to the environment or human
health, if not disposed of properly," said Leslie Hotaling, Director of
DPW.  Residents are encouraged to keep hazardous chemicals, products and
other material in their original containers for disposal.

DC residents can bring items including old cleaning and gardening
chemicals, pesticides and poisons, acids, varnish, oil-based paints,
solvents, aerosols, wood preservatives, as well as spent batteries and
automotive fluids to the collection site for environmentally safe
disposal or recycling.  Residents may also bring computers and TVs to
the collection site, although broken or cracked CRT tubes cannot be
accepted.  There will be a small fee charged for disposal of TVs and
computer monitors.  All other materials are accepted free.

A professional hazardous waste contractor will remove materials from the
residents' cars.  A licensed hauler will take the waste to an
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved facility for processing.
It is estimated that the average home contains between 50 and 100 pounds
of accumulated hazardous wastes including car batteries, paint and
petroleum products.

Items that will not be accepted during the Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Day include ammunition, explosives, gas cylinders,
radioactive or biologically active wastes.  ###  For more information,
residents are encouraged to visit the DPW website,
www.dpw.dc.gov, or call (202) 727-1000.
 
 
 

HOW SOME THIEVES OPERATE

****  From: Pavukmatt@aol.com (Cheryl Browning )
This is not about the 'hood" but about what happened to me downtown
yesterday, which was very startling.  I was eating a late lunch at
Sizzling Express (at 18th and M) and reading a book (just trying to
chill out).  A guy sat down behind me, as I was near the back of the
seated area, and out of the corner of my eye I saw something at my feet
where my purse was, and a wooden cane was trying to grab the straps of
my purse.  At first, it seemed that this guy was trying to get his cane
on the floor but immediately a second later I jumped and grabbed my
purse for dear life and the guy had the nerve to say excuse me and then
left, obviously walking without the need of a cane.

I told the manager of Sizzling to be on the lookout and gave her a
description.  My point about this is that even if you are in a place
where you feel totally laid-back and comfortable, there may be an a-hole
who will go after you.  At Connecticut and M where I work, it rarely
happens, but I could have lost a minuscule amount of cash, most of my
credit cards, my SSN card and driver's license.  I feel like a very
lucky and blessed idiot.

**** A resident's house was broken into recently. To get in it appears
that the burglar(s) stuck a  screwdriver between the back door and the
frame.  He then shoved the screwdriver forward so that it pushed the
inside molding away from the door frame. The metal plate that catches
the lock was attached to the molding. When that came away, they were
able to shove the door open.

It's a good idea to check your locks, especially on back doors that are
hidden from view, to make sure that the metal plate is firmly anchored
to solid wood that can't be pushed forward and that the wood is not
rotted or soft. A dead bolt properly installed, that cannot be opened by
breaking the glass and reaching around,  is a must for a back hidden
door.  Security doors are also an excellent idea.

The thief stole money, jewelry, food and beer. The owner thought it
might be a homeless person. I think it might have been workmen in the
area. We're both guessing.  The owner thought the thieve(s) came early
in the evening because they left lights on upstairs.
 
 
 

CRIMES IN THE 'HOOD FROM MARCH 1 TO APRIL 3
(Hundred blocks only; not actual addresses.)
ROBBERY
5200 44th St., gun, 4/2, 2030, street
4600 Windom, gun, 4/2, 2007, sidewalk
5200 Western, armed, 3/28, 2226, yard -
??? - Can anyone elaborate on this? Was someone robbed in their own
yard?
4100 Albemarle, attempt, 3/27, 1316, street
BURGLARY
4400 Davenport, 4/3, 1900, house
4100 Ellicott, 4/3, 0900, house
THEFT -- 22
THEFT FROM AUTO -- 11
STOLEN AUTO
5000 Reno, 3/3, 1800, street
3700 Warren, 3/3, 1830, street
4500 40th, 3/4, 0900, street
4700 Asbury, 3/23, 2300, street
4400 Jenifer, 3/11, 1600, parking lot
4300 Military, 3/15, 1630, street
SIMPLE ASSAULT
4300 39th St., 3/23, 0915, house
THREATS
4200 Van Ness, 3/19, 1530, street
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
4400 River, 3/18, 2310, house
5000 Wisconsin, 4/1, 1700, office
5300 Wisconsin, 3/17, 0005, parking lot
4500 40th St, 3/5, 1400, carport
MARIJUANA ARREST
3900 Chesapeake, 3/22, 0820, school
FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE ARREST
5300 Wisconsin, 3/2, 0410, hotel
CARRYING PISTOL WITHOUT LICENSE ARREST
5300 Western, 3/17, 0520, automobile
 
 
 

RESPONSES TO QUERY ABOUT PARKING TICKETS

**** From: Ana Maria Boitel <amboitel@opxglobal.com>
To: <apoteat@aol.com>
Last June I parked on Connecticut Avenue near Chevy Chase Circle
directly across from a nail salon.  I realized after a while that I was
not going to be finished before the meter expired and asked the
receptionist at the salon to cross the street and add money to the meter
for me.  He came back and said he had gotten there just in time as there
were only a couple of minutes left on my meter and there was an officer
ticketing other cars or waiting to ticket mine -- I honestly don't
remember which it was.  When I went to my car there was still quite a
bit of time left on the meter and no ticket on my windshield.   Months
later I received a letter from my leasing company with a notice from the
DC government telling me I owed twice the amount for not having paid my
ticket and included a copy of the ticket.  It had been written the same
day and time and location as stated above.  I wrote and complained, and
the ticket was doubled again.  Finally I paid it just to save myself the
further aggravation and expense.  I can assure you there was never a
ticket on my car that day.  If I still have the copy of that ticket I
will send you the name of the officer.
 

**** From: nancila@att.net (Nancy LeRoy)
A number of times people have written to the Newsletter to complain
about parking tickets they've received in the neighborhood.  I have the
opposite problem.  Cars with Virginia and Maryland plates constantly
park all day long on 45th street between River and Western.  On Garrison
street, yards from Wisconsin Ave. four cars with MD and VA plates park
daily and overnight in front of  the Tenley Study Center, in a space
that would be coveted by residents who live on the street or people who
want to shop at Rodmans without the parking lot hassle. Strangely, there
is no sign there (as there is on the rest of the block limiting
parking). I have never seen any of these cars on Garrison or 45th street
ticketed in the 3 years I've lived here.  At the moment, one of the cars
parked in front of the Tenley Study Center has no plates at all.  It's
been there for days.  Does anyone know who to contact about illegal
parking?   Or, to ask why the Tenley Study Center seems to have been
granted special parking dispensation?
 
 
 

SCHOOL WITHOUT WALLS BOOK FAIR
From: John & Kathleen Hunter <hunter@prolificom.com>
School Without Walls, an extraordinary D.C. public high school, will be
the beneficiary of a Book Fair sponsored by Politics and Prose bookstore
and coffeehouse at 5015 Connecticut Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, April
13 and 14.  Shoppers (for books, CDs, greeting cards, gift wrap, and
magazines) need only tell the cashier that they are supporters of School
Without Walls, and 20 per cent of whatever they spend will be donated to
"Walls."

The school, housed in a  D.C. public school built in the 1880's, has
about 325 students drawn from all over the city, particularly including
upper Northwest and Northeast.  Its unique program seeks to draw upon
the resources of the whole city to enrich its curriculum:  there are
science classes at the zoo, internships at law firms, studies at art
museums, and workshops with professional musicians, in addition to the
conventional experience of weighty textbooks, research papers, and
regular homework.  Upper-classmen who qualify can take college-level
courses at city campuses.

Politics and Prose is open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and
from 9 to 9 on Sunday.
 
 

"SETS IN STONE"
From: Anji Henderson <vual7@yahoo.com>
Pottery Show at the Lee Arts Center Gallery.  Three local artists:
Anji Henderson
Leila Holtsman
Angela Yi
display their works from April 19, 2002, Friday until May 16, 2002,
Thursday.  They explore the theme of  making ceramic pots in sets.  Most
of the work is stoneware.

Having participated in a recent workshop given by potter Malcolm Davis,
they were inspired to make pottery which functions as a set.  This
approach requires more planning to create pieces that work together.
There is a coherence otherwise lacking when making pots that are simply
the same form.

The Gallery Show Opening will take place on Friday, April 19, 2002, at
7pm.  Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. The Gallery's address is
5722 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207.  Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

http://www.arlingtonarts.org/calendar/index.html is Arlington County's
web site and offers more information about the show.
More images of the artists' works can be seen at
http://www.potsyturvy.com and at
http://www.angelfire.com/md/Anji
 
 
 

ADAMS MORGAN HOUSE TOUR (SUNDAY, APRIL 21 ST)
 
 From:  kenneth levy <levyk@yahoo.com>
For the first time in more than 20 years, the residents of Adams Morgan
will open their homes to the public for a tour that will highlight the
rich history and unique circumstances that led to the District's most
diverse neighborhood.
 
Proceeds from this event will go back to the Adams Morgan community to
preserve its historic assets and public spaces.  Tickets may be
purchased in advance for $15.00 and for $20.00 on the day of the tour at
The Wyoming, 2022 Columbia Road, and the Police Substation beside the
Sun Trust Bank at 18th & Columbia Road, NW.   Complete tour and ticket
information is available at: www.AdamsMorganTour.com
 
 
 

REMINDER -- WISCONSIN AVENUE CLEANUP
From:  Kcolombant@aol.com (Kersti Colombant)
Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project: Spring clean-up Saturday April
20, 1 pm to 6 pm. Celebrate Spring and Earth Day! Join with your
neighbors  to weed, plant, mulch and pick up litter along Wisconsin
avenue. We will meet at the Fessenden block (the park at the corner of
Fessenden street and Wisconsin avenue).

If you appreciate what we have done, make a contribution; write your
check to WABP, and send to WABP 4439 Davenport St. NW, Washington DC
20016.  We also accept donations of the following plants: fountain
grass, liriope, black-eyed susans, Russian sage, pink cone flowers, and
daylilies. Any questions, call Kersti at 202 966 88 36 or Ralph at 202
686 9550. The Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project is a partnership
effort among local residents, businesses and institutions to relandscape
Wisconsin Avenue between Tenley Circle and Fessenden street.
 
 

HOLLYWOOD VIDEO CONTINUED
From: "Lotte Lent" <lottelent@starpower.net>
I share the experience of receiving poor service at Hollywood Video.
The final straw was when they insisted I wait twice in the same line (a
total of 38 minutes) to first find, then check out a video.  It turned
out to be yet another video they said they had but ultimately they
couldn't locate.

I just don't go there anymore BUT I've been totally delighted with the
service at Potomac Video on Connecticut (near 38th street I think).
What a contrast.  The staff is not only fast, efficient and helpful but
they are incredibly knowledgeable about different titles and seem to
enjoy helping you find a good movie.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** Reminder -- back issues of COMMUNIT-E,  including the January 5
COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS issue, are available at the ANC3F web site at
www.anc3f.org.

**** From: Lgrassley@worldbank.org  (Lee Grassley)
I live in Friendship Heights and recently moved to the neighborhood.  I
am looking for someone to do a retaining wall between my house and my
neighbors. Does anyone know a good person at a reasonable price.  In
addition, I wanted to have some other work done in the house, such as
some minor electrical work, have a built in bookcase in the den and have
my entry way and half bath redone with granite and marble.   I have
tried a couple of contractors and found their work to be sloppy and
slow.  Any suggestions would be welcomed.

**** From: "Maren Handler Siegel" <marenhs@hotmail.com>
Does anyone know of a good and cheap mason who can do patios, walkways,
repair decaying
walls, etc.?  I'm also looking for a person to tile my bathroom shower.
I too would like the address of the lady who is doing the handyman
website.  Thanks!

**** From: Tombethell@aol.com
Re: landscapers and patio installers --  Happy to recommend Mark
Willcher, who does lovely work and is a fine man to boot. Mark Willcher
& Co., 10486 Parthenon Ct., Bethesda 20817. 301-320-2040. Pager:
301-507-7952.

**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com (Beth Kravetz)
I am looking for someone to do very simple sewing projects (e.g.,
shorten T-shirts, make pillow covers, etc.). Any suggestions?
 
 
 
 

LOOKING FOR APARTMENTS/HOUSES TO RENT

**** From: "Talisha Lawrence" <talisha.lawrence@verizon.net>
I read about you in the Washington Post this afternoon.  I'm interested
in finding affordable housing around American University.  Have any good
leads or information? I appreciate the help!

**** From:  Rebecca Kroeger <rkroeger@koonz.com>
Quiet, responsible, professional woman seeks room to rent in northwest
DC. Prefer rent to be $400-500 per month.  If you have any leads, please
contact Becky at rkroeger@koonz.com.
 
 
 

CAT THIEF
From:  Darnot@aol.com (Denise Arnot)
There is a CAT THIEF in Adams Morgan and adjacent neighborhoods.
PROTECT
YOUR CATS!  He is a WHITE MALE - ABOUT 5'9", THIN, 50ish, VERY SHORT
HAIR,
perhaps bald.  When he walked around my neighborhood, Kalorama Triangle,
on Saturday afternoon, he was carrying a new dark blue and black
soft-sided cat carrier.  He kept asking which cats were stray, which
were adoptable.  I told him our cats were not stray, but owned and cared
for.

This man came back into a Kalorama Triangle alley Saturday night after
dark, and took a neighbor's cat, even though the cat was wearing a
collar.  He lured George with cat food, and stuffed him in his cat
carrier, zipped him up.  I saw him, went after him, and rescued George,
but other cats may not be so lucky.

WHAT ARE HIS INTENTIONS?  CLASS "B" DEALER FOR LAB EXPERIMENTS?
COLLECTOR? CAT KILLER?  He tried to act like he wanted to adopt the
alley cats, but that is clearly not his motive since the cat he tried to
steal wears a halter collar.  He seemed obsessed with the fact that cats
should NOT be outside under any circumstances, even feral colonies.  Is
he killing cats to "protect" them from being killed?  Is he selling
strays to class "B" dealers, which is apparently legal if the cats are
not owned?  Please be careful and watch out for this man.  If you see
him, call the police.  Call the Humane Society/Animal Control.  Call
Alley Cat Allies.  Try to get his name.  Tell everyone you know about
him.  Tell him the cats in your area are not stray, but cared for.  If
he is part of a new pet-theft ring, all sightings must be reported for
the culprits to be caught.
 

--END--