November 2024 Downtowner
By • November 11, 2024 0 179
&pizza in Hot Water Over ‘Berry Knots’
Courtesy &pizza.
When Marion Berry Knots appeared on the menu of &pizza, all heck broke loose. The marketing campaign for the knots, coated with powdered sugar, referenced former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry’s addiction struggles and drug arrest in the ’90s. Following protests and a cease-and-desist from Barry’s widow, the chain removed the item and made promises to the Black community regarding partnerships, investment and diversity training.
Making 18 the Minimum Age to Marry in D.C.
The District Council held a legislative hearing late last month on the Child Marriage Prohibition Amendment Act of 2024. Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto proposed the legislation, intended to address the reality that, unlike surrounding states, 16- and 17-year-old can marry in D.C. with a parent’s or judge’s consent. Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania have all ended child marriage. If passed, the act would make the minimum age 18.
No Amplification, Projectiles at Residential Protests
Council member Pinto also introduced legislation setting limits on how people can protest in residential locations. Sped up on an emergency basis, the legislation ultimately passed 9-2. Protestors have often hosted what they dub “wake-up calls” outside the homes of politicians and other decision-makers. The limits — prohibiting protestors from using amplified sound or throwing projectiles at homes — will go into effect 90 days after Mayor Bowser signs the act.
Ex-Commander Darrell Green Gets Key to City
Mayor Bowser gave former Washington Commanders cornerback Darrell Green the Key to the City in recognition of his NFL career and decades of contributions to the District. A symbol of municipal gratitude, the Key to the City is considered to be the highest honor an individual can receive in D.C. Green, 64, 1996 NFL Man of the Year and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008, spent his entire 20-year career with the Commanders (under the team’s former name).
District Plans to Buy, Lease Back Capital One Arena
Capital one arena. Wikipedia photo.
If approved, legislation submitted by the mayor would have the District purchase Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, for $87.5 million, leasing it back to Monumental Sports & Entertainment until 2050. Monumental, which is to contribute $285 million to the venue’s renovation and cover cost overruns, would have the option to extend the lease for an additional 20 years. A noteworthy provision would require the teams to stay put at least through 2045.
Downtown, Dupont Holiday Markets to Open Nov. 22
Photo from Instagram.com/dcholidaymarket.
Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of the DowntownDC Holiday Market, which will open in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood on Friday, Nov. 22, and run through Monday, Dec. 23. This year, the market operator has changed to the Makers Show, a mixed-use platform founded by women and committed to diversity and supporting the growth of small businesses. Also opening on Nov. 22 (but ending earlier, on Sunday, Dec. 15): The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle.
