PHONE NUMBERS FOR DC'S WATER QUALITY DIVISION
Some folks are having trouble getting through on the number I listed for
Silas Obasi. I tried it again and it's correct, but here are all the
numbers I have:

612-3443
612-3441
612-3434

Kathy Smith

COMMUNIT-E
FOLLOWUP ON POSSIBLE LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
AND
PROBLEM WITH INCORRECT AUTO REGISTRATION
October 8, 2002
 
 

LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
First of all, I want to thank Rebecca Epstein for raising our
consciousness level about our drinking water.  Even if your water has no
lead in it, it's nice to find that out and have that  peace of mind. If
it does contain lead, that's good to know too.

Today I talked to Silas Obasi (612-3443), an assistant to Seema Bhat in
DC's Water Quality Division. He told me that, starting in January, his
office would be doing FREE testing for lead and copper in the drinking
water of residents who request that testing. Copper is not considered a
problem and they test for this for historical reasons. However, lead in
water is a problem if it exceeds a certain level set by EPA.

In order to have your water tested, you need to call Mr. Obasi at the
above phone number and ask to be placed on a list. He'll contact you
when the time comes.

My feeling is that since I have been drinking this water for 30 years, a
few more months won't matter one way or the other.

His office also has some brochures that you might want to request if
you call him.

I received a slew of e-mail, on this topic, which I will publish in the
next issue of
COMMUNIT-E. Several comments worth considering in the meantime are the
following:

** Because one house has high levels of lead, it does not follow that
all houses around it do. Lead in water can be there due to the age of
the house, age of the pipes, whether the house has lead pipes or copper
pipes with lead solder, whether the pipes are used as an electrical
ground for your house wiring  and a variety of other reasons that relate
to that house alone.

** It's worth having your water tested, especially since the city will
do it for free sometime after January. Then you'll know one way or the
other.
 
 
 

MISREGISTERED AUTOS
In yesterday's COMMUNIT-E there was an item from a resident who received
a parking ticket for an auto that he didn't own. I told him to contact
the 2D detectives office.

I have since discussed this problem with Detective Danny Straub at the
MPD Headquarter's Auto Theft Unit. He's the Guru In Residence (my title
for him, not the MPD's) on auto theft and things related to autos.
Here's what he suggests for problems relating to autos that are shown in
the DMV computer as belonging to someone other than their actual owner.

He said that it is really more a matter for DMV than for MPD and
suggests the following
options -- either one or more:

1. Take your ticket and any other material you might have gotten
regarding this phantom car to DMV and ask for the "Title History" for
this car. Make a copy or request a copy of that history. This will show
that it is not your car. You can then work with that information with
DMV and with the Adjudicator. You are entitled to see the title history
of your own car. As far as DMV knows, this is your car until you show
them, via the history, otherwise.

2. Make a copy of any documents that you have that would show that this
is not your car, i.e. that you own a different car, title, insurance
documents, etc. Write a cover letter. Send copies of cover letter and
documents to Cheryl Hobbs Newman, head of DMV; Gwendolyn Mitchell, head
of BTA & Parking; the Adjudicator (Hearing Examiner); Councilmember
Carol Schwartz who has oversight for DMV; and Dr. Gridlock at the
Washington Post.

The problem that our neighbor has was supposed to be fixed by the new
"Destiny" computer system at DMV. Apparently that fix has not happened
and the various powers that be need to know that folks are having
problems like this. Apparently this is a fairly widespread problem
throughout the city and is giving a lot of folks heartburn.

-- END --
COMMUNIT-E
SPECIAL NOTICE - October 8, 2002

I received the following information and thought it was too important to
hold until the next issue of  COMMUNIT-E -- Kathy Smith
---------------

From:  Rebecca Epstein <REpstein@TLPJ.ORG>
We live in AU Park/Tenleytown and are new to the area. We'd like to
alert our neighbors to the problem of lead in our drinking water - the
level in our home is shockingly higher than the maximum safety limit.

We had it tested twice -- once by a private lab, and once by the DC
government.  Our water is actually fifteen times the maximum safety
levels established by the EPA. Even after we flushed our pipes (in other
words, by running the water for 3-5 minutes in order to remove the
presence of any lead that our own pipes may have contributed while the
water was sitting in them), our lead levels were still six times higher
than maximum safety levels. So, pretty serious stuff....

An expert with NSF told me that our results indicate a likelihood that
the city's distribution system is part of the problem.  We'd like to
know if others have tested high for lead levels in their water, and if
so, what they've done to treat it.

We also encourage people to contact the DC government if their water
tests high for lead.

Regarding the testing: We  got our drinking water tested by contacting
Express Analytical Labs, at (717) 263-3222.  We ordered a water sampling
kit to test lead levels, and they sent us a couple of bottles by mail
and instructions for how to collect the samples.  We sent the samples
back to the lab, along with a check for about $30.  Within a couple of
weeks, they sent the results by mail. They were also willing to discuss
the implications of the results by phone.

As for the DC gov't, they are apparently no longer testing water for
free. For more information on the DC government's water treatment plan,
call Seema Bhat, Manager of DC's Water Quality Division.  She can be
reached at 612-3434.

I have also contacted Kathy Patterson about the problem, but haven't
heard anything back yet.

Hope this is  helpful.
Rebecca Epstein
COMMUNIT-E
October 7, 2002
 
 

ANC3F SPECIAL MEETING TONIGHT
From:  "Robert V. Maudlin" <maudlin@alum.mit.edu>
North Cleveland Park and Forest Hills
October 7,  Monday - 7:30pm, Capital Memorial Church,  3150 Chesapeake
Street
Tentative Agenda:
-- 2800 Chesterfield Place, N.W.  Consideration of an application to the
Commission of Fine Arts under the Shipstead-Luce Act for reconstruction
of an existing house and construction of two additional houses on
adjacent lots, facing Broad Branch Road, all proposed to have access
from Chesterfield Place.
-- Proposed Amendment to the ANC Bylaws To change the ANC's name to
"Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3F  (North Cleveland Park, Forest
Hills, and Tenleytown)
to be effective January 1, 2003.
For updates see web site : www.anc3f.org
 
 
 

CAPTAIN ANTHONY POTEAT LEAVES 2D
From:  Apoteat@aol.com (Anthony Poteat)
Effective today (Sunday), I started a new assignment at the Youth and
Preventive Services Division as Captain.  The YPSD is located at 17th &
Rhode Island Ave NE.  It is unknown, when another Captain will fill the
vacancy at the Second District. I thank each of you for your support of
the Second District during my tenure.
 

From: Kathy Smith -- You know you have real Community Policing in a
police district when you feel confident, should you need to speak to an
official about a problem, including a problem with an officer, that
there will be someone at that district that you can depend on. Captain
Anthony Poteat was that kind of official. I knew that if a problem arose
I could depend on Captain Poteat to get involved if I called or e-mailed
him. I knew that he would do whatever needed to be done to resolve the
issue. I'd personally seen him do this sort of service for several
residents of the 'Hood during the time he was at 2D.

I tended to go to Captain Poteat because I knew that Lt. Mark Carter was
often on the street in PSA 202 and often had to work midnights. Although
he was always willing, he was sometimes understandably difficult to
reach.  I felt that only those things that Captain Poteat couldn't
resolve should go to Commander Newsham or, now, Commander Moore.

Captain Poteat was often my first line of contact and he never
disappointed. I will miss him at 2D even as I appreciate that Youth and
Preventive Services Division is getting a fine official. Anthony  Poteat
adopted a little boy several years ago and keenly feels the needs of the
City's most helpless  and often poorest residents.

His  replacement will need to be as accessible to the community as he
was if Community Policing is to continue as a viable part of 2D.
Best of luck to him. -- KS
 
 
 

OCTOBER 10 ANC 3E AGENDA
From:  "Polly King" <pking@lldhhome.org>
1.Announcements
2.ANC Business
3.   Open Forum - opportunity for members of the community to raise
issues of  concern or importance to the 3E neighborhood.
4. Presentation by 2nd District Police
5.Discussion with council member David A. Catania
6.Introduction of and remarks by candidates for ANC 3E
7. Vote on Stonebridge Associates proposal for the Washington Clinic
site. There      may be a brief presentation of any modifications to the
proposal as presented at our September meeting.
8.Discussion of and vote on a resolution requesting a stop sign at 45th
and Chesapeake Streets
9.Discussion of and vote on a request for a special exception at 4651
Massachusetts Avenue
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL (202) 244-0800,  www.anc3e.org
 
 
 

AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 10 ANC3B  MEETING
From:  anc3b@aol.com
October 10, 2002, Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert Street
7:30 PM
----2ND DISTRICT POLICE REPORT,  Lt. Brian Bray, PSA 205
---- OLD BUSINESS
+ Ward Three Traffic Policy Committee Update
+ Parking Update
+ Roadway Construction Update - Site Plan will be available for review
----PRESENTATION
+ Walnut Street Development and JW Development on the proposed
development of the Western portion of St. Luke's Church - Wisconsin
Avenue and Calvert St. Site Diagrams and Project Update
+ Representatives from ACLU on the proposed installation of additional
Security Cameras in Public Space
----NEW BUSINESS
+ District Department of Transportation Roadway Improvement
Prioritization and Capital Improvement Schedule for FY 2004 - FY 2006
For Glover Park and Cathedral Heights
+ Good Guys - Community Comments on end of 6 Month Trial of Removal of
onsite Security Guard
----NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, November 14, 2002 7:30 PM
 
 
 

CRIME IN THE 'HOOD
PSA202 - From 9-1 to 9-29
100 block, not actual address
-- Robberies -- 4200 Brandywine (gun) 9/11, 2230; 4200 Albemarle (gun)
9/11, 2240
-- Assault -- 4700 Wisconsin (closed)
-- Burglaries -- 4500 Wisconsin (electronics store); 4800 Brandywine
(house); 3900 Chesapeake (school); 4500 Brandywine (house); 4500
Garrison (garage)
-- 21 Thefts
-- 19 Thefts From Auto
-- 4 Stolen Autos (from parking lots on or near Wisconsin and 4200
Butterworth)
-- Simple Assault - 4200 Butterworth (house); 4800 Yuma (barber shop)
-- 10  Destruction of Property (house, school, church, parking lots)
-- Arrest for receiving stolen property - 4200 Davenport
-- Arrest for Marijuana sale - 3900 Chesapeake
 
 
 
 

PEPCO ENERGY SERVICES
From: "Aaron Epstein" <aajacks@starpower.net>
I've been pestered (twice today alone) by people from Pepco Energy
Services, who claim to be able to cut my energy costs in half, or
something along those lines. Is there anyone in the community who has
studied this company and other energy alternatives, and can make an
informed recommendation?
 
 
 

MYSTERY CHECK FROM DC TREASURER
From: "Barbara R. Bergmann" <bbergman@wam.umd.edu>
I have received from the DC Treasurer a check for a substantial sum for
which I am unable to find an explanation. I wrote a letter to the
Treasurer's office asking what it was for, and have received no answer.
Have any of you had a similar experience? Any suggestions as to what I
should do next?
 
 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SEARS/HECHINGER ?
From:  "Lowrey, Bruce F" <Lowrey.Bruce@hq.navy.mil>
Do you happen to know the current status of the proposed development at
the old Sears/Hechingers building on Wisconsin and River Road?
 
 
 

RE: DISAPPEARING SUPERCANS

**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com (Beth Kravetz)
In a message dated 9/25/2002 Ksmith1804@starpower.net writes:
"Paint their address on the can."
In my case, it was on the can!  And the can is still gone!

**** From: "Dennis Beaufort and Kathryn Ray" <kcrdlb@bellatlantic.net>
An easy and effective way of marking the address on a supercan is to use
a "Wite out" pen.  Also, each can has a number.  Jot it down in the
Rolodex or other safe place.   Having the number helped us find our can
when it got "lost" several years ago.

**** From: "Robert Hyman" <RobertHyman@erols.com>
Supercan Owners....Each new supercan has a number printed on the front,
record this number to identify your can in case of theft or if a repair
is needed.
 
 
 

QUESTION ABOUT LOCAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
From:  Pamela Nash <PNash@aacc.org>
To whom in the DC government does one complain about an illegal
conversion (one of our neighbors has turned his garage into an
apartment) and fence issues (he's also erected a fence along our mutual
property line that's over 8 feet tall, which I believe is not permitted.
Many thanks for any information you might be able to provide!
 
 
 

CAR'S REGISTERED, BUT NOT OWNED

**** From: Richard Clark <biking2@yahoo.com>
Received a notice from the Office of Adjudication stating that I owned
money on a parking ticket for a Toyota, license BF 0942.  Trouble is, I
do NOT own such a vehicle and the Office of Adjudication is giving me
trouble.

Then I hear this morning from an acquaintance that they were waken at
3:00 the other morning by the police and was informed that they found
her stolen Honda (Gold color).  She told them that she did NOT own a
Honda. That afternoon, received a called from PG county telling her they
found her gold Hunday.

What gives here.  Two people told they own a car by the Bureau and
neither people know anything about those cars, nor do they own them.
How does one handle this situation.  Office of Adjudication is of no
help.

**** From Kathy Smith:
Richard, here' my suggestion: Call 2D Detectives on 282-0044 and ask
for  the detective who handles auto thefts.  Explain the situation and
ask  him or her to check the tag number you were given on the "WALES
System"  to see if this is a stolen car. Ask the detective to send you
an e-mail  or written note explaining that this car belongs to someone
else, not  you, if they find it in "WALES". Make a copy of that note and
send it to  the office of Adjudication along with copies of whatever
they sent you.  Add a cover letter explaining all you can about your end
of it.

If the auto detective isn't in, ask for Sgt. Rucker or Lt. Trippi. If
neither are there, ask whoever answers the phone. If that fails, contact
a 2D captain on 282-0032.  If anyone of these folks come up with an
alternative suggestion that works, go by that.
Let me know what happens.

Regarding your neighbor: If she hasn't gotten a ticket, she needn't
worry about it.
 
 
 

MORE ON MISSING MAIL
From: look4me@earthlink.net
Small solace to those of you in 20015 who think you are alone with this
problem but seldom does a day go by in A.U. Park (20016) that any of us
gets all the mail we should and none addressed to some other house.
Occasionally there is no delivery at all to anyone on my block. Nor do I
have any reason to believe that outgoing mail makes it where it's meant
to. I send anything that matters from Bethesda which, from here, seems
to have a little better grip on the business. Has anyone out there come
up with a way to skirt this mess?
 
 
 
 

UPDATE ON THE TOWER
Excerpt From: themail <gimhoff@erols.com
From: Ann Loikow, Cleveland Park, johnl@erols.com
On June 14, 2001, US District Court Judge Paul Friedman dismissed with
prejudice (i.e., can't file again) American Tower's federal claims under
the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and dismissed the nonfederal claims
without prejudice to their being refiled in a more appropriate forum
(before DC courts or agencies). American Tower has appealed this
decision to the DC Circuit and the oral argument on American Tower's
appeal is set for Friday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 in courtroom 20 of the Court
of Appeals for the DC Circuit.

On another front, the DC Zoning Commission has been looking at the
District zoning regulations regarding antennas and antenna towers,
including broadcast towers such as the American Tower in Tenley. On
September 9, they approved a technical amendment to the Zoning
Regulations that corrected a miscodification of their 1989 antenna order
and made it clear that antenna towers are only allowed as a special
exception in Commercial districts (such as the American Tower site in
Tenley which is zoned C-2-B). Under the special exception process,
notice must be given to the community and a public hearing held to
determine if the application meets the regulatory requirements for
granting such an exception -- which did not happen in this case.

The Zoning Commission is also considering revising the antenna
(including towers) regulations and is holding a public hearing on
October 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Office of Zoning hearing room (suite
220, 1 Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW). This would be the first
major revision of the antenna regulations since 1989. Everyone citywide
interested in this issue should participate. In addition to the Tenley
tower, both Wards 4 and 7 have had major antenna controversies recently.
You must file your intention to testify in writing with the Secretary to
the Zoning Commission, Office of Zoning, Suite 210, 441 4th St., NW,
20001). The notice and proposed amendments developed by the Office of
Planning were published in the August 9 DC Register at pages 7702-7722.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** MISSING CAT
From:  Jeff Stein <jswashdc@pop.rcn.com>
Reward and deepest thanks for anyone who finds my 10-yr-old, small cat,
"Scamper," a small grey-black tab, who disappeared vicinity 46th &
Ellicott Streets 2 days ago. Name and telno are on her collar, 244-3131.
Thank you in advance.

**** From: "John Kostyack" <KOSTYACK@nwf.org>
I'm looking for recommendations on bike repair shops nearby.  Since
Hudson Trail Outfitters is closest, I'm particularly interested in
hearing about your experiences there.  Thanks.

**** From: Fds3987649@aol.com (Mr. D'silva)
Could you kindly post a recommendation in the Bulletin Board for a very
excellent & reliable Handyman available, who is capable of doing any
repair work, excellent in painting and other misc. as needed. His name
is Herman Mendes and contact number is: 301-728-6703.

**** From: "Nell & Garnell Stewart" <gstewart@tidalwave.net
Anyone interested in a single Peg Perego stroller, double Peg Perego
stroller, or a Kelty back pack for an infant or toddler, please e-mail
me at gstewart@tidalwave.net.  Best offer accepted.  All are in great
condition.

**** From: Andrew Strasfogel <squasher@starpower.net
Tobasco peppers:  Free to anyone who would like some.  They're turning
red and are VERY hot!  Would also appreciate any recipes.

**** From: dbruno <dbruno@gwu.edu (Debbie Bruno)
Just wanted to let you know that I had a request from one of the
handymen that you had listed sometime last year, in the section where
people write in  with recommendations for workers of all sorts.  He has
asked me to take his name "off the list."   His name is "Joe the Roofer"
and he is listed under the "gutter cleaning" section.  His phone number
is 301-229-2673. He is retiring.

**** From: Joseph Cotruvo <vze254xa@verizon.net>
I am looking for someone who provides computer problem solving and
support services. Windows 95 and 98 etc. Any suggestions?

**** From: Helix2K@aol.com
FREE TO GOOD HOME- if you are handy, able to dismantle a really nice 6
year old swing set, and cart it to your house, it's all yours free of
charge. the swing set has a swing, a swing-bar, a 2 kid see-saw type
thing, a wavy slide, a fort with a green top, a sandbox underneath, a
fire man pole, a rope net climbing ladder, and a climbing board off the
back.  our kids at 9 and 14 have pretty well outgrown it. please e-mail
us at helix2k@aol.com if interested. first come first serve.

**** From: "Stephen Crable" <scrable@starpower.net>
A beautiful pine entertainment armoire for sale.  76 1/4 in tall x 37
7/8 wide x 20in deep. $500. perfect condition. call stephen or deborah
202 364-5223

**** From: Nancy Libson <nlibson@erols.com>
ART TEACHER FORMING RELAXING ART/PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES FOR CHILDREN,
ADULTS (separately or together) IN YOUR HOME. I am an experienced art
and photography teacher at the National Presbyterian School and am
forming small afterschool or evening classes (2 and up) in your own
home. I am a photographer as well and can teach this as well as any
other studio art topic. References available. Please e-mail me at
nlibson@erols.com

**** From: "Jeffrey Modell" <j.modell@verizon.net>
For sale_Admiral 5 Disc CD Changer, 8x over sampling, with remote, user
manual, and features such as shuffle. Works great--in original working
order. I have heard that Admiral is a regional brand, made by RCA - but
I don't know this for sure. $30.  Email  j.modell@verizon.net.

****  Annual Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale Benefits The Methodist Home of
From: "Jared Hughes" <JHughes@methodisthomeofdc.org>
Mark your Calendars Now for The Annual Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale
Benefits The Methodist Home of DC  Saturday, October 19th from 10:00
a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Lines form early so be  sure to claim your spot!).
Please be sure to bring plenty of cash or money orders as no personal
checks  or credit cards will be accepted.  Antiques, Jewelry, Linens,
and furniture--there is something for everyone.  Alternatively, if you
want to get rid of things in your house to make room for  the goodies
you will find on the 19th  the Home is gratefully accepting donations of
rummage and/or quality baked  goods at the front desk 24/7 right up to
the date of the sale. The proceeds of this annual event will go towards
helping to furnish the new  Health Care Center that provides Nursing and
Rehabilitative Care to so many  needy individuals.
 
 
 

POLICE RADAR ON NEBRASKA
From:  wharw32487@aol.com
From:  tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
Here is a message from the Police.
Bill Harwood
Quote:
In response to continuing public concern over aggressive speeding in DC,
the  Metropolitan Police Department next week begins deploying photo
radar  vehicles at a variety of new locations around the District. One
of these locations is the 5800 block of Nebraska Avenue, NW. The 3900 -
5900 blocks of  Nebraska Avenue, NW, were identified as one of the
original photo radar enforcement zones, but deployment has not taken
place on Nebraska Avenue in Chevy Chase up until now. Beginning next
week, the 5800 block of Nebraska will become part of the regular
rotation of photo radar deployments. That does not mean there will be a
photo radar vehicle in the block each and every day. But you should be
seeing a vehicle there on a regular basis (the photo radar vehicle looks
like an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser, but with some
slight modifications). And, if experience in other locations is any
guide, we should begin experiencing a measurable reduction in speeding
at the Nebraska Avenue location in a short period of time. Please note
that the speed limit along this stretch of Nebraska is 25 mph. You can
learn more about DC's photo radar speeding reduction program on the
MPD's website at
http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/traffic/speed.shtm. And drive carefully.
Kevin Morison
Metropolitan Police Department
 
 
 

IN THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER FROM COUNCILMEMBER HAROLD BRAZIL:
From: "Heilbron, Shana (COUNCIL)" <SHeilbron@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>
In This Week's Issue...
*      Committee, Council Approve Housing Program Changes
*    "SAAAAAWING BATTER!"
*    "Chuting To Safety"
*      The Battles of the Budget
*      Supporting St. Mary's Court
 
 
 

ROBERT MOORE CAMPAIGN FLYER
From: "Robert Moore" <votemoore2002dc@hotmail.com>
Thank you all for the encouraging responses to my campaign for DC mayor.
In addition to my website (VoteMoore2002.com), a detailed 11-page
digital campaign brochure can be e-mailed upon request.

I will gladly respond to any e-mailed questions, comments or criticisms
(votemoore2002@hotmail.com or votemoore2002dc@hotmail.com). Thank you
again, most sincerely, for all of your responses and interest.
Robert Moore
Independent Democratic Candidate
Mayor for A New Washington!
 

-- END --