Jack's Newsletter

Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans

October 13, 2011

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Jack's Newsletter

jack

I thought it would be most appropriate in this newsletter to express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Frank Kameny. Dr. Kameny, who passed away on October 11, was a leading figure in the LGBT movement and remained a strong advocate for equality up until his death.

Dr. Kameny's contributions to the gay rights movement here in DC and around the country simply cannot be overstated. Dr. Kameny, who lost his federal government job due to his sexual orientation, risked everything not only for what he knew was right, but also to blaze a trail for those who came after him, in an effort to lessen their struggle.

LGBT issues have been a major focus of mine ever since I joined the Council. As the District's first elected official to support same sex civil marriage, I led the fight to repeal the District's anti-sodomy law and fought hard for the passage of domestic partnerships. I also co-sponsored the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act, leading to the passage of marriage equality in the District. In June 2010, I was pleased to join then-Mayor Adrian Fenty and other city and community leaders to rename a section of 17th Street in Dupont Circle "Frank Kameny Way," which was only a small token of the honor Dr. Kameny deserves.

I will continue to work closely with the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit of the District's Metropolitan Police Department to ensure that enforcement and education remain priorities of the Department. I will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's office to make sure that hate crimes are identified quickly and criminals prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I will also continue to work with our Department of Health as we identify solutions to combat HIV/AIDS in our community, an issue of great importance to all District residents.

Dr. Kameny will be missed greatly, but his contributions and life's work undoubtedly will live on. I have served Ward 2 with pride since 1991 and will continue to fight on behalf of the LGBT community to ensure that everyone enjoys equal rights and privileges.

Jack

Evans Joins City Leaders & Sports Legends to Celebrate

50 Years at RFK Stadium

Councilmember Evans last week joined city leaders and several DC sports legends to announce the launch of a celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. The celebration is a tribute to the 50 years of sports, entertainment and special events at the stadium through a combination of interactive programs and community events that will take place through 2011.

"RFK Stadium holds a very special place in the hearts of District residents," said Evans. "I am proud to join with these legendary players and athletes to celebrate RFK's storied past and look towards its bright future."

In addition to city leaders, Evans was joined at the event by former Washington Redskin Charles Mann and George Washington University football great Norm Neverson, who shared their memories of playing at RFK.

Through Events DC's I Remember campaign, fans can share videos, photos and comments on their most memorable RFK Stadium stories and experiences. Fans can also vote for the RFK All-Stadium Team - a roster of the 50 greatest athletes and entertainers in stadium history. To participate, as well as to view a listing of official 50th anniversary events, fans can click here and here.

DC Lottery Announces i-Gaming Community Meetings

The D.C. Lottery announced recently that it has confirmed the dates for the rescheduled i-Gaming community outreach meetings. The meetings, scheduled for all 8 Wards of the District, are part of a larger commitment to give the public a platform to voice their concerns and opinions about internet gaming in the District of Columbia following a June 29 public hearing.

"I look forward to hearing firsthand from residents their thoughts and concerns about the i-Gaming proposal," said Evans. "These meetings will provide valuable feedback as we move forward."

The community meetings along with an ANC Chairs meeting will commence in mid-October and conclude shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday.

A revised community meeting calendar is available on the DC Lottery website.

Can't attend the i-Gaming community meetings? You can leave your comments/questions here.

Ruth Werner is Evans' Committee Director.

District Residents & Visitors Welcomed with New Sign

Residents and visitors heading into the District may feel a bit more welcome the next time they cross over the Key Bridge thanks to the work of Councilmember Evans.

After receiving several calls about the state of the "Welcome to DC" sign, Evans contacted the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and a new custom sign was installed at the west end of the bridge, where it greets people as they enter the District from Virginia.

"Our welcome signs create an important first impression for those entering our city," said Evans. "I appreciate DDOT sharing my concern and handling this request so quickly."

Sherri Kimbel is Evans' DDOT liaison.

Evans to Grand Marshal

25th Annual High Heel Race

Evans with participants of the 2010 High Heel Race.

Dupont's 25th annual High Heel Race will take place this year on October 25, with Councilmember Evans serving as the event's Grand Marshal.

17th Street, NW between Riggs Place and P Street will close at 6:00pm, with the race starting at 9:00pm sharp, running north to south.

"I am honored to once again be a part of one of the city's premier events," said Evans. "I hope to see everyone there as we celebrate the diversity of our city, the great neighborhood of Dupont, and kick off Halloween."

Learn more, sign up to run the race, buy tickets, or become a sponsor here.

This year's race is being organized by Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets.

Andrew Huff is Evans' Dupont Circle liaison.

FAIR Fund to Hold

Poker for a Purpose

Please join FAIR Fund and sponsors Mie-N-Yu Restaurant and What's the Deal for "Poker for a Purpose" on Sunday, October 16 from 11:00am-3:00pm at Mie-N-Yu restaurant (3125 M Street, NW). Proceeds will benefit FAIR Fund's JewelGirls program, an art therapy and economic empowerment initiative for girls in DC shelters and schools, working to help them stay safe from sexual violence and exploitation. FAIR Fund, a DC based international nonprofit organization, works to prevent human trafficking and sexual violence in the lives of youth, especially girls, around the world.

Brunch, a JewelGirls jewelry party, and other fun will be available for those who wish to attend the event, but are not interested in joining the poker tournament. Brunch and poker registration will begin at 11:00am and the poker tournament at 12:00pm.

"Fair Fund does great and important work around the world to address the issue of human trafficking," said Evans. "I encourage everyone to come and support this great event and organization."

Ticket are $50 for brunch-only, and $90 for poker players if purchased in advance ($100 at the door). Tickets to the event are available here.

Additional information about the event can be found here.

Raffle prizes will include Washington Capitals hockey tickets courtesy of Councilmember Evans, dinner for 2 at Chef Michel Richard's new restaurant, gift certificates for dinner at Mie n Yu, gift cards to other local restaurants and shops, Starbucks gift packages, poker gear, and other prizes.

For additional information on the Fair Fund, please click here.

District to Host College Fair

On Tuesday, October 18, the District's Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) will host the 2011 DC College Fair. The event will be held in Hall C at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place, NW).

Over 300 colleges and universities will be represented at the event, where students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about educational opportunities around the country.

Come out and take advantage of this opportunity to further your education!

To pre-register for the event, please click here.

For additional information on the event, please click here.

Metro to Host Town Hall on
MetroAccess Contract

Metro is preparing to seek proposals for a new contract to provide MetroAccess service. In preparation of the solicitation, Metro and its Accessibility Advisory Committee will host three town hall meetings to obtain input and recommendations from the public. Customers and stakeholders will have the opportunity to talk to Metro leadership to provide their perspectives on any improvement or changes they would like to see. The current MetroAccess contract expires June 30, 2013.

Each of the town hall meetings will begin with an open house at 6:00pm, where MetroAccess riders and stakeholders can pick up informational materials and speak with Metro officials.

The town hall meetings will be held from 6:30pm-8:30pm as follows:

Monday, October 24
Jackson Graham Building
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Tuesday, October 25
Arlington Central Library
1015 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, Virginia 22201

Wednesday, October 26
First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville
6201 Belcrest Road
Hyattsville, MD 20782

Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments may do so by calling 202-962-1141 during the meeting dates and times above and provide comments by telephone. Comments may also be emailed to access@wmata.com or mailed to WMATA, Attn: MetroAccess, 600 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Smith Center for Healing

& the Arts Unveils Expanded Community Center

The Smith Center at 17th and U Streets, NW.

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts recently unveiled its newly renovated and expanded U Street community center at 17th & U Streets, NW. Here they will continue to offer resources for people affected by cancer, and with the expanded space offer new programs and classes that empower the general public to enhance their overall wellbeing.

The updated center features more than 2000-square feet of additional program space, a tranquil rooftop terrace, and a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. Program offerings hosted at the community center now include therapeutic yoga and qigong classes, wellness and healthy living lectures, creativity workshops, and a Living Well with Cancer series. In addition, Smith Center is offering several healthy cooking and nutrition classes at the U Street center each week. Classes cover such topics as vegetarian cooking, eating for a lifetime, nourishing foods for people with cancer, and healthy takes on local favorites with celebrity chefs from the DC area.

Since 1996, Smith Center has served the local cancer community through a unique combination of educational and creative programs, retreats, classes and workshops that are designed to engage an individual's innate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resources to achieve life-affirming change, hope and healing. With the expansion of its U Street space, Smith Center will now offer more programs to its core audience, as well as new health and wellness programs geared to the general community.

"Smith Center meets an important need in the community and this expansion is a great addition to the neighborhood and city," said Evans. "Their work reaches beyond those fighting cancer to include family, friends, and loved ones."

All of the classes and programs at Smith Center are taught by a renowned collection of highly regarded facilitators, medical professionals and physicians, nutritionists, certified yoga and meditation instructors, artists and more. Smith Center is committed to making all of its programs affordable and accessible to anyone who could benefit from them. Many classes are free of charge or low cost. Scholarship and fellowship assistance is also available.

For a current schedule of Smith Center programs and classes, or to learn more about the organization, click here or call 202-483-8600.

Pepco & Arbor Day Foundation

Launch Energy-Saving Project

Pepco, in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 3,000 free trees to Pepco customers in the Washington, DC area. The cooperative effort launches the Arbor Day Foundation's pilot energy efficiency program, Energy-Saving Trees, aimed at helping conserve energy through strategic tree planting.

The trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with 1,000 trees reserved for District of Columbia customers.

Pepco customers can reserve up to two free trees here

from September 26-November 12. The free-tree distribution is being handled through the Arbor Day Foundation. In return for the free trees, customers agree to plant them in a recommended location on their property and care for them. The planting location will be recommended based on its potential to create shade as the tree grows in height to reduce energy consumption.

To ensure that customers are planting the right trees in the most strategic location, the Energy-Saving Trees program uses an online tool. Customers can map their houses, select a tree with energy-saving potential, learn the best energy-saving and safe locations to plant, and receive an estimate of the annual savings that may result when the tree grows. When a Pepco customer reserves trees, the two- to four-foot trees will be delivered directly to the customer for planting in the location identified online at the best time for planting this fall.

Along with the estimated future energy savings, the online tool also provides estimates of other community benefits that trees provide, including air quality improvements, storm-water reduction, and carbon sequestration.

"Thanks to Pepco and the Arbor Day Foundation for providing these trees," said Evans. "They not only beautify our environment, but also provide the potential to save energy and money."

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information about the Foundation and its conservation programs can be found here.

Sarina Loy is Evans' utilities liaison.

Full Democracy for DC

Rally & March Saturday

In conjunction with the rescheduled MLK Memorial Dedication on Sunday, October 16, District leaders and residents will gather for the Full Democracy for DC Rally and March starting at 9:30am at Freedom Plaza (13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW).

Following the rally, participants will march to the grounds of the Washington Monument and join with the National Action Network's "Jobs and Justice Rally," convened by Reverend Al Sharpton, before marching to the MLK Memorial.

Participants will include members of the Council of the District of Columbia, members of Congress, entertainers, national activists, and others who support the cause.

"I encourage everyone to participate in this important event," said Evans. "This day will serve as a call to action for all of the District's residents and those from around the country to get involved in the statehood movement and help put an end to taxation without representation."

For additional information on the rally and march, please click here.

Waiting for Superman

Screening & Panel October 22

Concluding the second season of the U Street Movie Series, the U Street Neighborhood Association's Education Committee will host a free screening of Waiting for Superman followed by a panel discussion on education policy. The event will take place on Saturday, October 22 from 12:00pm-3:30pm at Shaw at Garnet-Patterson Junior High School (2001 10th Street, NW).

Waiting for Supermanis a 2010 documentary film by director Davis Guggenheim and producer Lesley Chilcott, which analyzes the failures of American public education by following several students though the educational system, hoping to be selected in a lottery for acceptance into charter schools. Admission is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to attend, as seating is limited.

"It is important to continue the dialogue on how we, as a city, can continue to improve our schools," Evans said. "Only through the involvement of concerned parents and community members and leaders can we further the strides we have made in our schools and work to make them even better."

For additional information or to register for the event, please click here.

Donation proceeds from the screening and panel discussion will support the HandsOn Greater DC Cares 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in January, and will directly benefit neighborhood schools. For over six years, HandsOn Greater DC Cares has used this day as a vehicle to recognize Dr. King's leadership, legacy, and life through acts of service focusing on school and education based non-profit organizations and engaging youth in service.

For additional information on the U Street Neighborhood Association, please click here.

Sherri Kimbel is Evans' DCPS liaison.

O Street Pepco Substation
Traffic Update

Work continues as Pepco upgrades their O Street, NW substation in the Logan Circle neighborhood. As part of Phase II of the project, the existing equipment will be removed from the substation, and new equipment brought in to replace it, requiring area street closings on the 1100 block of O Street, NW.

"We have asked Pepco to keep us informed on the timing of these street closings, so we can keep our constituents updated," said Evans. "Although they plan to only close streets during the times they are actually moving equipment, it will an inconvenience for those who live close by."

Pepco now plans to close O Street between 11th and 12th Streets, NW, including the south sidewalk, from October 17-19. No parking signs will be posted 72 hours in advance. Since the move will take from 24-48 hours, these dates may adjust somewhat, and residents can check www.jackevans.org for updated information.

This upgrade is not expected to cause any interruption to electrical service in the District.

Sherri Kimbel is Evans' Logan Circle liaison.

Legislative Update

The Committee on Finance and Revenue will continue the hearing held earlier this week on Bill 19-371, the "Recordation Tax on Refinances of Security Interest Instruments Clarification Act of 2011." The hearing will continue on October 20 beginning at 10:30am in the Council Chamber (Room 500). Bill 19-371 as introduced would amend the District of Columbia Deed Recordation Tax Act to clarify that refinances of security interest instruments shall be taxed only on the amount of new debt that exceeds existing debt so long that tax was paid on the existing debt or it was exempted from the recordation tax, and to provide that modifications shall be taxed as refinances unless otherwise exempt. Anyone who wishes to testify should contact Sarina Loy.

The Committee is also holding a hearing on October 26 at 10:00am in Room 412 on the following matters:

PR 19-368, the "Fiscal Year 2012 Income Tax Secured Bond and General Obligation Bond Issuance Approval Resolution of 2011"

This bill would approve the borrowing of funds by the District through the issuance and sale of either income tax secured revenue bonds or general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $450,148,768.

Bill 19-164, the "Schedule H Property Tax Relief Act of 2011"

This bill would amend section 47-06.06 of the District of Columbia Official Code to expand access to property tax relief for low-income residents living in DC by increasing the Schedule H income requirement ceiling from $20,000 to $50,000, by increasing the maximum benefit from $750 to $1,000, by changing the existing property tax equivalent amount from 15% to 20%, by allowing a tax filing unit to apply per household instead of one person filing per household, by adding a cost of living adjustment to the Schedule H, and by simplifying the property tax rate structure currently in place.

Bill 19-188, the "Combined Condominium Real Property Tax Act of 2011"

This bill would amend Chapter 11 of Title 10 and Chapter 19 of Title 42 of the District of Columbia Code to provide for the ability to combine abutting condominium units that form a single dwelling unit into one tax lot for real property assessment and taxation purposes.

Bill 19-257, the "Real Estate Broker Licensure Exemption Act of 2011"

This bill would amend Chapter 28 of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code to exempt from real estate broker licensure principals, officers and staff members of an entity that perform leasing activities to the extent that such person's services are limited to leasing, renting or collection of rents involving real property owned in whole or in part by such entity and/or its affiliates.

Bill 19-279, "National Capital Revitalization Corporation and Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Reorganization Act of 2008 Clarification Amendment Act of 2011"

This bill would amend the National Capital Revitalization Corporation and Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Reorganization Act of 2008 (the "NCRC Act") to modify the definition of "priority development area" that was transferred from the NCRC Act to the Supermarket Tax Exemption Act of 2000, so the definition includes the area bounded by M, I, 3rd and 6th Streets SW, as was originally designated as a "priority development area" in the National Capital Revitalization Corporation Act of 1998.

Bill 19-280, the "Streetscape Taxation Property Relief Act of 2011"

This bill would amend Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code to allow business and commercial property owners, who were substantially impacted by streetscape construction, to have penalties and interest for delayed real property tax payments waived, provided that they can demonstrate the streetscape project resulted in a substantial loss of revenue, and that their property was not classified as Class 4 by the Office of Tax and Revenue.

To sign up to testify, please contact Sarina Loy.

Ruth Werner is Evans' Committee Director.

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