News & Politics

Georgetowner • June 18, 2013

-Stewart and Colbert restore sanity, or something like it

On Saturday, October 30, John Stewart, the comedian turned major leftwing political pundit, aided by inflammatory satirist sidekick Stephen Colbert, hosted a “Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear” on the National Mall, whose massive audience far exceeded the projected volume of participants. Assumed to be a direct counter to Glenn Beck’s “Rally To Restore Honor,” held August 28th and co-hosted by Sarah Palin, Stewart’s gathering seems to have trumped its predecessor.

While it’s hard to gauge accurate headcounts for events like these, AirPhotosLive.com, which takes overhead pictures of events and uses the photos to extrapolate the total number of people, estimated a crowd of 78,000 to 96,000 at Beck’s rally, and an estimated 215,000 for Stewart’s. Granted, Beck shortly after his rally thanked the 500,000 people who showed up for his cause, while Stewart praised the 10 million people in his own crowd and Colbert tweeted an estimated 6 billion attendees an hour before Saturday’s events kicked off.

Numbers aside, the event was an undeniable hit. While the GOP—spearheaded lately by the Tea Party movement—has been making most of the media racket over the past year, Saturday’s rally proved that there are just as many soft-spoken supporters of recent policies and social agendas who have simply not had a viable outlet. In a dazzling display of sheer irony, wit, and irritation, signs and costumes ridiculing the opposition littered the throngs: “Don’t Tread On Me Either,” “Honolulu Is Not In Kenya,” “Frustrated Arizonans Rejecting Tea [FART],” “We Can Disagree and Still Be Civil,” “Fringe Is Decorative, Not Substantive,” “Legalize Marijuana, Quick, Before They Search My Fanny Pack,” “I’m Too Disgusted to Vote” (this particular sign held by a toddler).

And while the crowd elated and Stewart’s veritable variety hour played out before the Capitol building (I never thought I’d see Cat Stevens perform live, let alone in a musical duel with Ozzy Osbourne), Stewart made sure to bring a resounding message home to his masses. This was not a rally with a heavy political agenda, nor was this a rally to pit “us” against “them.” This was a call to arms for reasonability, a reminder to display civil discourse in the government and in life, and a plea for national unity. We must listen to each other, he urged, and not dismiss anyone’s opinions as lunatic or inflammatory. We can all disagree and hold to our own unflappable opinions, but the beauty of this country is that it is allowed. So let us not forget.

Man arrested in connection with bombing plot

A Pakistani-born man who was residing in Virginia was arrested Wednesday, October 27, in connection with an al-Qaeda plot to bomb the metro. According to the FBI, Farooq Ahmed had been observing traffic flow at the Arlington Cemetery, Courthouse, Pentagon City, and Crystal City metro stops. The FBI also said the public was never in danger because they were monitoring Ahmed; people that Ahmed believed to be al-Qaeda operatives were really government officials.

From observing the metro stops, Ahmed deduced that the hour between 4 and 5 p.m. was the busiest time of day. If a bomb were to detonate during this period, the kill-count would be highest. When brought before the U.S. District Court of Alexandria, Ahmed did not enter a plea and told the judge that he did not have enough money for a lawyer.

Due to the event, Metro Transit Police said they are looking into performing random bag searches to ensure safety. The same proposal was made in 2008 but never saw implementation.

Drug busts at Georgetown University shock students and neighbors

At 6 a.m., Oct. 23, authorities ordered an immediate evacuation of Harbin Hall, a Georgetown
University dorm, where an alleged drug lab was discovered in a room on the ninth floor. Freshmen Charles Smith and John Romano, both Georgetown students, along with visiting University of Richmond freshman John Perrone, were arrested early in the morning after officials found the suspected lab intended to produce DMT, a hallucinogenic drug, in Smith and Romano’s dorm room. Romano was released and cleared of all charges at a hearing on Monday, Oct. 25th, in U.S. District Court after Smith told officers that Romano was not involved in any illegal activity, according to The Washington Post. Smith and Perrone are facing federal charges for conspiracy to manufacture and possession with intent to distribute DMT. They were then released into the custody of their parents until their next court date in DC on Jan. 24.

Also arrested on Oct. 26 for possession of and intent to distribute marijuana was Georgetown freshman Kelly Baltazar, whose roommate wrote about her knowledge of Smith’s plans to make DMT, according to the student newspaper, The Hoya.

What is drawing equal criticism is the manner in which the police handled the dorm evacuation.
Police evacuated Harbin Hall room-by-room that morning, after the fire alarm system failed to go off, frightening many students initially, but worrying them further that their residence lacks a working alarm system. However, according to Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Olson, the residence hall’s alarms underwent an inspection the previous week and passed fire safety standards, which was confirmed
by authorities.

The drug busts took students by surprise. “It’s completely shocking. I would have never have thought that something like this would happen at Georgetown,” student Andrew Strunk told The Hoya. But for many Harbin residents left outside their dorm, The Hoya added, school considerations during a stressful midterm season were at the top of the agenda. “I didn’t get to get my homework and I have a midterm on Monday,” said student and Harbin Hall resident Erica Lin.

Indeed, the Hoya’s lead editorial on Oct. 29, headlined “Damage Control,” lamented the bad press and bad rap for Georgetown and expressed worry that the “drug busts have the potential to harm the long-term reputation of the university.”

Dimethyltryptamine—DMT—is an endogenous hallucinogen, which can be inhaled, smoked or ingested, resulting in dream-like sensations as well as feelings of a near-death experience. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, punishment may involve up to 20 years in prison and fines of $1 million.

‘Adopt-A-Block’ catches on

Here’s the scoop from a worthwhile public effort: “Clean City’s Adopt-A-Block Program helps beautify our neighborhoods and allows citizens like you and your families to take an active role in cleaning and greening the District. As a part of the Clean City Initiative, Adopt- A-Block offers a hands-on project for people and organizations. The program allows participants to make a noticeable contribution to their communities. Citizens said that the government must do its part to keep the city clean, but recognized that government can’t do everything. Teamwork between government and citizens is key. Success begins with one citizen and one community deciding to make a difference.” Each group adopts a minimum of 2 square blocks of a residential or commercial area, agrees to conduct a quarterly, clean-up day and weekly litter pickup in the adopted area, and maintains this agreement for two years. Want more info? 202-724-8967 CleanCity@dc.gov, [www.CleanCity.dc.gov](http://www.CleanCity.dc.gov)

Golden Triangle releases new line of bike racks

Golden Triangle BID put in a new bike rack at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW, that is made out of recycled green parking meters. The unveiling occurred on Wednesday, October 27.

The bike rack is named “(Re) Cycle”, and the parking meter heads that comprise it were donated
by the D.C. Department of Transportation. Up to 10 bikes can fit on the work of art, which even those who don’t cycle can appreciate.

This is the third creative bike rack to be implemented by the Golden Triangle BID in its effort to promote alternative transportation. The last one, sanctioned in July, was made of oversized paperclips and meant to show business professionals how enjoyable a cyclist’s commute to work can be.

West End Cinema Reopens

After seven years, West End Cinema reopened Friday, October 29, featuring three small screening
rooms, each seating no more than 95 people. The theater will show low-profile, limited-distribution
independent foreign and documentary films.

Theaters like West End Cinema used to be plentiful in DC, but now only their weathered walls remain, resulting from the rise of larger movie theaters. The snack bar features more than just snacks — sandwiches, salads, hummus and pita platters. West End will also feature a full bar.

The cinema is located at 2301 M Street NW and was formerly the Inner Circle Theater. Co-founders Josh Levin and Jamie Shor hope the theater provides moviegoers with a unique experience they won’t find anywhere else.

Family celebration Harvest Festival

In celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month this November, Smithsonian’s
National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a number of free programs. This Saturday (11//6) and Sunday (11/7), between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the museum will kick off Heritage Month with the Family Celebration Harvest Festival. Held in the Potomac Atrium, the festival will feature food demonstrations, theatrical performances and crafts.

The festival aims to show participants how Native communities across America welcome the harvest season. This is part of the Smithsonian’s larger theme for the month: Promoting Healthy Families, Cultures and the Environment.

Hands-on activities include cornhusk weaving and masa and tamale making. Local Mayans will also perform a puppet rendition of their creation myth, the Popul Vuh. For more information on the Harvest Festival and other Heritage Month activities visit [www.americanindian.si.edu](http://www.americanindian.si.edu)

Georgetown Public Library shines anew

The Georgetown Public Library on R Street held an open house for the Citizens Association of Georgetown, Oct. 25, as library officials welcomed a large, curious crowd marveling at the library’s rebirth, and its increased space from 19,000 to 26,000 square feet. Jerry McCoy, historian at the main branch as well, talked about the April 2007 fire and displayed fire-damaged objects such as the weather vane and the clock (stopped at 12:38 p.m.) and added that he needed copies of The Georgetowner and Georgetown Current newspaper from 2006 and 2007 to complete his sets. With an iPad on hand, Richard Levy of the D.C. Library Foundation asked the audience to “advocate for all the other libraries of the District.” During the presentation, Marcia Carter, owner of the renowned used and rare bookstore, Booked Up (now closed), donated two books from the 18th century to the Peabody Room’s McCoy. Friends of the Georgetown Library also joined CAG and seeks members and volunteers to help with programs and other events at the library.

Support is strong, and history seems to be safe, pending another unfortunate mishap. But we will all keep our fingers crossed. This beautiful new building is one made to stay for many lifetimes. For more information, visit: [www.dclibrary.org/georgetown](http://www.dclibrary.org/georgetown)

Georgetowner •

-With unemployment on the rise, an increasing number of homeless persons have migrated to the District seeking aid. However, citing a budget crunch, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells has proposed a bill that will deny shelter to homeless residents from other jurisdictions. The bill will put an end to D.C.’s open-door policy, which makes it illegal to deny anyone access to a shelter once the temperature drops below freezing. Instead, those who can demonstrate proof of a legal D.C. address within the past two years or a record of receiving public assistance will receive preferential treatment.

Needless to say, groups such as Save Our Safety Net are rightfully outraged. While officials
have argued that those denied access would receive help in returning where they came from, the bill’s opponents hold that, as a symbolic home to all Americans, the District should not be refusing anyone. Furthermore, they point out that many homeless have no way of producing proof of residence, particularly those who bounce between D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. If the bill passes, many homeless will find themselves left out in the cold, regardless of their physical condition.

Save Our Safety Net has pointed out that there’s more wrong with the bill than just the residency requirement. The bill jeopardizes family health and safety by removing the limit on the number of families that can be housed in a single room. Also, the cost per client agencies serve will be increased. No doubt D.C. would be setting itself up for more than a few lawsuits.

Georgetowner •

-Capital Fringe Festival’s fall programming is in its second year, and this November, The Shop at Fort Fringe is reprising 10 of its summer hits. Among the more popular shows still running are “Romeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending” (Nov. 10-21), Ridgefield Middle School Talent Night (Nov. 12-21), “This is Your Brain on Rock and Roll” (Nov. 17-21), and “Do Not Kill Me, Killer Robots” (Nov. 17-21).

“Romeo & Juliet” is unique in that the audience aids in determining the course of the play. This summer, the show received the Fringe Awards for Best Overall Show and Best Comedy.

Another comedy, “Do Not Kill Me, Killer Robots,” began replaying this week. The show features
a solo performance by Ben Egerman in a sea of cardboard props. In it, the last living man attempts to survive amongst an unseen enemy.

Also restarting this week is “This is Your Brain on Rock and Roll.” Ed Hamell received Fringe’s Director’s Award in 2009, and now the excitable singer-songwriter has put together a new comedic routine to entertain audiences.

If you missed any of these performances this summer, you’ve been given a second chance. Be sure to dress warmly when attending, because The Shop is an outdoor venue.

Georgetowner •

-November 18, 19, and 21, Fathom Gallery is showcasing its first mobile photography exhibit. Hosted by Fathom Creative, the show will feature the work of 10 local mobile photographers. Additionally, there will be several giveaways and plenty of refreshments provided by Church Key DC over the course of the weekend.

Thursday evening, doors will open at 6 p.m. with the official opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Free beer will be offered through the night, and there will be free souvenirs for all in attendance. On Friday, a slideshow and live feed will take place downstairs while the gallery exhibit will be upstairs. The exhibit will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. that night and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets will cost $5 on opening night, $3 Friday, and $2 Sunday. Proceeds will offset the cost of the space and produce and frame the photographs. Invitations can be purchased on instantdc.com. DC-area mobile photographers are encouraged to contact Instant DC through the website if they wish to have their work included in the next show.

Georgetowner •

Starving artists throughout the city are catching their big break as the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities distributes its yearly grants.

The 310 recipients were given a total of $3.9 million, with the funds benefiting both individuals like Alex Pergament, an up-and-coming photographer, and organizations like the National Cherry Blossom Festival Committee, Inc., the group that organizes one of D.C.’s most beloved celebrations.

Other recipients in the DowntownDC BID area include CityDance Ensemble, The Shakespeare Theatre and the National Building Museum, among others.

While still a significantly large sum of money, $3.9 million seems small in comparison with last year’s total of $7.25 million in grants distributed to the artists of D.C.

Georgetowner •

In what is being called the most profitable real estate flip since the recession, CoStar Group recently announced that it is selling its downtown D.C. headquarters for a profit of $60 million.

CoStar originally bought the building, 1331 L St. NW, about a year ago for $41.25 million from the Mortgage Bankers Association and is now selling it to GLL Real Estate Partners, a Munich-based company, for $101 million.

The arrangement between the two real estate giants will be finalized at the end of the month. Although GLL will now own the 169,429-square-foot, LEED-certified facility, CoStar’s headquarters will remain in the building under a long-term lease in what CoStar is calling a “win-win” situation.

“This sale will enable us to unlock the value of this formerly distressed property and provide an attractive return on our investment,” said CoStar founder and CEO Andrew Florance in a press release. “At the same time, we were able to secure an efficient and environmentally responsible headquarters office for our Company at a tremendous downtown location for our employees, and create a valuable, fully leased long-term asset for the new owner.”

CoStar cites its professional insight in the real estate industry for being able to organize such a profitable flip in the midst of an economic recession.

Georgetowner •

The D.C. government is taking steps to monitor and lower greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities, which are accountable for 74 percent of D.C.’s emissions. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR software tool, Portfolio Manager, the District can track buildings’ energy usage then compare D.C.’s results to others gathered across the country.

In 2009, 194 public buildings were benchmarked. The results, which are available to be viewed in full by the public, reported that public buildings and libraries perform somewhat below the national average while police and recreation facilities both use about 2.5 times more energy than their counterparts nationally. Fire stations also fall below the national average, consuming 60 percent more energy.

In addition to becoming greener, the District hopes that tracking energy use will help cut operating costs by pinpointing problem areas.

“…overall, public buildings in the District of Columbia perform below average compared to similar buildings nationwide,” states the official report. “This suggests many opportunities for saving energy through improvements. With an annual energy budget of $79 million for District buildings, even modest energy performance improvements can lead to significant budget savings.”

This benchmarking was prompted by the Green Building Act of 2006 and the Clean Affordable Energy Act of 2008, which establish legislative requirements for environmental performance in government buildings.
Beginning in 2010, similar requirements were also placed on privately owned buildings over 200,000 square feet.

Georgetowner •

A Noise Task Force, established by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board last March, has been working to recommend amendments to local laws and procedures related to establishments with ABC licenses. Comprised of residents, community leaders and business members, the Noise Task Force aims to find solutions to educate DC residents and ABC licensees about noise laws and their rights, clarify the role of DC agencies in enforcing noise regulations, and work on the prevention and solutions to developing citywide noise issues. The task force has developed 10 proposals before the ABC Board since its conception. The proposals range from tracking noise complaints and creating an after-hours hotline for the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration, to developing an Introduction to DC Nightlife Course for licensees and mandating that developers and Realtors disclose noise laws.

Hiram Brewton, DowntownDC BID’s director of Environmental Services, recently gave a presentation to the ABC Board and recommended that ABRA create an Early Assistance Team made up of ABRA and Metropolitan Police Department staff and members of the public.

The team would work to help mediate and resolve disputes between establishments and the community, provide intervention services for problem establishments, and operate a peer mentoring forum.

The ABC Board will be finalizing its recommendations based on the Task Force’s proposals and will be forwarding a package to Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham for his consideration later this week. The package will include some of the recommendations, including one about the Early Assistance Tea, a transcript of the November 2010 pubic hearing and two additional recommendations that would require legislative changes. For more information visit ABRA.gov

Lisa Gillespie •

The Norwood Tenants Association, an 84-unit rent-controlled Apartment near Logan Circle, is in the midst of writing a play on bedbugs.

“We don’t have a building-wide infestation anymore, but we do have flare-ups,” co-president Silvia Salazar told the D.C. government’s second ever Bedbug Summit last month. Norwood Apartment tenants went before Congress in November to testify about the growing problem of bed bugs not only in their apartment building, but in the District.

Norwood residents have created the website StopBedBugs.org, and they’re now applying for grants to provide it with more resources.

The play will be written, directed and performed by Norwood tenants and will feature reenactments of bedbug-related issues. They are still awaiting funding by the Commission on Arts and Humanities to put on the play.

“The first thing we did was we came out of the closet,” Salazar told TBD. Bedbugs “are way more organized than we are … let’s just accept that they are here.”