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Gary Tischler • March 3, 2014

Amid a flurry of D.C. Democratic Party mayoral candidate forums, focus tends to get lost sometimes. Only three candidates showed up for the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association-sponsored forum this week, but there were numerous other forums around town, as sometimes weary candidates rode the forum treadmill in advance of the April 1 primary.

At this forum were Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells and At-large Councilman Vincent Orange who made it to the mid-week morning forum for the D.C. downtown neighborhood which is actually a part of Ward 2, represented by Evans. Incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray had already declined the invitation earlier due to a conflict. Rising Ward 4 candidate Muriel Bowser did not attend either, as was the case for Andy Shallal, the Busboys and Poets restaurant(s) owner.

The forum—which often wandered into somewhat and site-specific issues pertinent to the owners and retailers of the Penn Quarter District—was held against the background of a new poll—from WRC 4—which showed Gray maintaining a still considerable lead with 28 percent of likely voters supporting him. But for the candidates chasing him, there was some movement—Bowser is opening up a lead over her fellow challengers, gaining a 20-percent support. That made for a distancing gap over Evans (13 percent ) and Wells (12 percent ) as well as Shallal (6 percent ) and Orange (4 percent ).

The Penn Quarter forum was held on a morning when yet another snow storm (brief, but full of flurries) hit Washington that morning. The candidates talked about familiar subjects. Evans continued to tout his experience (he’s the longest-serving council member by far), his expertise on matters financial, his desire to create more affordable housing for the city which is in something of a housing boom, not to mention operating at a surplus. Wells again talked about ethics—he’s the only candidate who’s not taking corporate contributions. In addition, there was talk about noise problems in Penn Quarter, commercial lighting and an apparent increase in the presence of prostitutes in the area.

The forum suffered from the absence of the other candidates. It’s hard to have a debate with a sitting mayor when he’s not there or when the person who appears to be the current leading challenger is not there.

The WRC4 Poll, conducted with WAMU-FM, the Washington Informer and Marist College, offered up similar results from the previous poll, conducted by the Washington Post—albeit with a narrower margin of a lead for Gray.

Many voters are still concerned over the cloud that hangs over the Gray campaign from his previous campaign, the indictments that resulted from a federal investigation which is ongoing and the activities of developer Jeffrey Thompson. While apologizing, the mayor has refused to talk about the issue

In the WRC poll, two-thirds of those polled said they preferred to have a different mayor this time around. That result seemed at least a little odd, as if separating voter discontent, mistrust and a willingness, a preference for someone new, to an unwillingness on a large base to support anyone else over Gray.

The poll also noted that there is support for Gray’s handling of governance, given that the city is not only on a sound financial footing but appears to be booming. Still, it’s been suggested—by the Post and the mayor’s challengers—that Gray can’t take the credit for all of that since the process of revival, educational reform and economic improvement began under Mayor Anthony Williams and continued under Mayor Adrian Fenty, whom Gray defeated in the previous election.

Once thing is certain for everyone: time is running out—with only a month to go.

Gray has to hang on to his lead and hope nothing emerges from the ongoing investigation. Bowser has to show signs—other than a Post endorsement which, it has been suggested, may backfire—that she can continue a going forward momentum. Both Evans and Wells, stuck at similar numbers from the Post poll have to find a way to move forward themselves. Orange and Shallal have to decide that they have the commitment and reasons to stay in the race.

All of them have to survive—like residents facing yet another storm or bone-chilling temperatures—what appears now to a vortex of forums.

Robert Devaney • February 28, 2014

If you’re driving over Roosevelt Bridge to Arlington tomorrow through Thursday, stay alert for detours to get to Route 50 during off-peak hours. Your regular ramp will be blocked during that time.

The District Department of Transportation will make bridge preservation repairs on the westbound (outbound) Roosevelt Bridge (I-66) ramp to Route 50.

The repairs will require temporary closures to the ramp and will take place 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Tuesday, Feb. 11, to Thursday, Feb. 13, DDOT reports.

Motorists will be detoured to Lee Highway and onto Fort Myer Drive toward another entrance to westbound Route 50. Temporary signs and traffic control measures will be in place to alert and guide the traveling public through the work zone.

For additional information about this work, contact project engineer Eric Cole at 202-497-7864.

Robert Devaney •

The Georgetown Business Improvement District, with the formal launch of the Georgetown 2028 15-Year Action Plan, reports that it is taking “a strategic approach to building an economically stronger and more sustainable commercial district.”

While the plan has been reported on for months in various media, including in The Georgetowner, the Georgetown BID is already moving ahead for some of its more eye-catching recommendations — there are 75 — that include: accelerating the schedule to bring Metro to Georgetown, revitalizing the C&O Canal and considering an aerial gondola between Rosslyn and Georgetown.

According to the BID, “the Georgetown 2028 Plan was eight months in the making, anchored by a 21-member task force and supported by three working groups that focused on transportation, economic development and public space. More than 200 community members, representing a broad spectrum of the neighborhood, contributed ideas and suggestions. The community successfully collaborated, reaching consensus, on the necessary steps to enhance the Georgetown experience for visitors, residents, business owners and the people who work here.”

“The Georgetown 2028 Plan preserves what is great about Georgetown, fixes what is broken and creates what is missing,” says the BID’s CEO Joe Sternlieb. “The plan allows for more economic activity with no additional negative impact on the community.”

The BID says that work has already begun on 30 of the 75 recommendations, including:

— A partnership agreement between the BID and the National Park Service to raise funds for a new C&O canal boat to replace The Georgetown.

— Securing private pledges for 50 percent of the cost for a feasibility study for an aerial gondola lift connecting Georgetown with the Rosslyn Metro Station. The BID is working with DDOT on matching transportation funds. D.C. Surface Transit, Inc., is the fiscal agent.

— Creating a Georgetown Streetcar Partnership between the BID, DDOT and Georgetown University to study options to extend the streetcar to Georgetown University.

— Locating and updating the approved Georgetown wayfinding signs that were originally ordered as part of the 2003 Georgetown Streetscape Project. The signs will be installed by March 15, in time to welcome visitors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The full Georgetown 2028 Plan is available on BID’s website at georgetowndc.com

Georgetowner • February 27, 2014

50 Shades! The Musical – a parody

January 16th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | Visit Website for pricing | Tel: 877-686-5366 | Event Website

With sold out audiences in Chicago and New York screaming for more, and a hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with a 4-star review, 50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL – THE ORIGINAL PARODY is coming for the first time to Washington, D.C., at the Warner Theatre on
January 16 – 18 for four performances only.

Address

Warner Theatre; 513 13th St NW

Choral Evensong Series

January 19th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | Free | diana@christchurchgeorgetown.org | Tel: 202-333-6677

Christ Church, Georgetown continues its Choral Evensong series on Sunday, January 19 at 5 p.m. with the music of Richard Ayleward, John Blow, and Johannes Brahms. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, this series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community. For information call .

Address

Christ Church, Georgetown; 31st and O Streets, N.W.

The Baroque in the New and the Old World

January 19th, 2014 at 05:30 PM | $30 – $60 | teatroliricodc@aol.com | Tel: (202) 360-3514 | Event Website

Acclaimed chorus director Thomas Colohan, whose work with the Washington Master Chorale has been described as “skillfully wrought and moving” (Washington Post), leads a cast of Baroque artists featuring sopranos Laura Stuart and Meghan McCall. The program includes “Venid Deidades” (Come, deities), one of the earliest operas composed in the New World; Alessandro Marcello’s oboe concerto, and Baroque dances from Peru. Produced by Teatro Lirico of DC in partnership with the Embassy of Peru.

Address

The Church of the Epiphany; 1317 G Street, NW.
(Metro: Red Line Metro Center station)

AUDITIONS: A Cappella Group

January 19th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | supremechord@yahoo.com | Event Website](http://www.supremechordsings.com/)

Supreme Chord, a DC-based co-ed a cappella group, is starting 2014 looking for tenors, basses, and vocal percussionists. Auditions in mid to late January. Please email us at supremechord@yahoo.com for more details! Check out our website at www.supremechordsings.com.

Address

Logan Circle area

Martin Luther King Day Power Lunch

January 20th, 2014 at 12:00 PM | $45 | Tel: 202.496.2020 | Event Website](http://www.omansion.com/)

From 12-2PM, Join us to celebrate the life of this visionary leader.
Gourmet buffet lunch, award winning desserts. Plenty of vegetarian options. Private rooms available.

Guests are invited to explore the museum’s 100 rooms and 70 secret doors after they dine. Search for Mrs. Rosa Parks room, the John Lennon room, the Safari room, over 50 signed guitars, art, memorabilia and much more. Be sure to bring a shopping bag, nearly everything’s for sale!

Address

The Mansion on O ST; 2020 O St NW

“Let Freedom Ring”

January 20th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | Free tickets will be given away up to two (2) per person | Tel: 202-467-4600 | [Event Website](http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/artists/?entity_id=14982&source_type=B)

The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration featuring the Let Freedom Ring Choir and other special guests honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in a free Millennium Stage concert. Tickets are required and will be distributed the day of the event in front of the Concert Hall beginning at 5 p.m. The 2014 concert features five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and recording artist Dionne Warwick.

Address

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; 2700 F Street, NW

Gary Tischler •

Sometimes, it seems almost too early to be talking about the 2014 Democratic mayoral primary campaign. At other times, it seems almost too late.

It’s too early because so far at least, the race is not yet on a majority of voters’ radars, even though it’s coming up very fast in the rear-view mirror, with the election slated for April 1. On the other hand, it seems almost way late in the game because it’s, well, slated for April 1.

If the recently published Washington Post poll on the race is any indication, a big portion of voters has not made up its mind. So far, early indications look good for Mayor Vincent Gray in relation to his rivals, but not so good in the mind of many who still have doubts about his trustworthiness and honesty.

Meanwhile, the race remains murky and unsettled, almost as much as Gray’s own situation — vis a vis the federal investigation into his 2010 campaign’s finances. Several of his campaign aides have been indicted, and this investigation is not closed and could still wreak havoc.

The poll is not good news for Gray’s Democratic rivals, no matter how much they slice it and dice it. The enthusiasm for long-time—some longer than others—District Council members running for mayor has failed to gain any sort of traction that might indicate they are serious threats at least at this time. Polls, as one pollster told me long ago, are pictures and thumbnails of a window in time, not predictors that you can bet the farm—or your minimum-wage check—on.

The poll asked the question: “If the Democratic primary election for mayor of the District of Columbia were held today, for whom would you vote?”

Of those polled, 24 percent picked incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray. Doesn’t look like much, but it’s a little more than double that of the three council candidates Ward Four Council member Muriel Bowser (12 percent), Ward 2 council member Jack Evans (11 percent), slightly more than Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells (also at 11 percent). Vincent Orange, an at-large council member, trails in single digits at 9 percent, and restaurant owner Andy Shallal got 5 percent. Rita Lewis and Christian Carter trailed far behind at 1 percent.

This is not good news for the trailing candidates, but it’s no cakewalk for Gray, either. The second big number in that particular part of the poll is the number of undecideds; it is almost as large as the vote for Gray.

Still, the showing of the council members doesn’t bode well. Less than two and a half months remain—75 days—for one or more of them to make a move, figure out what they’re not doing right, correct it and hope for the best.

Gray’s situation is a dilemma because of another part of the poll which measured the effect of the investigation into the 2010 campaign’s finances. Overall, 43 percent of those polled said it would be a major factor in their vote for a candidate, which is a significant figure. More importantly and more personally, 54 percent of those polled, when asked if the mayor was trustworthy or honest, said no.

That means that the investigation—which still holds the possibility of more indictments simply because it’s still ongoing—is a significant factor in the campaign for everyone, including the public at large.

On the other hand, Gray is getting lots of credit for doing a good job, especially in such areas as attracting new business, reducing crime, improving city services and creating more jobs. The only real area of concern throughout the city is education, where the margin is 38 to 34.

Gray is running for re-election as mayor of a city which has changed dramatically over the past decade, and especially during his years as mayor. Gray ran and won on a theme of “One City,” a slogan which he’s still using, although its meaning may be changing. Initially, it was meant to propel the idea of bring the city’s different areas together—i.e., bridging the gap between poor and rich, black and white. These days, one city, with that city growing and changing demographically with each day, seems more like a drive to homogeneity—and that is not the same thing.

These days, Gray is still shaking off questions about the campaign, although he’s delivered apologies on a radio show, a TV interview and during his campaign kickoff speech last week. The questions, it is safe to say, will continue to come. Just the other day Gray dismissed a question from a local television reporter asking him if he thought he was trustworthy and honest. Questions—maybe not that one, but similar ones—will continue. It’s one thing to insist that “I didn’t do anything.” That is not the same as not knowing anything.

Even if Gray wins the Democratic primary for mayor, he won’t be home free. An iffy poll result, one way or the other, is hardly a sure thing at this point. If at-large councilman David Catania does indeed run in the general election as he said he would if Gray won the primary, then there’s a spirited election ahead for him. Winning a one-on-one in November promises to be a tough task .

Georgetowner •

This holiday, events are happening all over D.C. in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, some of which include:

7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 — At-large council member Vincent Orange’s Black-Tie Gala and MLK, Jr. Celebration, Kellogg Conference Center, Gallaudet University.

8 a.m. to 9 a.m, Monday Jan. 20 — a wreath-laying service, hosted by the National Park Service, at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial.

5 p.m, Monday Jan. 20 — A musical celebration at the Kennedy Center and hosted by the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University. Tickets to this free event will be distributed at the Concert Hall.

Gary Tischler •

Watching politics is sometimes like watching the kings and would-be kings in Shakespeare’s histories and tragedies—on the throne, on the way to the throne, looking behind them, scheming and warding off rivals or overcoming them.
These past few days we’ve had a chance to see the human, unbending, self-repeating political process unfold right in front of us. In Virginia, Democrat Terry McAuliffe was formally anointed, if you will, as governor amid the usual ruffles and flourishes and speeches, congratulations and plans brewing in the background, his political future ahead of him, unblemished as yet by scandals or defeat.

In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie, a Republican with very big and real presidential ambitions, only recently re-elected in a landslide, found himself mired in a scandal apparently sparked by misdeeds by some of his top aides, the kind of thing that, from a distance looks both arrogant and stupid, but threatens his plans for higher office. The Christie presidential bandwagon has hit a pothole, or, better yet, is stuck in traffic.

In Washington, Mayor Vincent Gray made it official with his re-election kickoff event in front of mostly supporters, an event markedly different from that of his first campaign. These days the mayor remains burdened by the investigative cloud hanging over his 2010 campaign. Four of his campaign aides have been convicted of felonies in connection with the scandal. It is a difficult and ironic time for Gray, and for the city, for that matter, as he embarks on a campaign which seems to be based on putting the past behind him at a time when neither his opponents—of which there are many—or the media, or even the Attorney General may allow him to do that. While he may want to put the past behind him and run on his record and the future, many D.C. residents want to know what happened in 2010.

Both Gray and Christie once stood where McAuliffe stood for the first time Saturday — triumphant, with the campaign behind them, an era of duty and achievement ahead of them, a moment that all elected officials can enjoy, with no guarantees of what the future will bring.

Almost immediately after his inauguration, Gray became entangled in reports of the possibly illegal doings of his campaign heads and of a shadow campaign run by businessman Jeffrey Thompson which allegedly helped finance the Gray campaign. That shadow has dogged Gray until this day.
President Obama, after a convincing re-election win and a promising inauguration, has been hit by a scandals, including the NSA wiretap revelations, the horrible rollout of the Obamacare website and the Republican-led shutdown of the federal government.

Christie’s bridge scandal has as yet not been linked directly to him, but it brought up anew Christie’s alleged reputation for the use of the bully pulpit with the accent on bully. In the aftermath, Christie has shown a side he’s displayed before—the victim side, the land populated by ME, as if the damage of huge traffic jams was merely a nuisance that got in the way of the more serious blows of his betrayal by friends. He apologized, and then apologized some more to the Democratic mayor of Ft. Lee, who was apparently being punished by Christie staff for not endorsing him in his re-election bid.
Gray, too, has apologized, but in a way that appears not to have satisfied the media, toward whom he’s getting edgy, not always a smart thing to do. The media has been frustrated by a lack of answers on what Gray knew about the misdeeds in his 2010 campaign, and Gray is frustrated and apparently angered by the repeated questions from the media about them. But in an ethically challenged political atmosphere, it’s bound to happen again and again. The media will ask, his opponents will insinuate and make an issue of it. Perhaps nothing more will happen. But apologies, of course, don’t answer questions so he can look forward to a rough campaign.

That too is part of a politician’s life. McAuliffe got a taste of it during a generally combative election campaign against Ken Cuccinelli, the naturally abrasive Virginia Tea Party darling. McAuliffe gave as bad as he got and he won, but being governor—just ask Bob McDonnell—is part living in the mansion, part living in the media bubble.

You look at McAuliffe now, and it’s a refreshing sight, the face of a happy man, reaching across the aisle, eager to DO something. The future looks bright, tomorrow, tomorrow. It’s the face of Bill Clinton who, with Hilary Clinton, was in the audience in Richmond. It’s the face of Marion Barry, who was once called Mayor for Life. The recent contretemps between Gray and members of the press have a familiar feel to them, too and the mess in Jersey has its fathers and grandfathers in every state and city of the union.

In politics, sometimes it’s not just how elected kings feel and former elected kings feel. Sometimes it’s more like “the thrill of victory, followed by the agony of real life, the media and scandal.”

Paulina Phelps • February 20, 2014

Decriminalizing Marijuana in D.C.

Over the past four years, Washingtonians support of legalization of marijuana has increased exponentially with 63 percent of residents now in favor. Currently, a bill is being proposed that will make the possession of marijuana a civil offense rather than a criminal one. If this bill passes the level of possession of marijuana will be equivalent to getting a parking ticket and the level of police involvement and legal costs will reduce “undeniable racial disparities.” Passage of the bill is likely, as 9 out of the 13 council members and Mayor Vincent Gray support the measure.

Gray Awaits 11 Pieces of Environmental Legislation

In efforts to reduce pollution, a measure receiving the most attention is a ban on styrofoam food and drink containers. This would be the first measure taken to reduce the pollution in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.

Proposed Law Would Ban Federal Funding for Abortions in D.C.

The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” prohibits states from using federal grants for funding abortions. Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich., introduced an amendment to strike language that defines D.C. as a part of the federal government, which he cited under the Home Rule Act passed in 1973. In opposition, House Judiciary Chairman Robert W. Goodlatte, R-Va., expressed controversial views of people supporting District autonomy. Goodlatte said that the budget of the District of Columbia must be approved by Congress, including revenues generated by local sources. Despite Conyers’s efforts, the committee rejected his amendment, siding with Goodlatte, and the “No Taxpayers Funding for Abortion Act” was favorably reported to the House.

Tim Riethmiller •

“An unattended backpack,” according to the Metropolitan Police Department Bomb Squad, found within the Nike Store at 3040 M St., NW, next to Thomas Jefferson Street, shut down M Street from 33rd Street to 30th Street for almost two hours, halting traffic at the beginning of the evening rush. The street closure began just before 4 p.m. Pedestrians were also blocked at 30th and 31st Streets; part of Thomas Jefferson Street was closed briefly. Stores were also on lock-down.

No explosives were found, and an all clear has been given. M Street was re-opened to traffic after 5:30 p.m.

Georgetowner •

Georgetown Media Group Presents: A Cultural Leadership Breakfast and Book Signing

Jan. 27 at 8 a.m. | $45 | Richard@georgetowner.com | Tel: 202 338 4833 | Event Website](https://georgetowner.com/events/2014/jan/27/georgetown-media-group-presents-a-cultural-leaders/)

Join us for breakfast and a book signing featuring Neil Harris, author of “Capital Culture, J. Carter Brown,” at the historic George Town Club. From 8 to 10 a.m., enjoy breakfast and receive a copy of Capital Culture with each ticket purchase.

Address

The George Town Club, 1530 Wisconsin Ave., NW

Dave Wilson Quartet Returrns to Twins Jazz Club on Jan. 23

Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. | $12 | davewilsonjazzbooking@gmail.com | [Event Website](http://twinsjazz.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=details&id=734:dave-wilson&Itemid=18&page=1)

Pennsylvania-based saxophonist Dave Wilson offers high caliber, compelling music with top-notch, nationally and internationally known personnel known for exciting improvisations, creative compositions and unique arrangements of standards. A Dave Wilson concert is a high-energy, contemporary musical happening that impresses each audience.

Address

Twins Jazz Club, 1344 U St., NW.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show

January 25th, 2014 at 10:30 AM | $10 | brian@gustaferyellowgold.com | Tel: 703.255.1566 | [Event Website](https://jamminjava.com/events/gustafer-yellowgold)

“The show is a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” – The New York Times

Groovy Gustafer Yellowgold is a small, yellow, cone-headed fellow, who came to Earth from the Sun and has a knack for finding himself neck-deep in absurd situations as he explores his new life in the Minnesota woods. Equal parts pop rock concert and animated storybook, Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a truly different multimedia experience that entrances children and adults alike.

Address

Jammin Java; 227 Maple Ave E; Vienna, VA 22180

The Jazz/Blues Project – The Washington Ballet

January 29th, 2014 at 07:30 PM | $35 – $125 | info@washingtonballet.org | Tel: 202.362.3606 x605 | [Event Website](http://www.washingtonballet.org/)

The iconic music of Etta James and Charlie “Bird” Parker and world-class dance come together in Trey McIntyre’s Blue Until June and Val Caniparoli’s Bird’s Nest. Along with the world premiere of PRISM by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, whose Sueno de Marmol had audiences and critics alike reaching for superlatives last spring and guest appearances by Helen Hayes Award Winner E.Faye Butler and the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, this program promises to be the most exhilarating dance event in town.

Address

The Harman Center, Sidney Harman Hall; 610 F St. NW

Blues Alley Presents: Diane Marino

January 29th, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $20 | Tel: (202) 337-4141 | [Event Website](http://www.bluesalleylive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=buy.event&eventID=78AF74DE-B4B4-AF0C-FBB40461C04BF98E)

When you combine an accomplished vocalist, an accomplished pianist, and accomplished arranger all in one individual, you have the dynamic Diane Marino.

Address

Blues Alley; 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW