Downtowner DC News
By • February 25, 2019 0 774
Justin Fairfax Hires Kavanaugh Lawyers
Embattled Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has hired the same law firm as Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Fairfax is currently caught up in two sex-assault accusations and has denied them both. The firm Wilkinson Walsh Eskovitz, hired for Kavanaugh’s controversial confirmation hearings, will now be working with Fairfax. In the irony of ironies, Debra Katz, lawyer for Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford, will represent Fairfax’s accuser.
Bowser Signs Hate-Motivated Crimes Bill
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed legislation to extend protection against symbols of hate. The Community Harassment Prevention Emergency Amendment Act of 2018 makes it unlawful to display symbols like Nazi swastikas, nooses or burning crosses on public property or someone else’s property. In 2017, over a dozen nooses were displayed throughout the D.C. area. The displays weren’t crimes under D.C. law because they occurred at construction sites, on museum and university property, etc.
Wilson High Could Change Name
Changing the name of Woodrow Wilson High School due to Wilson’s prejudicial views and actions regarding African Americans was debated at a Feb. 12 public forum at the school. The Tenleytown school, built in 1935, was named after the 28th president, who is buried in the District. The proposed move to change the name has the support of D.C.’s History and Justice Collective.
D.C. Population Growth Has Slowed
The District’s population increase from 2017 to 2018 — the 13th year of growth — was the slowest in a decade, half the average for the decade from 2008 to 2018. D.C.’s population in July of 2018 was roughly 700,000, an increase of nearly 7,000 from the prior year. The slowdown has been attributed to such factors as housing costs, crime and the condition of the public schools.
Local Man Killed in Hit-and-Run
Danny Olaya, 35, was walking in LeDroit Park near Howard University with friends earlier this month when he was killed in a hit-and-run automobile accident. Olaya and his friends yelled at the driver to slow down; arguing ensued, threats were made and the driver went back to his Toyota RAV4. WTOP reported that the driver mentioned he was going to go and grab a gun. He ended up intentionally hitting Olaya from behind.
We Are Poor Drivers in Snow, Rain
Washington, D.C., was ranked third-worst for driving ability in snow and rain in Allstate Insurance’s 2018 Best Driver’s Report, which evaluated 200 cities. Alexandria, Virginia, clocked in at ninth. Another neighboring city, Baltimore, came in first. Despite or because of having far more winter weather, Boston beat D.C.
‘West Wing’ Anniversary at the Jefferson
The Jefferson, 1200 16th St. NW, will mark the 20th anniversary of Emmy-winning show “The West Wing” by offering a “West Wing Experience.” Fans will enjoy in-room memorabilia including a “Bartlet for America” campaign button, popcorn on request to watch episodes, a themed book-lending shelf in the hotel’s Plume bar and a specialty cocktail called the Bartlet. Business travelers will be able to take part in a “walk and talk” that includes D.C. hot spots and landmarks.
