COMMUNIT-E
February 22, 2005

REVISITING WESTERN AVENUE
From: Contee, Robert (MPD) <robert.contee@dc.gov>
CC: Betsy Davis (E-mail) <Betsy.Davis@montgomerycountymd.gov>
I spoke to the District Commander from Montgomery County about recent
incidents of muggings behind the Hecht's store off of Western Ave. She
informed me that there has not been any recent rash of muggings in the
area.
Just to let you know, Commander Davis and I agree that our officers are
instructed that if a priority crime occurs on the line and the citizen
is not
sure whether it is Maryland of D.C., both agencies will dispatch officers
and the officers will sort it out on the scene. If there are specific
instances t
hat you are aware of where the police were called and never responded,
Commander Davis (Montg. Co.) and I are more than happy to look further
into a specific incident.
Thank you
Robert Contee
Commander, 2D


HEARING TO BE HELD ON
RED LIGHT AND SPEED CAMERAS

If you’re concerned about drivers running red lights and speeding
in the District, you might want to make your feelings known to
Councilmember Phil Mendelson, who is holding a hearing
tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10:30 on this topic. You can also send
letters after the hearing.

You can reach Councilmember Mendelson’s office at 724-8064 and
e-mail letters can be sent to him at: PMendelson@DCCouncil.US
-------
From the Police web site at: http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/traffic/redlight.shtm:
From August 1999 through January 2005, the automated red-light
enforcement program has achieved the following results:
* Reduction in red-light violations at intersections with cameras installed:
77.6 percent decline—equivalent of 29,300 fewer violations a month
* Changes in "violations captured" at each camera location
* 504,910 notices of infraction mailed
* 342,113 notices of infraction paid
* $29,799,079 in fines collected
* 39 camera locations
For more information on this, visit the above web site.

From the police web site at: http://mpdc.dc.gov/news/news.asp?sid=3070:
. . . the percentage of drivers speeding aggressively in photo radar
enforcement
zones has declined from approximately 30 percent of all motorists when the
program began in July 2001 to about 4 percent of motorists in recent months.

During that same period, the number of traffic fatalities in which speeding
was the primary contributing factor has plummeted 55 percent. There were
38 primary speeding-related fatalities in 2001, compared with 17 in 2004.

Chief Ramsey said the use of automated traffic safety cameras has freed up
more police officers to concentrate on other traffic and neighborhood
safety
priorities. For example, the MPD has launched “Operation Speed Blitz,”
targeting drivers traveling 30 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
Since 2000, the number of motorists arrested for these extremely serious
speeding offenses has increased sharply, totaling 726 in the past two years.

--------
I spoke to John Townsend at the American Automobile Association. He told
me that AAA is asking the City Council to review the contract with the
companies running the cameras. AAA is also asking how the cameras
are being used to enforce the law, and if the major reason for the cameras
is public safety or revenue for the city.

Money gained from the fines go to the general treasury; they do not go
to the
DC Police. I know that the police are enthusiastic about these cameras
because
they believe they make a big impact on speeding and red-light running.

I also understand, from a story by Del Quentin Wilber, in the Metro
section of
Monday’s Washington Post, that 60% of speeding violations were to cars
registered in Maryland, 10% from Virginia, and 25% to DC drivers. That story
is a good source for more information on this.


OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST TO THE ‘HOOD

**** Jim Lively, a long-time Chair of the 2D Citizens
Advisory Council is stepping down. There will be elections for
his replacement and for other CAC offices at tomorrow’s
CAC meeting at 2D Headquarters at 3320 Idaho Ave. The
meeting is at 7 pm.


**** From: Kathryn Ray & Dennis Beaufort <kcrdlb@verizon.net>
Attention High School Students, Parents and Teachers!
Would you like to know more about being an international exchange student?
Find out on Feb. 26.
AFS Intercultural Programs www.afs.org/usa, the oldest high school
exchange program, is holding an information session for US students who
are considering an international exchange experience.
When: Saturday, February 26th, 2005
Noon - 2 PM
Location: Cleveland Park Library
First floor auditorium
3310 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. (at Macomb Street, N.W.)
Washington, D.C. 20008
---------
Would you be interested in hosting an international exchange student?
Contact Chana Hays: FHays1835@aol.com or Kathryn Ray kcrdlb@verizon.net.


**** From: Ricebill@aol.com
Bullpen for ALL Mayoral Possibilities
with Reporters Tom Sherwood (Ch. 4), Lori Montgomery (W Post)
Mark Segraves (WTOP), Mark Plotkin (WTOP) and others
Wed, March 2, 2005, 6 p.m
Guapo’s, 4515 Wisconsin Ave, (2nd fl.)
opposite Best Buy, Tenleytown Metro, Red Line
The Bullpen welcomes all candidates for Mayor (declared, exploring,
thinking about it, not yet thinking about it, will think about it) to meet
the media and would-be constituents. Everybody welcome.
Bill Rice, 483-2037, _ricebill@aol.com_ (mailto:ricebill@aol.com)
The Bullpen is a totally informal gathering around the District for people
who want to chat with public officials, journalists, advocates and/or each
other.


**** From: AHMorin@aol.com
Community Meeting on Deal Principal Search, March 3
Deal Junior High School is conducting a search for a new principal. There
will be a community meeting on Thursday, March 3rd, 2005 at 7:00 pm in
the auditorium at Deal. In an effort to select a principal that will
maintain
the level of excellence in programming at Deal, we are seeking input from
parents and interested members of the community. Please attend if you are
interested in learning how the principal selection process will proceed and
in providing input into the process.
Representatives of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Deal staff and
parents and teachers elected to the Principal Selection Panel will be
available
to answer questions and take suggestions and ideas for consideration in
reviewing candidates.
Thank you.
Alice Deal PTA and LSRT


**** From: elisabeth legrain <legraincyr@hotmail.com>
A group of Washington parents have set out to raise $100,000 to rebuild
a school in Ache, Indonesia that was destroyed by the tsunami. Working
together with the Embassy of Indonesia and the In Series, the World
Family Committee will present two benefit performances of Indonesian dance.

All proceeds from these shows will go directly to the Nurani Dunia
Foundation, a non-governmental Indonesian charity with an excellent
record of service. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made payable
to “In Series”, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit arts presenting organization based
in Washington DC.

WHAT: Solo dance performance by Didik Nini Thowok
WHEN: Friday, March 4th, at 6:30PM
WHERE: Francis Scott Key Elementary School, 501 Dana Pl NW,
Admission is free, no tickets needed. Suggested donation $5 per person.
------
WHAT: Ramayana: an Indonesian Dance-Drama.
Didik Nini Thowok, Classical Javanese Dancers, Gamalan
Orchestra.
WHEN: Saturday, March 5th, 6:30-9:00PM
WHERE : Tickets $75, including a wine tasting and traditional
Indonesian: buffet following the show. Please call the In Series
202-518-0152.

The new Ache elementary school will be adopted as a sister school by
Key School. For more info about these dance programs or to volunteer
to help with this effort, please contact Key School parent Jennifer Felten
202-966-5404 or felton@aol.com


**** From: Irmgard Hunt <iahunt@verizon.net>
Dear Neighbors,
My book "On Hitler's Mountain-Overcoming the Legacy of a Nazi Childhood"
will be published by William Morrow in March. Please join me on March 19,
at 6:30 PM for a book reading, signing and reception at the Politics and
Prose
Bookstore at 5015 Connecticut Ave. For reviews and further details
please check
my website: onhitlersmountain.com.
Best regards, Irmgard A.Hunt,

**** From: Richard Abbott <abbott1229@verizon.net>
POTOMAC WATERSHED CLEAN-UP DAY
This is advance notice of a clean-up of the Rock Creek watershed as part of
this area-wide clean up scheduled for Saturday, April 2. This annual
event is
funded by the Alice Ferguson Foundation and brings together volunteers and
partner organizations from four states and the District of Columbia.
Many of
you probably took part in past years. This year, a newly organized
group, the
Friends of Rock Creek Environment (FORCE), is coordinating local response
and will provide supplies. You can join the various teams being
organized or,
better yet, come up with an idea for an area in need of cleanup --
preferably a
tributary of Rock Creek or an area near a tributary. This could be the
Soapstone
or Melvin Hazen trails, though there may be more deserving areas for
clean-up
like, for example, 36th St between Connecticut and Broad Branch, which is a
real mess. If you'd like to take part, contact Richard Abbott at
abbott1229@verizon.net. More details to follow.


BEFORE I THROW IT OUT . . . FREE FOR THE TAKING

**** From KS
I have a number of aluminum (silver colored frames) storm windows
and screens. I also have some wood framed screens which are
probably original to the house when it was built in 1939. There is
also one white aluminum framed screen for a storm door. If you
want any or all of these, please contact me on
Ksmith1804@starpower.net. – Kathy Smith
--------
Several of these have been claimed. Any that are not claimed will
go into the trash next Tuesday. This is the last call.


COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Tony Hacsi <tonyhacsi@yahoo.com>
I think I have mold in my house's crawlspace. I'm looking for someone
qualified and reputable to inspect and perhaps remediate the problem.
Any suggestions?

**** From: Sarah Tiller <tiller05@yahoo.com>
Can anyone suggest a classical guitar teacher for
children?
Thank-you.

**** From: David M. Winn <dmwinn@starpower.net>
I can recommend a good piano teacher who does not live in
AU Park, but pretty close: the corner of Van Ness and Connecticut.
Name: Ruth Rose. Her phone is 202-362-2493. She teaches children
and adults. Please call me for more info if you're interested.
David Winn (202-364-4350, work 202-203-7510, cell: 202-744-4523).

**** From: Verenalevi@cs.com
This is in regard to a reasonably priced Hair stylist.
I have used Adriana at "ERNESTO HAIRSTYLING" at the Van Ness
Center on 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW Tel. 202 686 0580
They have charged me $30.00 for a cut and dry. I am pleased with the
work they do and usually one can get an appointment right away.
Verena

**** From: Stantheman333@aol.com
Swimming Pools ------ Speaking of swimming pools, does anyone know
if there's a HEATED indoor swimming pool anywhere near us? Or where
is the closest one?

**** From: ANDERSENAN@aol.com
For sale:
Pest control. Ultrasonic and electronic-magnetic wave
to repel pest. Haverhills. Simply plug in: $ 30
Angela Andersen
202-744 8629

**** From: Carolyn Long <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
Car For Sale
1988 Chevy Nova (Toyota engine), gray hatchback. Single owner,
only 40,000 miles. It looks its age but it runs just fine--we've never had
any engine trouble. Great for transporting garden plants and supplies,
lumber, furniture, etc. $500.00. Want to sell before March 6. Call Carolyn
or Doug 202-966-6180.

**** From: Wendy Ross <wsross@erols.com>
MacArthur Park Condominium
7630 Tomlinson Aveue
Cabin John, Maryland 20818
Condo 25
Two bedroom condo w/balcony for rent. Sunny with lots of windows.
(All windows will be replaced in the coming year). One bathroom.
Laundry Room in basement, and storage bin in the basement. Two
parking spaces one behind the other. Rent: $1,250.00. ?
Call: Mrs. Austin at 202/624-2757 (o) and leave a message. Thanks.

**** From: Nadine Horenstein <nadineh@mindspring.com>
For Sale: iRiver iFP-890T 256MB MP3 Player w/FM Radio
This skip-free, slightly used iFP-890T delivers superior sound in a sleek,
sport-ready design.
• Plays MP3, WMA & OGG music files• 256MB Internal Storage
• Plays up to 8 hours of music • Transfers music up to 3X faster*
• Skip-free and sport-ready
• Record music from any audio source (no PC required) • FM Tuner
& Recorder
• Voice Recorder • Store or transfer any file type • Up to 40 hours
of battery life
• Comes with manual, iRiver earphones, carrying case, and USB 2.0 cable
• Link to free download of iRiver software
Price: $120 or best offer. Contact Joshua Johnson at nadineh@mindspring.com.


MORE ON GOOGLE AND HOME PHONE NUMBER

**** From: W. Geoffrey Seeley <seemark@att.net>
You should be aware that AT&T has a section of their website called
'anywho' which includes a reverse lookup feature. This has been around
for years and the only way to avoid having your address captured is to have
your number unlisted.
Geoff Seeley

**** From: lawrence.miller@starpower.net
This is a chain letter that has been circulating on the Internet for the
past
year. I do not think that Google's service presents any alarming safety
issue, and certainly not a new one or one unique to Google. Google and
a number of other services have provided this feature for a couple of
years,
and before that it was easy to get the same information in two steps on the
Internet. Before the Internet you could get this information at any
library.
See http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/googlephone.html Also, I
am wondering just when a child would have occasion to give out his or
her phone number, and whether a dangerous person in a position to ask
for a phone number could not just as easily ask directly for the child's
address.
There is certainly a general erosion of privacy as more and more data are
collected and placed on the Internet, but I think this particular issue
is not
worth much concern.

**** From: "Richter Benjamin" <richter_benjamin@bah.com>
You can also do it from the Verizon Superpages
(http://directory.superpages.com/wp/reverse.jsp?PI=)

**** From: Jillaine Smith <jillainedc@yahoo.com>
Concerning the ability to use Google to search for a phone number...
A number of "reverse lookup" services have existed on the Internet for
years.
Just google "reverse lookup" and you'll find a number of them.
These do the same thing that Google does. And you probably do not have the
ability to remove your number from them. It's great that Google allows you
to remove your number.


MORE ON ICE
From: jenifer bland <jcrabland@hotmail.com>
The comment regarding the dangers of water draining onto sidewalks also
applies to water in alleys. I was barely able to walk down my sloping alley
during the recent freezing weather because water ejected by a neighbor's
sump pump had frozen over. Nor did I dare drive down the slope for fear of
skidding out onto the sidewalk. Jenny Bland.


MORE ON PEPCO AND ELECTRICITY COSTS

**** From: Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL) <ppagano@dccouncil.us>
From Councilmember Kathy Patterson's E-Newsletter #35, Feb. 4, 2005

How Will Deregulation of Electricity Affect You?
Many people are probably already aware that beginning February 8, 2005, the
average residential bill for electricity will go up about 18%. State
deregulation of the electricity market resulted in the District placing caps
on utility rates in 2001 to reduce the impact on consumers as the "free
market" distribution system was put in place. Those caps have now expired
and the market price is based on supply and demand and you have a choice in
your energy supplier.

To date, Pepco, Pepco Energy Services and Washington Gas Energy Services are
the only companies providing energy to DC residents. Other companies have
been approved by the Public Service Commission but are not currently
operating in the city. It is anticipated that other suppliers will enter
the market following removal of the caps on rates.

Customers will generally see a greater increase in winter bills because
winter rates have traditionally been much lower than summer rates. A
smaller increase in summer rates, which go into effect in June of each year,
is expected.
For more information, call PEPCO at 1-866-889-3261.

**** From: John Moody <JohnAMoodydc@att.net>
To: Kathy Smith <Ksmith1804@starpower.net>
I also have stayed with Pepco. And I do not yet know if I also
made a mistake. There does not appear to be a free lunch.
The same game also applies with the gas suppliers now.
When you check into the alternates of either I believe you will
discover their rates may be lower. However, you will probably
be asked to sign up for X years into the future - maybe 3, 5 or whatever.
And you are now trapped into buying stock market futures!

As I understand it, it's all a gamble as to whether the price of energy
will be higher or lower in those future years, and what these "daughter
Pepcos" are doing - and I believe they all are under the main Pepco
corporate umbrella as divisions or subsidiaries - is merely capturing your
business and offering you a price, while they hope their gamble in snagging
a beneficial future price - primarily for their benefit. You may,
hopefully, expect to profit from the leftovers. It is a fiendish scheme and
you can thank deregulation.

But I can assure you it is by no means as simple a decision as jumping
from one ferry boat to another simply because the other ferry boat has a
"Cheaper" banner waving from its flagpole.
Hope this helps.
John A. Moody


ANY UPDATE ON AU’S EAST CAMPUS?
From: Monettedds@aol.com
Does anyone know anything re: the AU project vs. the local neighborhood
located at Au's east campus? The university was attempting to build a 5
story
building as well as underground parking. What is the current status?
Thank you.
Monette


CRIMES IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: reports@crimereports.com
PSA 203 THEFT - 2
2800 Block Albemarle – C1 reports unknown person(s) stole checks that were
ordered by never received by c1. Suspect then reordered more checks
using c1's
personal information without c1's permission under a different bank.

**** PSA 204 THEFT - 2
3400 Block 39TH ST – C1 and c2 report that there were several e-mail
accounts placed in their names by person(s) unknown. They were notified
by different agencies in reference to this theft of identity. Extention
to c1's
business.

**** From: anc3b@yahoo.com
There was an attempted purse snatching in the 2200 block of Observatory
Place on Wednesday, February 16th, at approximately 8:30 pm. The suspect
is described as a white male, about 5'8", and 150 pounds. He was last seen
heading north on Observatory. Two MPD officers responded to the
emergency call. They canvassed the neighborhood but were not able to
apprehend the suspect. If you have any information on this incident, please
call MPD at #311. If you see an incident in progress, please call #911.


– END –