January 2024 Downtowner News
By • January 13, 2025 0 9
Right-Turn-on-Red Ban in Effect
A District-wide ban on right turns at red traffic signals took effect at the start of the year. But it may not be enforced at every applicable intersection. According to NBC-4, the law, which first passed in 2022 without the mayor’s signature, required the District Department of Transportation to install no-turn-on-red signs throughout the city. However, DDOT said funding issues have prevented that. Also, some members of Congress see it as anti-car.
End of the Line for Circulator Buses
RIP, DC Circulator.
New Year’s Eve marked the end of an era — the Circulator era, to be exact. The popular red-and-yellow buses, the first in the District with real-time tracking, dedicated lanes and bicycle racks, served the area for nearly two decades. Best of all, the fare was only $1 (free for most of 2020 and 2021). A mix of business, government and transportation types joined regular riders on the final Circulator trips between Union Station and Georgetown.
New Pair of Pandas at National Zoo
Two giant pandas will make their grand debut at the Smithsonian National Zoo on Jan. 24 (members’ preview: Jan. 10 to 19). Settling into their renovated Asia Trail habitat are male Bao Li, whose name means “an active and vital power,” and female Qing Bao, whose name means “precious” and “treasure.” Bao Li was born on Aug. 4, 2021, about six weeks before Qing Bao, who was born on Sept. 12. Their three predecessors left in November of 2023.
Now That’s What I Call a Sandwich !
Mikey & Mel’s Famous Deli — named for the father and grandfather of Cleveland-raised brothers Aaron and Harley Magden — opened on Jan. 3 at the corner of L and 19th Streets NW. The menu features typical deli fare: bagels with lox or whitefish; corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches; cheese blintzes; and matzo ball soup. Downtown office workers may be taking home leftovers — a regular sandwich includes a half pound of meat.
Tree in Your Living Room? Read On …
Courtesy Casey Trees.
Still have your Christmas tree up? Never fear, there is time to take it down. Trees and greenery can be dropped off at three locations in D.C. now until March 2. The locations are: Bryant Street Sweep Shop, 201 Bryant St. NW; Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St. NW; and the DPW Salt Storage Facility, 2700 South Capital St. SE. Alternatively, you can leave your tree on the curb (sans decorations) on trash pickup days through Feb. 28.
Library Teams Up With Wizards
In partnership with the Washington Wizards, the District of Columbia Public Library is running a Winter Reading Challenge for children and teens ages 5 to 19, continuing through Feb. 28. By completing five activities in a row on the Bingo board — such as getting a recommendation from a librarian and bringing a friend to the library — participants can win mini over-the-door basketball hoops and Wizards prize packs. Register at dclibrary.org.
