At Summit, Equatorial Guinea’s President Looks to Soften Image

October 28, 2014

President Obama and other African leaders are expected to meet with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who denies ongoing human rights abuses in the small Central African nation.

Obiang will be honored by the Corporate Council for Africa, which is highlighting the “new Africa” at the summit, according to Al Jazeera America.
Many meetings will be held during the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington D.C. from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, with 50 heads of state in the city at the same time. It is the largest gathering of national leaders ever for a three-day event in the nation’s capital.

“President Obiang is trying to shed his image as the head of a corrupt and abusive government,” said Lisa Misol, senior business and human rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of giving him propaganda opportunities, President Obama should press for an end to torture, corruption and other abuses that are rife in Equatorial Guinea.”

In a recent human rights report, the State Department cited the most serious human rights abuses in Equatorial Guinea as “disregard for the rule of law and due process, including police use of torture and excessive force; denial of freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association; and widespread official corruption.”

Nguema Mba, a former military officer who was granted status as a refugee in Belgium in 2013, was abducted illegally in his visit to Nigeria in late 2013 and turned over to Equatorial Guinea, where he is believed to be held by government authorities and tortured. Nguema still remains in custody and reportedly was transferred to solitary confinement on July 26.

The Obiang government has denied that torture takes place in Equatorial Guinea. In 2013, when the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights inspected the country, the delegation from the government highlighted “the absence of torture in the country’s prisons and the care given to inmates.”

Equatorial Guinea is one of the largest oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and has a population of 735,000, making it the wealthiest country per capita in Africa.
However, government critics allege that corruption has led to the country having only a small portion of the population sharing the wealth, while conditions for most Guineans remain worse than in many African countries with fewer natural resources.

“It is shocking that President Obiang gets the red-carpet treatment in Washington while his perceived opponents in Equatorial Guinea are thrown in prison to be flogged,” said Tutu Alicante, a human rights lawyer from Equatorial Guinea. “We hope President Obama tells President Obiang loud and clear to end false imprisonment, torture and oil-fueled corruption.”

Obiang has been in power since 1979 as its president, having overthrown his uncle, who was the first president of the small nation, in a bloody coup d’etat.

Streetcars Getting Real Along H Street


The D.C. Department of Transportation will start training streetcar operators in real-time traffic Aug. 4 along H Street and Benning Road, the first segment of the new D.C. streetcar system to offer passenger service later this year.

The first 2.4-mile long segment of the D.C. streetcar rail extends from Oklahoma Ave., NW, to Union Station, making multiple stops along H Street and Benning Road. Each operator will train with supervisors under various traffic scenarios as a part of the certification process to carry passengers.

D.C. Transportation Officials said that drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists are advised to use caution when travelling along the H Street corridor as the streetcars will now begin operating.

“Remember to ‘Look, Listen, Be Safe!’ around streetcar vehicles at all times – look both ways and listen for the streetcar before stepping into the crosswalk, and never walk in front of a moving streetcar,” said a DDOT official.

Also be alert that vehicles will now be ticketed and towed that are parked in the streetcar’s path, including cars parked outside the white lines and illegally double-parked cars.

For more information about the new streetcars, visit dcstreetcar.com.

Floating Food Boat Coming to the Potomac

August 20, 2014

Thanks to Nauti Foods, D.C’s first food boat, paddlers on the Potomac River can now grab a quick bite to eat, starting this weekend. Nauti Foods will partner with local food vendors, such as Dolcezza Gelato, Bullfrog Bagels and Sticky Fingers, to offer a wide variety of snacks to anyone on the Potomac.

“We will be serving a variety of food on our boat,” said Ari Fingeroth, co-founder of Nauti Foods. “Hot dogs, healthy snacks, baked goods, ice cream and non-alcoholic drinks on board.”

“I have been boating for 15 years now,” Fingeroth said. “I think there is a high demand of quick access to food amongst the kayakers on the river so I came up with the idea of floating food boats.”

The Nauti Foods boat will be stationed north of Key Bridge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings. The business hours will be flexible, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays, noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

For more information and updates, follow Nauti Foods (@nautifoods) on Twitter and Facebook.

Police to Issue Tickets to Litterers

August 18, 2014

Beginning Sept. 1, a new anti-littering law will be enforced by the Metropolitan Police, which will allow officers to issue $75 Notice of Violation for littering to any pedestrians caught littering on public space, in waterways or on someone else’s private property.

If you are issued an NOV for littering, you are then required to provide your accurate name and your address to the officer. If you refuse or fail to do so, you can be arrested. When convicted, the litterer will be fined an additional $100 to $250 by D.C. Superior Court. The fines will double when an individual fails to respond to the ticket either by paying or appealing the ticket to the Office of Administrative Hearing.

During August, police officers are writing warnings to litterers in the First, Second, Third, Fifth and Seventh Police Districts to educate the public about the possible consequences of the upcoming littering law enforcement.

A driver of any vehicle — where an officer sees either the driver or any passenger throw out trash of any kind on to any public space, such as streets, alleys and sidewalks — will continue to be fined with a $100 ticket.

Cajun Restaurant, Yummi Crawfish, Set to Debut on Wisconsin Avenue

August 7, 2014

Yummi Crawfish Restaurant is opening up its first location at 1529 Wisconsin Ave., NW, as it takes over the former Puro Café space.

The restaurant plans to offer crawfish, Cajun-style, unique to Louisiana. Other seafood options will be available, such as crab legs, lobster, mussels, shrimp and raw oysters.

As Yummi Crawfish is interviewing prospective restaurant workers, it promises to provide quality seafood as well as friendly service to the customers.
“With our hearts in our hands, our promise is to always provide fresh and high quality seafood that will be pampered with delightful flavors,” according to the Yummi Crawfish website. “It is a commitment to achieve the ideal customer experience success. We believe in making a difference, we are the difference.”

The opening date for the restaurant is yet to be determined. Stay tuned for updates on the restaurant’s debut.

Africa Leaders Summit Slows Traffic, Stops Pedestrians


Washington, D.C., underwent tight security as the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit arrived in the city. The summit was hosted by President Barack Obama. He invited 50 African leaders to discuss the future of U.S.-Africa relations and how they can expand cooperation in building the infrastructure for the continent of Africa.

As the summit unfolded, many of the roads throughout D.C. are closed and restricted parking was enforced causing commuters to take a detour route on some streets. While most of the road closures are happening in downtown D.C., Georgetown was still affected by the summit. In Georgetown, the president of Congo and his entourage — and others — stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue. VIPs at the hotel caused 29th Street, NW, between K Streets, NW, to close until 6 p.m., Aug. 7. For pedestrians walking or working near the vicinity of hotels where leaders are staying, there were ID checks by the Secret Service.

D.C. Marijuana Decriminalization Law Now in Effect

August 4, 2014

The new marijuana law decriminalizing marijuana took effect July 17 in D.C., after a 60-day congressional review period, making the District’s marijuana possession penalties among the lowest in the country.

Approved by the District of Columbia Council and signed by Mayor Vincent Gray last March, the law will loosen criminal penalties for possession of marijuana to a fine of $25, similar to a parking ticket, to any iThe new marijuana law decriminalizing marijuana took effect July 17 in D.C., after a 60-day congressional review period, making the District’s marijuana possession penalties among the lowest in the country.

Approved by the District of Columbia Council and signed by Mayor Vincent Gray last March, the law will loosen criminal penalties for possession of marijuana to a fine of $25, similar to a parking ticket, to any individual who possess one ounce or less marijuana.

Up until today, possession of any amount of marijuana was considered to be a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Police can no longer take action because they smell marijuana nor can they demand the presentation of government-issued ID to anyone who carries less than an ounce.

Despite the changes, a person can still be arrested for use of any amount of marijuana in a public space, selling any amount of marijuana to another person and operating a vehicle or boat under the influence of marijuana.

While many in D.C. applaud the lower penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, the new legislation does have its critics.

Delroy Burton, the chair of the D.C. Police Union, has criticized the law for being too vague and confusing when an officer may search or arrest someone on marijuana.
“This is not a simple issue,” Burton told the Washington Post. “It’s about enforcement and decriminalization and where you draw the line of what officers can do and cannot do. Our officers are going to have to go out there and enforce a convoluted mess.”

The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation-wide organization that lobbied in support of the legislation, has expressed joy in the recent change.

“Public support for ending marijuana prohibition is at an all-time high nationwide,” said Robert Capecchi, deputy director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “It is only fitting that our nation’s capital will have some of the lowest penalties in the country for adult marijuana possession. Criminalizing adults for using marijuana is quickly becoming an antiquated policy in the United States.”

Capecchi also argued that the new marijuana laws will make D.C. safer due to law enforcement officials spending more time in addressing serious crimes.
“Adults in the District will no longer face potentially life-altering criminal penalties simply for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol,” Capecchi said. “Our law enforcement officials will be able to spend more time addressing serious crimes. This law will make D.C. safer.”

Meanwhile, marijuana advocates have submitted petition signatures seeking to have D.C. residents vote in November on whether or not to follow the path that Colorado and Washington has taken in legalizing marijuana for casual use.

ndividual who possess one ounce or less marijuana.

Up until today, possession of any amount of marijuana was considered to be a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Police can no longer take action because they smell marijuana nor can they demand the presentation of government-issued ID to anyone who carries less than an ounce.

Despite the changes, a person can still be arrested for use of any amount of marijuana in a public space, selling any amount of marijuana to another person and operating a vehicle or boat under the influence of marijuana.

While many in D.C. applaud the lower penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, the new legislation does have its critics.

Delroy Burton, the chair of the D.C. Police Union, has criticized the law for being too vague and confusing when an officer may search or arrest someone on marijuana.
“This is not a simple issue,” Burton told the Washington Post. “It’s about enforcement and decriminalization and where you draw the line of what officers can do and cannot do. Our officers are going to have to go out there and enforce a convoluted mess.”

The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation-wide organization that lobbied in support of the legislation, has expressed joy in the recent change.

“Public support for ending marijuana prohibition is at an all-time high nationwide,” said Robert Capecchi, deputy director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “It is only fitting that our nation’s capital will have some of the lowest penalties in the country for adult marijuana possession. Criminalizing adults for using marijuana is quickly becoming an antiquated policy in the United States.”

Capecchi also argued that the new marijuana laws will make D.C. safer due to law enforcement officials spending more time in addressing serious crimes.
“Adults in the District will no longer face potentially life-altering criminal penalties simply for possessing a substance that is less harmful than alcohol,” Capecchi said. “Our law enforcement officials will be able to spend more time addressing serious crimes. This law will make D.C. safer.”

Meanwhile, marijuana advocates have submitted petition signatures seeking to have D.C. residents vote in November on whether or not to follow the path that Colorado and Washington has taken in legalizing marijuana for casual use.

UPDATE on 90-Day Stay: D.C. Ban on Handguns Carried Outside the Home Struck Down


U.S. District Court Judge Frederick Scullin ordered a 90-day stay on his ruling that D.C.’s total ban on carrying handguns in public is unconstitutional. Scullin relied on the fact the plaintiffs in the lawsuit did not oppose the stay so that the District Council can have the time to re-write the gun law.

Of his decision, Scullin wrote, “. . . An immediate 90-day stay is appropriate to provide the city council with an opportunity to enact appropriate legislation consistent with the court’s.”

On July 28, D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan asked for a stay on the ruling until the D.C. decides on a potential appeal for the ruling or 180 days which will give the city lawmakers enough time to approve a new legislation that will regulate public gun carry within the District.

The stay will be in effect until Oct. 22 for the District Council to come up with new regulations or appeal the judge’s ruling to a higher court

Below is the original news story.

The D.C. ban on handguns carried outside the home was struck down as unconstitutional on July 26 by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. District residents are now permitted to carry legally registered pistols in public. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier sent out an instructional memo telling officers not to arrest individuals carrying legally registered handguns.

The ruling came after five-year long lawsuit, Palmer vs. District of Columbia, and was brought by the Second Amendment Foundation and four licensed gun owners in the District. The legal started when three licensed gun-owners had their gun registration denied by the MPD because they intended to carry their guns in public.

The fourth plaintiff in the lawsuit is a New Hampshire resident who was charged with illegal gun carry after he was stopped for speeding. He later applied for a legal permit which would allow him to carry his handgun when he traveled through the city but had his gun licensing application rejected by the MPD.

“Congratulations, Americans, your capital is not a constitution-free zone,” wrote attorney Alan Gura, who represented the gun owners in this case, on his blog in response to the ruling. “Obviously, the carrying of handguns for self-defense can be regulated. But totally banning a right literally spelled out in the Bill of Rights isn’t going to fly.”

Ted Gest, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, which defended the city’s ban, told the Washington Times that the city is studying the opinion and its options, which would include appealing the judge’s ruling and asking the judge to stop his ruling from going into effect during any appeal made by the city.

Expect Traffic Problems During Summit Next Week


President Barack Obama and 50 African leaders will gather for the inaugural U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, the largest gathering ever any president has hosted for African heads of state. This summit will serve as a multilateral forum to discuss America’s advancement in cooperation with African governments.

The theme of the summit is “Investing in the Next Generation,” whereby leaders will hold meetings to discuss the importance of investing in the future of the continent by engaging young Africans by expanding cooperation between the countries represented.

This large summit will make it difficult for commuters starting from Sunday through Wednesday. Many streets throughout the west side of Washington will be closed, and parking will be restricted.

Several Metrobus routes will travel on a detour route due to road closures. Metrorail will operate as normal.

“Motorists should pay close attention to motorcades and short-term road closures,” Reggie Sanders, spokesman for the District Department of Transportation, told the Washington Post. “Driving downtown probably will not be a good idea during this period, because there will be a lot of rolling closures on streets.”

Stay up-to-date to road closure schedule by clicking [here](http://www.secretservice.gov/press/JIC02-14_AfricaMap.pdf#page=1&zoom=160,-50,612
And refer [here](http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/rail_bus.cfm?#bus).

A Slew of New Eateries Coming to Town

July 31, 2014

Georgetown is adding to its wide variety of cuisine available in the neighborhood.

Here is an update on the upcoming new restaurants in Georgetown:

Bangkok Joe’s, well-known for its delicate Thai cuisine closed June 1 to covnert the space into a new South East Asian and French Restaurant called Mama Rouge. The new restaurant will open in early September. Mama Rouge will be located at 3000 K St., NW.

Orange Anchor, a new nautically-themed restaurant located on the Georgetown Waterfront will open in early August. The restaurant will offer seafood dishes as well as other beachy dishes, including signature hot dogs and corn dogs. The restaurant will also offer 40 different kinds of rum-heavy spirits to complement the food being served. The restaurant will be at 3050 K St., NW.

A new Japanese-style teriyaki griller will open early November at 1515 Wisconsin Ave, NW. The site of the restaurant is currently undergoing construction for extensive interior renovation. This restaurant plans to operate 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., Friday and Saturday, to help accommodate late night eaters of Georgetown.

With Chez Billy Sud, the Hilton brothers are looking to open up their newest location in Georgetown as they take over the former Café La Ruche at 1039 31st St., NW, early August. This restaurant will feature authentic Southern French cuisine, craft cocktails and a wide variety of French wines.

Il Canale, one of Georgetown’s favorite Italian restaurants, is expanding into the old Cannon’s Seafood building. The new, additional space is undergoing interior renovations as a part of the restaurant’s expansion plan. A publicist for Il Canale said that the restaurant is looking to complete the renovations by the end of the year.

A new Cajun-style restaurant, Yummi Crawfish will open at 1529 Wisconsin Ave., NW, as it takes over the former Puro Café. The restaurant will serve up a great variety of seafood dishes, including lobsters, crab legs, mussels, shrimp and raw oysters. The opening date is yet to be determined, stay tuned for more updates.