Conversation with the Chief of Police Robert Contee
November 20, 2021
10:00 am
Ivy City Smokehouse
1356 Okie St NE
Community networking meeting to build support to eradicate crime and violence.
This event is free to attend but space is limited.
Moderator: Tony Towns
Organizers: Lowell Duckett, Brian Sumner, Leroy Swain, and Carl Turpin
For additional information, please call 202-210-3161
DC Water has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for all customers.
Please see the interactive map at www.dcwater.com or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to verify if your address was in the affected area.
Customers residing in the previously affected area should take the following precautions before returning to normal water usage:
Boil Water Advisory lifted for all customers
August 8, 2021
Protective actions given for those in the smaller impact area
Este aviso y más información están también disponibles en www.dcwater.com, y preguntas frecuentes bilingües se encuentran en www.dcwater.com/BWAliftFAQ.
All DC Water customers in the impact area under the boil water advisory can use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below.
DC Water issued the boil water advisory as a conservative measure to protect public health, and we sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience while we took necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the tap water we deliver.
David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager of DC Water, said, “Protecting the health and safety of our customers is our highest priority. We understand actions like these are very disruptive, but we will always put our customers’ safety first.”
DC Water lifted the boil water advisory after tests confirmed that drinking water meets all water quality safety standards. DC Water tested water samples from multiple sites in the affected area and has verified that the there is no risk of water contamination from the loss of pressure in some portions of the distribution system. Therefore, DC Water has ended the bottled water distribution.
Please see the interactive map at www.dcwater.com or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to verify if your address was in the affected area.
Customers residing in the previously affected area should take the following precautions before returning to normal water usage:
On August 6, DC Water received one positive test from a sampling site located in the affected area. On August 7 and August 8, subsequent testing did not detect the presence of coliform bacteria contamination.
In the late afternoon of Wednesday, August 4, 2021, crews closed valves in the area of 13th Street and Spring Road, NW in an effort to isolate a leak on a 36” water transmission line to make repairs, causing low or no water pressure to area homes. System pressure was restored and the 36” water transmission line has been repaired.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Please read the FAQ for action following the Boil Water Advisory which is located on the website.
DC Water will work with customers to answer questions and respond to additional issues following the Boil Water Advisory. Customers with water quality questions should contact the Drinking Water Division at (202) 612-3440 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
All other questions or suggestions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at 202-354-3600 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400. Information is also available at www.dcwater.com and FAQs are provided at dcwater.com/BWAliftFAQ.Sign up for
DC Water News.
The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for Riggs Park and a smaller portion of Northeast DC. Affected residents may pick up free water at North Michigan Park Recreation Center (1333 Emerson Street NE) today, August 7, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The rough boundaries of the area still under the advisory are:
Customers can view the interactive map or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to verify if their residence falls within the area still affected.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory lifted for most customers – continues for roughly 4,200 customers in NE
August 7, 2021
Este aviso y más información están también disponibles en www.dcwater.com, y preguntas frecuentes bilingües se encuentran en www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.
Following two consecutive days of clear samples for most of the Advisory area, DC Water is lifting the Boil Water Advisory for a portion of the impacted area. DC Water has determined boundaries for a smaller impacted area which will remain under a Boil Water Advisory until two consecutive days of clear samples are obtained. Customers can view the interactive map or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to verify if their residence falls within the area still affected. Customers located in the impacted area should continue boiling water for drinking and cooking until further notice.
Customers who are not located in this updated Advisory area can use tap water after running cold-water taps for 10 minutes before returning to normal water usage. Running the cold-water tap will replace water sitting in pipes during the advisory with fresh water from the water main.
The impact area which remains under an Advisory includes portions of neighborhoods in Queens Chapel, Michigan Park, North Michigan Park, Chillum Station and Terra Cotta.
It is anticipated sample results for the remaining impact area will be analyzed by Sunday morning, August 8.
Customers still affected by the boil water advisory should continue to follow these precautions:
• Discard any beverages and ice made before and during this advisory.
• Run cold water until clear (if discolored) prior to boiling.
• Run cold water for 2 minutes if known sources of lead are present prior to boiling.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool.
• Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.
Cooled, boiled water or bottled water should be used for:
• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing and cooking food
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing infant formula
• Making ice
• Giving water to pets
*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.
Customers who are still impacted by the Boil Water Advisory may receive water at North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson St., NE, Washington, DC, from the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today.
Today, two consecutive days of samples taken throughout the Boil Water Advisory impact area confirmed there was no impact to water quality resulting from the pressure loss event on August 4th in most of the impacted area. However, an advisory remains in place for an isolated area where one sample was positive for Total Coliform on August 6. DC Water has taken an additional sample from the location, following localized flushing of the distribution system, and expects to have results by Sunday morning August 8.
DC Water has consulted closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Advisory and action plan. DC Water will continue flushing water from the system, to bring fresh water into the area. The Authority will continue testing water samples to assess tap water safety. The safety and health of our customers are our top priorities, and the boil water advisory will remain in effect until we confirm that the tap water is safe.
DC Water issued the Boil Water Advisory after a temporary loss of pressure in a portion of the distribution system in the late afternoon of August 4, 2021. On Thursday, August 5, DC Water collected water samples at 10 locations in the impacted area. Those samples were tested overnight, and DC Water analyzed the results the morning of August 6. The nine samples that were negative for coliform bacteria yesterday were also negative today. The one sampling location that tested positive yesterday for coliform bacteria today tested negative. A second consecutive negative test is required before the advisory is lifted in the remaining impacted area. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present.
The impacted area which remains under an advisory includes the neighborhoods of Queens Chapel, Fort Totten, Michigan Park, North Michigan Park and Riggs Park. The impacted area is generally:
• East of North Capitol Street
• West of Eastern Avenue
• South of New Hampshire Avenue
• North of Taylor Street
Due to the loss of pressure in the system, it may have been possible for bacteria or other disease-causing organisms to enter the water through cracks, breaks or joints in the distribution system.
Bacteria and other disease-causing contamination such as viruses and parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not only caused by microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Customers with water quality questions should contact the Department of Water Quality at (202) 612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All other questions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400 or the Office of Marketing and Communications at (202) 787-2200 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Information is also available at www.dcwater.com and FAQs are provided at www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.
DRINKING WATER ADVISORY
DC Water Issues Boil Water Advisory for Customers in Some Neighborhoods of Northeast DC
August 5, 2021
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is issuing a Boil Water Advisory today for some customers after a temporary loss of pressure in the late afternoon of August 4, 2021. DC Water advises customers to not drink or cook with their water without boiling it first if they are in the impact area which includes the neighborhoods of Edgewood, Brookland, Fort Lincoln, Woodridge, Queens Chapel, Michigan Park and North Michigan Park. The impacted area is generally:
DC Water advises customers to search their address on the interactive map or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to determine if they are in the impact area of this advisory. Customers in the impacted area should boil water used for drinking and cooking. Customers outside this area can continue normal water use.
This is a precautionary notice to customers in the impacted area to boil water that may be ingested due to water of unknown quality in this localized area of the system. This advisory will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink.
Customers in the impacted area should:
• Discard any beverages and ice made before and during this advisory.
• Run cold water until clear (if discolored) prior to boiling.
• Run cold water for 2 minutes if known sources of lead are present prior to boiling.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool.
• Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.
Cooled, boiled water or bottled water should be used for:
• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing and cooking food
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing infant formula
• Making ice
• Giving water to pets
*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.
In the late afternoon of Wednesday, August 4, 2021, crews closed valves in the area of 13th Street and Spring Road, NW in an effort to isolate a leak on a 36” water transmission line to make repairs. Subsequently, DC Water received a number of calls from customers in Northeast DC who were experiencing low or no water pressure.
System pressure was restored within the hour and service has been fully restored.
Due to the loss of pressure in the system, it may have been for bacteria or other disease-causing organisms to enter the water through cracks, breaks or joints in the distribution system.
Bacteria and other disease-causing contamination such as viruses and parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not only caused by microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
We have no information that the water was contaminated by this incident, but issue this advisory as a precaution while we test the water. DC Water is currently collecting samples in the impacted area. The advisory will be lifted when tests on two consecutive days show no bacteria are present and all customers can continue normal water use, which we anticipate will be on Saturday, August 7.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Customers with water quality questions should contact the Department of Water Quality at (202) 612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All other questions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400 or the Office of Marketing and Communications at (202) 787-2200 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Information is also available at www.dcwater.com and Bilingual FAQs are provided at www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.
Este aviso y más información están también disponibles en www.dcwater.com, y preguntas frecuentes bilingües se encuentran en www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.
From the Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center
Please join us for our first Riggs Park Forum on Opioids in our Community this Saturday, July 31.
The Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (FORLR) in collaboration with the Wards 3 & 4 DC Prevention Center and DC Department of Behavioral Health are hosting a series of educational sessions on opioid misuse.
The first session is a forum in which local experts, including DC government agencies, will provide information and address community input and questions. Guests include Wards 3 & 4 DC Prevention Center speakers and others.
The itinerary follows:
Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Community Forum on Opioids
Where: Culture Coffee Too, 300 Riggs Road, NE
When: Saturday, July 31, 2021 Time: 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm
The following public service announcement shows the addictive power of opioids.
To see it, please click here: Know the truth | Amy’s Story | Opioids (viewer discretion advised)
Fort Totten – North Michigan Park Pedestrian Access Improvement Project
After a lengthy delay, construction of a pedestrian path between Gallatin and Galloway Street NE through Fort Totten Park is resuming. This path should be completed in a few months.
Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Brookland to Fort Totten Extension
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) publishes weekly progress reports, photos, and other info on the project website at https://www.metbranchtrail-forttotten.com.
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon on a new COVID-19 mobile vaccination pod at Mary’s Center, located at 100 Gallatin Street NE near Fort Totten Metro station. According to the mayor’s press release, the pod, which can be used to vaccinate up to 400 people per day, will also help to free up resources inside the clinic so that patients can continue to access regular care.
From ANC 4B
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Housing Justice Committee will meet on Monday, June 14, 2021, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Committee will be meeting virtually. Details about participating/watching the meeting are included below:
For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://streetjustice-news.zoom.us/j/81882674590?pwd=V3h0RUw0bmJHV1RrNnhiMVVpamthdz09.
Meeting ID: 818 8267 4590. Password: 488799.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 818 8267 4590. Password: 488799.
To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q6Pb7D1Vq_w
Additional information is available on the Commission’s website at https://anc4b.com/committees/housing-justice-committee/.
Rental/Utility Assistance
Stay DC is a financial assistance program for qualifying District renters and housing providers who are looking for support to cover housing and utility expenses. Funds are still available, so individuals are encouraged to complete the application process.
The program website is https://stay.dc.gov. The website details the eligibility requirements and application process and also includes links for other supports. The hotline for assistance for the application process is (833) 478-2932.
Internet Access Assistance Programs
District officials are promoting two programs that help qualifying residents get internet service.
Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program
Internet For All: DC Students Program
United Medical Center COVID-19 Mobile Program
May 25, 2021
10:00 am-3:00 pm
Michigan Park Church
1600 Taylor Street NE
Pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccine encouraged, but walk-ups also accepted
Services:
For questions/pre-registration, contact (202) 436-4317 or krwilliams@mfa.gwu.edu
Passing along information
Impact DMV C.A.R.E.S, will be giving out boxes of FREE Food this coming Saturday (and every 1st Saturday of the month) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Please forward this information to anyone you know who would like to receive it.
We are in COVID compliance. You do not have to exit your vehicle. Our team will place the box in your backseat/trunk.
If you are a walk-up, we have tote bags for you to carry the food safely.
Impact DMV,
5335 First Place, NE WDC
(directly down the street from the Ft. Totten Metro Station).
Contact: Dr. Denise Strothers, 202-368-3203 for more information
From ANC 4B
In March 2021, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B approved a Resolution establishing a Community Safety and Support Committee. You can read the Resolution here: Advisory Neighborhood Commissions-Resolutions – District of Columbia.
The Commission is now seeking applicants for Committee membership. You must be a resident within the Commission’s boundaries to be a member. Check if you reside within the Commission’s boundaries here: https://anc4b.com/about-the-anc/.
If you are interested in serving as a member of the Committee, please email a statement of interest, including any relevant experience, by April 30th. The Commission will not be monitoring responses to the listservs. Please send any statements of interest directly to the Chair of the Committee, Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson at 4B06@anc.dc.gov.
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 4611 Sherriff Road NE, has lots of COVID-19 vaccination appointments available through Five Medicine on March 29 and March 30. The Moderna vaccine will be administered.
Open to
To book an appointment, go to fivemedicine.com/request-an-appointment.php.
You may want to keep an eye on this website. It looks like there is also an ability to be added to a vaccination waitlist and there may be appointments available at different churches on different dates.
From Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Office:
Johns Hopkins Medicine is partnering with the DC Housing Authority to vaccinate Ward 5 residents this Saturday at Edgewood rec center starting at 9 AM. Ward 5 Residents who are eligible (65 and older, possess a qualifying medical condition, or are a qualifying essential worker) can call 202-964-3650 to get registered.
ANC 5A Public Safety Meeting
March 18, 2021
6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Guests
Randy Griffin, Commander, MPD 4th District
Judi Jones, Chair, MPD 4th District Community Advisory Council
Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie
Kelly Jeong-Olson, Ward 5 Liaison, District Department of Transportation
Kimberley Pinkney and Kecia Barnes, DC Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83761607283?pwd=dWJFZmJLWkRUR2VZRGRBMFA1bWh3QT09
Meeting ID: 837 6160 7283
Passcode: 421123
Dial by your location: 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Free COVID-19 testing will be available tomorrow, February 24, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm via a CORE Neighborhood Pop-Up at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE). No appointment necessary, but pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/register. Bring your insurance card. More testing information is available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
Today, District officials announced that the District will begin using Lamond Recreation Center for coronavirus vaccine administration for individuals booking appointments through the city’s portal at vaccinate.dc.gov. Expect to see increased activity around that area next week.
—
From the press release:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
(Washington, DC) – Today, DC Health announced that on Thursday, February 11 at 9:00 am, approximately 2,500 vaccination appointments will be made available to DC residents who live in priority zip codes and are 65 years old or older and/or work in a health care setting.
The priority zip codes are focused in Wards 5, 7, and 8 and include: 20422, 20011, 20017, 20018, 20002, 20001, 20019, 20020, 20032, 20593. Priority zip codes include areas of the city where residents are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including number of cases and mortality rate. Wards 5, 7, and 8 are being prioritized because they have the lowest percentages of residents who are 65 and older who have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
On Friday, February 12 at 9 am, DC Health will make approximately 2,500 additional appointments available for all District residents who are 65 years of age and older and/or health care workers in DC.
To date, more than 1 in 3 DC seniors have already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Additionally, due to increased vaccination operations and a need for more space, beginning Monday, February 15, the District will begin using the Lamond Recreation Center instead of the Hattie Holmes Wellness Center. Beginning with this Thursday’s appointment release, appointments beginning on Tuesday, February 16 will be booked at the Lamond Recreation Center. DC Health will work with Safeway to notify all individuals currently scheduled for second doses at Hattie Holmes of the change, and signage and personnel will also be on site at Hattie Holmes to assist with the transition.
The following populations are now receiving the vaccine in Washington, DC: individuals who work in health care settings; members of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department; residents of long-term and intermediate care facilities and residents of community residential facilities/group homes; DC residents who are 65 years old and older; individuals experiencing homelessness; members of the Metropolitan Police Department; Continuity of District Government personnel; Department of Corrections employees and residents; teachers and staff who are, or will be, working in person at a traditional or public charter school; and child care workers and teachers and staff at independent schools in DC.
Updates to the vaccinate.dc.gov Portal and Coronavirus Call Center
DC Health and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer continue working together, using feedback from the community, to improve the process of booking a vaccination appointment through vaccinate.dc.gov and the Coronavirus Call Center.
Improvements going into effect tomorrow include:
On Thursday morning, more than 230 call takers will be available to help residents make appointments over the phone. It is still recommended that residents with internet access use the vaccinate.dc.gov portal to make an appointment.
There was yet another shooting in the neighborhood. This time around 10:30 am today near Hamilton Street NE and Ingraham Street NE. Last week, there were shootings literally four days in a row near Jefferson Street NE. They took a break for the snowstorm and started again after the snowstorm. Meetings are happening, but neither MPD nor DC officials are going to say publicly exactly what they are doing to address this very real public health and safety threat. Nor do they have a clear public answer for why there is this recent spike in shootings, providing answers such as individuals being released from prison who are being targeted by violence or individuals who have committed offenses such as robberies who are now being targeted in retaliation, but they are not going to give details on investigations in any public setting.
What they will say publicly is that they strongly encourage residents to take advantage of the city’s private security rebate program to receive reimbursement for the purchase and installation of security cameras on homes. Residents receiving public assistance may receive a voucher for purchase and installation of cameras. In addition, eligible seniors and persons with disabilities may receive private security cameras at no charge through the DC Department of Aging and Community Living.
Residents can text tips to MPD at 50411.
And residents should feel free to express their concerns and suggestions for addressing this issue to DC officials:
Mayor Bowser Chief of Staff John Falcicchio – john.falcicchio@dc.gov
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie – kenyan.mcduffie@dccouncil.us
Acting Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice Christopher Geldhart – christopher.geldart@dc.gov with a copy to community outreach specialist Jasmin Benab at jasmin.benab@dc.gov
Interim MPD Chief Robert Contee – robert.contee@dc.gov
Hopefully we as a neighborhood can get a handle on these now daily shootings being perpetrated by known individuals to the community.
Theoretically, the District Department of Public Works (DPW) enforces a law that requires residents to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property within a certain of amount of time following a winter storm. Residents ages 65 years and older as well as residents with a disability may apply for a sidewalk shoveling exemption. The exemption lasts for two consecutive snow seasons. The current exemption runs from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The deadline to apply for this two year period is February 28, 2021.
I have no idea if DPW is actually enforcing this law during the public health emergency or if it has ever really enforced this law. In any case, let your eligible neighbor know, or better yet shovel off your eligible neighbor’s walk if you can. Residents can also sign up for assistance removing snow through the snow removal waitlist.
Free COVID-19 testing is available today from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm via a Neighborhood Pop-Up at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE). No appointment necessary, but pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/register. Bring your insurance card. More testing information is available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 