COMMUNIT-E
May 24, 2002
 
 
 
IDENTITY THEFT - A TROUBLESOME LOOPHOLE
Unlike in Maryland and Virginia counties, there is no local DC law
against "identity theft". There are laws against fraud, but these
investigations are usually pursued through banks, credit card companies,
Social Security and other institutions which often find it easier to
change your account number than to go after the identity thief.  If not
caught, the thief  who stole your identity is still out there, waiting
to use that information again.
 
There is a Federal law against identity theft. This is investigated by
the U.S. Secret Service. However, because there is no local law, the DC
police will refer you to the Secret Service. Now here comes the Catch
22: Because of the sheer volume of this growing crime, the Secret
Service is only investigating what it considers to be really big ID
theft crimes. Your particular problem may well slide to the bottom of
the pile.
 
A local law would enable the DC police to try to determine the identity
of your particular ID thief and hopefully put him or her out of
business.
 
The ID Theft Manual that I have been pushing is put out by the Federal
Trade Commission. Their toll free Hotline number is 1-877-438-4338 and
the web site is   www.consumer.gov/idtheft. If ID theft happens to you,
you'll need to make a lot of phone calls and write a number of letters.
 
The folks at DC Police to contact are Sgt. Sheldon Hargrove at 727-4159
or  Lt. Eugene Bentley at 727-6025.
 
 
 
 
POLICE CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC) MEETING
The next meeting is Tuesday, May 28, at 7 PM at 2D, 3320 Idaho Avenue
 
 
AUPCA MEETING NOTIFICATION
From: Donald E McMullin <dmcmullin@juno.com>
The next AU Park Citizens Association meeting will be held on Tuesday, 4
June, at 7:30 PM at the Tenley Library (2nd floor), Wisconsin and
Albemarle. We hope to have an update on the Sears/Hechinger site.
Apparently, serious negotiations are now in progress.  In addition, we
would like your ideas on the direction AUPCA should take in the future.
What should be the focus of our organization? Your input is very
important, so please plan to attend. This notice is being sent only via
e-mail to active AUPCA members, so please pass the word to friends and
neighbors.  See you on June 4!!
 
 
 
 
RE: A HARDWARE STORE IN THE 'HOOD
I was at a hardware store in Dupont Circle area yesterday and asked if
they would consider opening up a store in Tenleytown. The person I
talked to said that they had been approached by the reps [owners?] of
the Sears/Hechinger's store but that the rents they wanted were so high
that this particular store said they couldn't possibly do the volume of
business that it would take to pay such high rents. Is this why we are
having trouble getting a hardware store? It would be criminal if greed
kept us from getting a hardware store. Does anybody know what is
happening with this?
 
 
 
 
RECYCLE BINS AND CAR INSPECTION
From: "Figuli, Samuel" <sfiguli@hgl.com>
After last week's recycling pick up, our recycle bin disappeared.  I've
checked w/ some neighbors to see if they took in an extra one, but can't
seem to locate it.  Who do we contact if we need a replacement bin?
 
Also, my wife and I went to get her car inspected Saturday May 18, and
it took over two hours to get thru (only to find it didn't pass because
of an exhaust leak that we couldn't detect on our own).  The line to get
in stretched about two + blocks.  What's really frustrating is that they
had only about half the inspection bays open.  From now on we'll go at 6
am on weekdays to see if we can get thru any quicker.  Anyone know if
there are any plans to improve this situation?
 
From: KS --  If you can't find a specific number for a government
service or department, call the general number at 727-1000. It seems to
work pretty well.
 
 
 
 
AVALON THEATER UPCOMING EVENTS
From: Jennifer Kaplan <jenikap@bellatlantic.net>
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, June 8-9, Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015
Connecticut Avenue, NW bookfair to benefit the Avalon Theater Project.
Politics and Prose will donate to
the Avalon fund 20% of all sales identified as Avalon purchases. Our
volunteers will be outside the store the weekend of the sale to alert
Politics and Prose patrons of this opportunity for supporting the Avalon
by purchase of books, tapes, cards and almost any of the wonderful
things in the shop. Gift certificates, store memberships, special orders
and coffee house purchase aren't included - everything else is.
 
SUNDAY, June 9, 2002 Politics and Prose Bookstore's Second Annual Used
Book Sale. 12 - 5, Parking lot behind the store. The Avalon Theater
Project will sell donated videos from a special table at the book sale.
All proceeds from the video sales will belong to the Avalon. Drop off
videos at the Avalon Theater any Saturday from 10:30 - 4:30. (Do NOT
bring them to the bookstore.)
 
WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2002 Chipolte Mexican Grill, Wisconsin Avenue and
Willard Avenue in Friendship Heights. 5-8 PM.  In celebration of the
grand opening of  their new location, Chipolte Mexican Grill will be
holding a fundraising benefit for ATP from 5-8 PM on WEDNESDAY JUNE 12.
There will be a $5 admission for all you can eat food and soft drinks.
100% of the proceeds go to ATP.
 
 
 
 
REGARDING INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
 
**** From: "Greg Werth" <gregwerth@erols.com>
The pool at Wilson High School is open to the public at certain hours.
This is right smack in the middle of Tenleytown and the price is right -
it's free! You'll need to get in touch with someone at the facility to
get the schedule for public access.
 
**** From: "Thompson, David (SHS)" <David.Thompson@k12.dc.us>
I work at Wilson SHS and we have an indoor pool that can be used year
round for free.  I live in the neighborhood and my wife takes my young
daughters swimming every Friday night.  I'm not sure of the hours, but
during the school year it is evenings and weekend and during the summer
it's open more during the day.  The number for the pool is 202-282-2216
or 202-282-2221 during the week try these numbers after 3 pm.
 
**** From: Gary <garym@his.com>
Today, I signed up for membership at the Jewish Community Center in
Rockville. A bit of a drive but the facilities are superb. They also
offer a number of other type programs for Seniors (what I refer to when
referring to myself as the elderly but Ms Political Correctness took
exception and corrected me when I used my term).
 
The JCC membership is $32.50/month. Besides indoor and outdoor pools,
while not free as Wilson is, they have the best exercise and weight room
I have ever seen. It all comes with the same price as do lectures on
timely subjects, group discussions of ideas, etc.
 
 
 
 
FINE ARTS IN THE 'HOOD
Stephanie <yoffeest@usa.net>
I would like to thank Chris McNamara and several people who spoke up at
the last ANC3E meeting for the encouraging comments about keeping some
aspect of Artwares in the neighborhood. I am looking into the
possibility of having some fine art workshops in an alternative space
somewhere in the ANC3E area. Some suggestions have been part of the
Hechinger Bldg., Elderbrook Church, or  the church located at Tenley
Circle. If anyone has any comments or contacts at any of these places,
please let me know. Many of the instructors who were teaching at
Artwares would like to continue giving the workshops. I have also had
several parents from the neighborhood contact me about summer workshops
for children, which might happen if we can get a space set up fairly
soon. Thanks to everyone who has encouraged Artwares to try to stay in
the neighborhood.
Stephanie Yoffee
 
 
 
 
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
 
**** From: "Bachman, Janet" <jbachman@aiadc.org>
I can recommend a very reliable and meticulous handyman.  He's Mike
Hotka who lives across the street from me.  His number is (202)
364-8577.
 
****  From: "Ken Giles & Davida Perry" <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
We need to make major improvements to our old house and add a room and
bathroom.  Has anyone had a good experience lately with a contractor who
can handle a very large job?  I'd appreciate referrals (and advice).
Thanks.
 
**** From:  Sachs177@aol.com (Lauren Sachs)
PET-SITTING/HOUSE-SITTING SERVICES OFFERED --  I am a college student
home for the summer and looking to earn some extra money through
house-sitting and pet-sitting.  I have been doing this work for over 4
years, have excellent references, am familiar with a wide variety of
household pets, and present reasonable and flexible rates for a very
high quality of care.  I work mainly in the NW metro area of DC but I am
able to travel around the city if  necessary.  I am accustomed to both
daily pet-sitting overnight house-sitting.  If interested, please email
me at lsachs@tulane.edu or call 202-966-4660.
 
**** From: "David J. Leviss" <dleviss@starpower.net>
We've had an excellent experience with Metro PetPals 202-298-7257.  We
have a 19-month-old yellow lab and he gets picked up every week day and
taken to a dog park with several other socialized dogs to let off steam
for 30 mins to an hour.  They've been very responsible and it's been a
real lifesaver for us.
 
**** From: skropf@att.net
To the person looking for a midday dogwalker (Mary  Gillian, I think):
We use Puppy Love Pet Sitter.  The walker in AU Park is named Brian and
is very nice and very dependable. They charge $15 a walk for a half hour
walk with just your dog.  The owner of the company is Josh and the
number is 337-8456.  We've used Puppy Love now for 3 years (2 years in
Dupont and one year here) and have never had any problems.
 
**** From: Thechevychaser@aol.com
DOGWALKING by THE CHEVYCHASER; PAMPER YOUR POOCH !
Specializing in weekday dog walks in Chevy Chase and the surrounding
area . . . FOR THE
STAY-AT-HOME CANINE.  Genuine dog lover and neighbor will provide your
pets with lots of tail-waggin' fun.  Give a BARK at . . . 202-966-2213.
Give a SCRATCH at . . .thechevychaser@aol.com. MetroPets Yellow Pages:
Day Care. References available.
 
**** From: "Michael Calingaert" <mcalingaert@brookings.edu>
I am looking for someone who can water my garden during part of the
summer.  I expect that would  most likely be a young person (elementary
school and up).  However, the age doesn't matter; reliability does.  I
live on Springdale Street (between Turtle Park and Nebraska).  Please
e-mail me or tel. 537-0116.
 
****  From: Andrew Strasfogel <squasher@starpower.net>
Tomato seedlings - I grew too many so now must give away the extras. Up
to six per request until they run out.  Already repotted and ready to
plant.  Several varieties.
 
**** From: jocapper@worldnet.att.net
Treadmill for sale:  Works fine.  $125.  Call Joanne at  202-537-1620 or
e-mail.
 
****  From: JRFleming@aol.com
I have three (3) glass carafes for a 12-cup Braun coffee maker, OLD
STYLE  (straight sides).  Our coffee maker died and I hate to throw the
carafes away.  They do NOT fit the 10-cup maker.  If you want one (or
more) please call 202-363-6355.
 
 
 
 
 
PART OF THE LARGER WORLD WE LIVE IN
Power plant emissions was a big problem and topic of concern back in the
60's, even before EPA was formed. It's appalling that this EPA Director
of Regulatory Enforcement felt compelled to resign because the
politicians are still dragging their feet on this air pollution problem.
-- KS
------------
Eric Schaeffer's resignation letter from EPA
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002
Here's the full text of EPA Enforcement Chief Schaeffer's resignation
letter, delivered to:
 
Christine Whitman Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
 
Dear Ms. Whitman
 
I resign today from the Environmental Protection Agency after twelve
years of service, the last five as Director of the Office of Regulatory
Enforcement. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and
leave with a deep admiration for the men and women of EPA who dedicate
their lives to protecting the environment and the public health.
 
Their faith in the Agency's mission is an inspiring example to those who
still believe that government should stand for the public interest.
 
But I cannot leave without sharing my frustration about the fate of our
enforcement actions against power companies that have violated the Clean
Air Act. Between November of 1999 and December of 2000, EPA filed
lawsuits against 9 power companies for expanding their plants, without
obtaining New Source Review permits and the up to date pollution
controls required by law. The companies named in our lawsuits emit an
incredible 5.0 million tons of sulfur dioxide every year (a quarter of
the emissions in the entire country) as well as 2 million tons of
nitrogen oxide.
 
As the scale of pollution from these coal-fired smokestacks is immense,
so is the damage to public health. Data supplied to the Senate
Environment Committee by EPA last year estimate the annual health bill
from 7 million tons of SO2 and NO2: more than 10,800 premature deaths;
at least 5,400 incidents of chronic bronchitis; more than 5,100 hospital
emergency visits; and over 1.5 million lost work days. Add to that
severe damage to our  natural resources, as acid rain attacks soils and
plants, and deposits nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay and other critical
bodies of water.
 
Fifteen months ago, it looked as though our lawsuits were going to
shrink these dismal statistics, when EPA publicly announced agreements
with Cinergy and Vepco to reduce Sox and Nox emissions by a combined
750,000 tons per year. Settlements already lodged with two other
companies - TECO and PSE&G - will eventually take another quarter
million tons of Nox and Sox out of the air annually. If we get similar
results from the 9 companies with filed complaints, we are on track to
reduce both pollutants by a combined 4.8 million tons per year. And that
does not count the hundreds of thousands of additional tons that can be
obtained from other companies with whom we have been negotiating.
 
Yet today, we seem about the snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. We
are in the 9th month of a "90 day review" to reexamine the law, and
fighting a White House that seems determined to weaken the rules we are
trying to enforce. It is hard to know which is worse, the endless delay
or the repeated leaks by energy industry lobbyists of draft rule changes
that would undermine lawsuits already filed. At their heart, these
proposals would turn narrow exemptions into larger loopholes that would
allow old "grandfathered" plants to be continually rebuilt (and
emissions to
increase) without modern pollution controls.
 
Our negotiating position is weakened further by the Administration's
budget proposal to cut the civil enforcement program by more than 200
staff  positions below the 2001 level. Already, we are unable to fill
key staff  positions, not only in air enforcement, but in other critical
programs, and the proposed budget cuts would leave us desperately short
of the resources needed to deal with the large, sophisticated corporate
defendants we face.
 
And it is completely unrealistic to expect underfunded state
environmental programs, facing their own budget cuts, to take up the
slack.
 
It is no longer possible to pretend that the ongoing debate with the
White House and Department of Energy is not effecting our ability to
negotiate settlements. Cinergy and Vepco have refused to sign the
consent decrees they agreed to 15 months ago, hedging their bets while
waiting for the Administration's Clean Air Act reform proposals. Other
companies with whom we were close to settlement have walked away from
the table. The momentum we obtained with agreements announced earlier
has stopped, and we have filed no new lawsuits against utility companies
since this Administration took office. We obviously cannot settle cases
with defendants who think we are still rewriting the law.
 
The arguments against sustaining our enforcement actions don't hold up
to scrutiny. Were the complaints filed by the U.S. government based on
conflicting or changing interpretations? The Justice Department doesn't
think so. Its review of our enforcement actions found EPA's
interpretation of the law to be reasonable and consistent. While the
Justice Department has gamely insisted it will continue to prosecute
existing cases, the confusion over where EPA is going with New Source
Review has made settlement almost impossible, and protracted litigation
inevitable.
 
What about the energy crisis? It stubbornly refuses to materialize, as
experts predict a glut of power plants in some areas of the U.S. In any
case, our settlements are flexible enough to provide for cleaner air
while protecting consumers from rate shock. The relative costs and
benefits?
 
EPA's regulatory impact analyses, reviewed by OMB, quantify health and
environmental benefits of $7,300 per ton of SO2 reduced at a cost of
less than $1,000 per ton. These cases should be supported by anyone who
thinks cost-benefit analysis is a serious tool for decision-making, not
a political game.
 
Is the law too complicated to understand? Most of the projects our cases
targeted involved big expansion projects that pushed emission increases
many times over the limits allowed by law. Should we try to fix the
problem by passing a new law? Assuming the Administration's bill
survives a legislative odyssey in today's evenly divided Congress, it
will send us right back where we started with new rules to write, which
will then be delayed by industry challenges, and with fewer emissions
reductions than we can get by enforcing today's law.
 
I believe you share the concerns I have expressed, and wish you well in
your efforts to persuade the Administration to put our enforcement
actions back on course. Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican and our greatest
environmental President, said, "Compliance with the law is demanded as a
right, not asked as a favor." By showing that powerful utility interests
are not exempt from that principle, you will prove to EPA's staff that
their faith in the Agency's mission is not in vain. And you will leave
the American public with an environmental victory that will be felt for
generations to come.
 
Sincerely,
Eric V. Schaeffer, Director Office of Regulatory Enforcement
 
 
-- END --