Thoughts on Gehry’s Visit

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When I first heard John DeWolf say that he was going tobring Frank Gehry back to ColumbiaI didn’t really expect the visit to be much more than window dressing. As muchI have applauded the plans to remake Columbia’sdowntown, my expectations for the future cityscape were modest. I fullyexpected that the end result would resemble something like the Annapolis Town Centre at Parole project, nice but not exactly inspiring.

Annapolis Town Centre at Parole

I may have underestimated John on this score. Judging fromwhat I read in this story by Edward Gunts in The Sun, Columbia may set a new standard in neo urbandesign.
“He would like Gehry, who has gained international fame forhis highly sculptural buildings, to do more work in Columbia. DeWolf visited Gehry in California last month tooutline his company's latest redevelopment plans and issue a personalinvitation for the architect to return.

"We're working with world class architects all over the country,"DeWolf said. "We want to use him" in Columbia.”
It would be a fitting bookend to Columbia’s development. Before he gainedinternational fame for buildings like the Guggenheim-Bilbao and the Dancing House in Prague, Frank Gehry designed buildings for Jim Rouse in Baltimoreand Columbia.His Columbia imprint is seen in MerriweatherPost Pavilion (1967), the Exhibit Center Building(1967) and the former Rouse Company headquarters building (1974) and theBanneker Road Fire Station. In a sea of suburban office park architecture, thesebuildings stand out.
I actually had the opportunity to meet Frank Gehry in 1980when The Rouse Company was developing a shopping mall in his adopted hometown, Santa Monica, California.Gehry designed the mall and would often sit in on our development progress meetings held in a vacantstorefront across the street from the site. He even lent the development teamhis conference room table and chairs which were made out of cardboard.
Of course its too early to tell what role the iconic architect mayplay in Columbia’smakeover, but the very thought of what that role might be is exciting. Twoyears ago in this post, I pondered whether we should be concerned with the newleadership of the Howard Hughes Corporation after they fired Greg Hamm. Itappears those concerns were misplaced. These guys are the real deal.

Not Quite As Advertised

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Supporters of the move to expand gambling in Maryland (Question 7)have been claiming that it will bring in $200 million in additional state revenue.
That may be off by half.
According to this story by Gary Haber in the BaltimoreBusiness Journal, almost half of the “revenue promised from adding a casino inPrince George’s County and table games at Maryland casinos is existing gamingrevenue…”
And that whole thing about how this gambling expansion will help our schools?
“Cutting casino tax rates for casino operators to compensatethem for lost business from a Prince George’s County casino will reduce the amount of moneya casino expansion would contribute for education funding, the report said.”
The study, conducted by the Maryland Policy Institute, alsofound that, of the revenue from a new casino in Prince Georges County, only “22 to 24percent will come from out-of-market visitors.”
You can find the complete study here.

A Civil Session

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When it was first suggested that we do a podcast inconjunction the HoCo libraries Choose Civility Symposium I wasn't so sure itwas a good idea. Paul and I both view the Choose Civility in Howard Countyeffort with a fair degree of skepticism. On the other hand, it was anopportunity to have a freewheeling discussion about civility with Andy Green fromThe Sun, Korva Coleman from NPR, and author and investigative humorist, Henry Alford. That was too tempting to pass up.
We talked about civility in politics, the press, Facebook,old TV shows and email. It was more fun than I’d hoped. This was first time we've had three guests at the same time and somehow everyone managed to get equaltime. I credit that to having a professional broadcaster in the group.
I also screwed up by calling Andy "David" at least once. I’llchalk that up to the fact that maybe I was bit tired after a day that startedat 5 AM. We didn't start taping the show until a little after nine last night. Inkeeping with the civil tone of the evening, Andy took it in stride and never saida word. When I listened to the show this afternoon I was embarrassed, to say the least. I can't imagine Korva making a gaffe like that. SorryAndy.
Since it was late, we deliberately kept it shorter thanusual. This episode is is only 26 minutes long. You can listen, to what may be our most civil podcast yet, here.

Brawley's Beverage looking to add on-premises consumption license

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Charlotte beer and wine shop Brawley's Beverage is seeking a rezoning in order to open a space for people to drink on the premises, a move owner Michael Brawley hopes will help the store stay competitive.

"All the new stores have one," Brawley said of on-premise consumption licenses. "If someone can have a pint while they shop, it's a tremendous advantage."

A number of new stores with on-premise licenses have popped up, including Salud Beer Shop in NoDa and Good Bottle Co. on Remount Road. Common Market now has two locations, in Plaza-Midwood and South End, and even Whole Foods in SouthPark has four taps and more than two dozen wines available to drink in the store. Charlotte's breweries also offer on-premise consumption.

"We were kind of kind of the first beer geek store in town," said Brawley, who opened the store about 9 1/2 years ago. "When we started, there really wasn't any competition to speak of, and there wasn't any competition for on-premise except for Common Market."

The Park Seneca Lawnmower repair shop adjacent to Brawley's moved to Old Pineville Road after their lease was up in August, opening up the possibility of rezoning the beer and wine shop, Brawley said.

In addition to letting customers sip and shop, an on-premise consumption license would let Brawley hold special events at his store, instead of at restaurants or bars like he does currently.

Brawley stresses that he's not seeking to open a bar. Hours wouldn't change much, and the whole thing would be family friendly. He hopes to eventually add food to the store's offerings, but that's on the back burner for now. If all goes well, Brawley hopes to have renovations done by May, in time for the store's 10-year anniversary.




A hearing on the rezoning request is set for Nov. 12. You can see Brawley's rezoning application here.



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Ten Thousand Villages searching for new Charlotte store

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Ten Thousand Villages, the fair trade crafts retailer that recently closed in Cotswold, is search for a new Charlotte location, company officials say.


Retail sales manager Dave McClintock said poor sales and vacant storefronts in the Cotswold Village shopping center led to that store's closure. "Bottom line, we were just not getting the sales needed to keep open," said McClintock, via email.

The Rack Room shoes location had been vacant for about a year, and two nearby restaurants recently closed. The store's lease was up in February 2013, McClintock said, and they decided to try to move the store rather than renew.

"Originally, we hoped to find another space this Fall but were not successful," McClintock wrote. He said the retailer, which sells goods produced by local artisans around the world, hopes to open another Charlotte store in 2013.

Note: In my first post about this store, I reported that Ten Thousand Villages wasn't seeking to open another Charlotte store. That was what a store employee had told me, and a call to Ten Thousand Village's PR team seeking clarification wasn't returned. I'm sorry about the mistake.



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DC Square Dance, this Saturday at St. Stephen's Church

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The folks behind DC Square Dance are back, with another event in the neighborhood. Check it out: 

You are warmly invited to join us this Saturday, October 6 for the next installment of the DC Square Dance. We promise it'll be a foot-stomping good time. Partners will be swung. Hoots will be hollered. Do-si's will be done. You know how we do.  

This time around we've got the legendary DC Square Dance co-founder Gabe Popkin calling the dances. Come help us welcome him back to DC after a year sabbatical in Wisconsin! And we'll have sweet old-time music from one of Virginia's finest fiddlers, Rhys Jones, together with the talented Meredith Watson, Luke Richardson, and Adam Smith. 

No experience, partner, or costume needed. Just bring $5 to help us pay the band and the hall. Optional: a water bottle and a drink or snack to share, potluck style.  

Date: Saturday, October 6
Time: 8:30 to 11:30 pm
Place: St. Stephens Church, 1525 Newton St. NW Washington DC
Admission: $5
RSVP: on Facebook 

Folks from outside the neighborhood, we recommend taking the metro! St. Stephens is a short walk from the Columbia Heights station on the green line.  

We're a part(y) of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, a great group supporting traditional music and dance in the DC area. Check 'em out!  

Y'all come dance now, y'hear?
~DC Square Dance Collective

Debate-watching parties, MLB playoff specials at Lou's this month

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If you like baseball or politics, or both, get yourself to Lou's City Bar this month! Starting tomorrow with the Presidential debates, they're holding events, plus ones for the Nats' first division championship! Here's more.

Lou's City Bar Hosting Presidential Debates on Patio and Free Nationals Playoff Specials throughout October
Lou’s City Bar is embracing the area’s election fever each week in October and showcasing the 2012 Presidential Debates.  Our patio TV’s will be tuned to the bouts between President Obama and Governor Romney (and Vice President Biden and Congressman Ryan) with sound throughout!  The patio is covered so rain or shine, Democrats, Republicans, Decideds and Undecideds can enjoy the fall weather and join in this American tradition. Debate Night in America coverage begins at 7:00pm with the marquee match-ups starting at 9:00pm each night of the debates.  The event kicks off this Wednesday, October 3rd, with 50% off ALL DRAFTS all night!  The full schedule of Lou’s Debates on the Patio specials can be found at www.louscitybar.com.
The October celebrations continue with the Nationals clinching the National League East and bringing the post season to DC for the first time since 1933!  Join us for all Nationals games to cheer on the home team and celebrate each Nats home run with FREE “Natitude Shooters” throughout their playoff run!  Plus, enjoy $19 Ballpark Buckets of 16oz Coors Lights and root, root, root for the home team on our 140" HD screen, covered outdoor patio TVs, and 23 HDTV's!

The Coupe, new spot at 11th & Monroe from Tryst, Diner folks, now open 24 hours

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Photo from Yelp

Wow! For awhile we've been waiting to hear more about The Coupe, the big new 24-hour place from the folks behind Tryst, the Diner, and Open City which is coming to 3415 11th Street NW, at Monroe.

And now the news is coming rapidly: the had their soft opening last week, Eater DC is reporting they've started their 24 hour service and the Washingtonian had an interview with owner Constantine Stavropolous. Eater also has a bunch of shots of the interior, as does the Huffington Post's DC page. It looks great and I'm pumped.

Here's some key parts from the Washingtonian interview:

How is the Coupe different from your other places?It’s a very long space. Tryst, for example, or even the Diner storefront is about 30 feet. Here we have 150 feet of linear storefront—almost the entire block. It’s not as deep as the other places; that’s why we made the entrance in the center. You walk in, and to your left you have sort of the diner area with a U-shaped counter where you can sit and talk and have server come in and serve you from both sides. Then to your right you have the Tryst[-like] lounge area where you can relax and hang out. We’ll also have a communal table at the far side of the diner. To the left you have the bar area. And even though you have these three areas with their own identity, you still feel a connection. I wanted to do that with Open City—we call it a coffeehouse, diner, and bar, and it is; however, the space is not large enough for us to do a true mixture of the concepts. Here we’re able to actually achieve it because of the space and the layout.

Do you see the Coupe fitting into Columbia Heights the way the Diner fits into Adams Morgan? 

I see the Diner in Adams Morgan as almost like a diner you’d find in Times Square: There’s a lot of people, there’s a lot of other restaurants, there’s heavy activity going on. The 24-hour concept at the Coupe is more like the kind of diner you’d find in a little Brooklyn neighborhood. It’s sort of like this beacon in the middle of the darkness—a cool lit-up corner where people can come in the middle of the night or any time they want.

They're also going to have pour-over coffee and bottled craft cocktails -- that is, pre-making them and pouring them so it's quick.

The Yelp reviews are mixed so far, but considering they just had their soft opening, we'll give take them with a grain of salt. Reviewers seemed to miss that point and complained service hiccups during the soft opening -- that's what a soft opening is for.

DSW in DCUSA opens today?!

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That's weird. I just got this press release claiming that the DSW store opens today. I haven't seen much progress but I'll check it out tonight. Strange.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DSW Inc. (NYSE: DSW), a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer, announced that its newest store will open on October 11(th) at 3100 14(th) Street NW in Washington, D.C. Located in the neighborhood of Columbia Heights, this is DSW's 15(th) store in the metro D.C. area, but just the first to open within D.C. proper. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100325/DSWLOGO2-b )
At over 20,000 square feet, the Columbia Heights store contains two floors of selling space, housing over 28,000 pairs of men's and women's shoes as well as accessories. On October 25(th), another DSW store is scheduled to open at 5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW in the neighborhood of Friendship Heights. 

"We're very excited to announce the opening of our 15(th) store in the D.C. area," stated Mike MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, DSW Inc. "And with our 16(th) store opening just a few weeks later, Washington is quickly becoming the nation's capital for shoe love, too."

Previously we heard they were looking at the end of the year.

They're going to be in spot #204 below, on the second floor behind the Best Buy.

Brandon Green Companies giving away local restaurant gift cards

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Local real estate firm Brandon Green Companies is holding a giveaway over the next few months for free gift cards for local restaurants. Can't beat that. See below for more.

Let Us Buy YOU Dinner: BGC’s “We Live Here And We Eat Here Too” Restaurant Gift Card Giveaway Series

We at BGC love our neighborhood and we love the restaurants in our neighborhood.  In fact, we love them so much that we want to give YOU a chance to eat there on our dime.  Today we’re kicking off our “We Live Here And We Eat Here Too” restaurant gift card giveaway series.  Over the next couple of months, we’ll be giving away $50 gift cards to a few lucky winners to be used at awesome local restaurants selected by our agents.  The first restaurant gift card giveaway is for Mintwood Place in Adams Morgan.  Check out the attached video to see our Jacqueline Battistini(who chose Mintwood) talk about why she loves the restaurant.All you have to do to be entered in the giveaway series is “Like” Brandon Green Companies Facebook page.  Just liking the page enters you in a raffle for all “We Live Here And We Eat Here Too” restaurant gift card giveaways going forward.So LIKE us now and give yourself to have dinner on BGC ! 

Full disclosure, Brandon Green Companies advertises on this site, but I would post about it anyway. Free food!

Brawley's Beverage looking to add on-premises consumption license

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Charlotte beer and wine shop Brawley's Beverage is seeking a rezoning in order to open a space for people to drink on the premises, a move owner Michael Brawley hopes will help the store stay competitive.

"All the new stores have one," Brawley said of on-premise consumption licenses. "If someone can have a pint while they shop, it's a tremendous advantage."

A number of new stores with on-premise licenses have popped up, including Salud Beer Shop in NoDa and Good Bottle Co. on Remount Road. Common Market now has two locations, in Plaza-Midwood and South End, and even Whole Foods in SouthPark has four taps and more than two dozen wines available to drink in the store. Charlotte's breweries also offer on-premise consumption.

"We were kind of kind of the first beer geek store in town," said Brawley, who opened the store about 9 1/2 years ago. "When we started, there really wasn't any competition to speak of, and there wasn't any competition for on-premise except for Common Market."

The Park Seneca Lawnmower repair shop adjacent to Brawley's moved to Old Pineville Road after their lease was up in August, opening up the possibility of rezoning the beer and wine shop, Brawley said.

In addition to letting customers sip and shop, an on-premise consumption license would let Brawley hold special events at his store, instead of at restaurants or bars like he does currently.

Brawley stresses that he's not seeking to open a bar. Hours wouldn't change much, and the whole thing would be family friendly. He hopes to eventually add food to the store's offerings, but that's on the back burner for now. If all goes well, Brawley hopes to have renovations done by May, in time for the store's 10-year anniversary.




A hearing on the rezoning request is set for Nov. 12. You can see Brawley's rezoning application here.



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Dutchmans Furniture opens its third store, in Mooresville

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Dutchmans Furniture has opened its third store, in the Merinos complex in Mooresville, offering eclectic, custom-made and high-end furniture.

The company also has locations in Highland, N.C. and St. Simons, Georgia. Stephanie Nieuwendijk, a New Zealander raised in Australia, is the owner and designer of much of the furniture.

More from the store's press release: Shoppers who enjoy "classic with a twist" style will like Nieuwendijk's designs for her new label, Bloom. Bloom features repurposed items, including light fixtures made from woks, planters made from tires, and rustic metal tabletops made from tin roofs.

Other offerings at Dutchmans include hand-painted furniture from Steven Shell and upholstery, sofas and chairs from Rowe Furniture and Robin Bruce. 

The Bramble, Bloom and Steven Shell lines are all produced at The Bramble Company's production facility in Indonesia, giving shoppers the ability to customize their purchases by color and style. The furniture is crafted, painted and screen printed all by hand.

Nieuwendijk opened her first store in Highlands in 2000, after coming to America with $450. "Our goal is for people to get real enjoyment from their furniture and to create rooms they love to be in," she said.


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Renovated Carolina Place Belk to reopen, free giftcards

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After a $6 million renovation, the Belk at Carolina Place mall is set to fully reopen Wednesday, with gift cards for the first 750 customers in the store.

The store will open to the public at 9:30 a.m., and the gift cards will range from $5 to $500. Belk has been renovating many of its older stores, including the flagship SouthPark store and the Rock Hill Galleria location.
 
"The newly remodeled store now boasts a 162,000 square foot modern shopping environment. With the store’s renovation, the following brands have been added to its collection of top fashion and home brands: Coach, Vince Camuto, Anne Klein, Lauren by Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors," Belk said of the Carolina Place store, in an email.

The in-store overhauls, which include added square footage, more modern lighting, new floors, more stylish fixtures and rearranged and expanded departments, are part of a $600 million capital spending push by Belk. Upgrades to its behind-the-scenes systems, including more e-commerce option, such as a new tablet app, are also part of the push.

Belk is the largest privately-held mainline department store chain, with more than 300 locations in 16 states. The company posted a $27.4 million profit in its most recent quarter, up almost 10 percent from the same period last year.



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Fuzzy Peach fro-yo headed to Charlotte area

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A Wilmington-based frozen yogurt company is wading into the area's region's crowded desert marketplace, with three stores near Charlotte and more to come.

The Fuzzy Peach said it has signed agreements to bring franchises to Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Lake Wylie. The self-serve fro-yo company said it also has plans to open two new stores in Shallote and Jacksonville, N.C.

The company was founded by UNC-Wilmington roommates Rocco Quaranto, Wells Struble and Jason Nista. From their About Us: "With business degrees in hand, a couple years in the corporate field and some money saved, the three came together again . The young entrepreneurs opened the doors to The Fuzzy Peach two years after graduation and brought to Wilmington a new sensation in frozen desserts."

The company is now focused on expanding into Raleigh, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Winston Salem and Greensboro, as well as South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Charlotte has seen a slew of new self-serve fro-yo locations open over the past few years. The Fuzzy Peach will be joining a market that includes stores by TCBY, Tasty Yo Menchie's, Freshberry, The Frozen Isle and Pinkberry.

The Fuzzy Peach currently has five locations in and around Wilmington, where my colleague Andrew Dunn, who used to work there (Wilmington, not The Fuzzy Peach) told me they were very popular.

7-Eleven selling Charlotte franchises

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Months after buying 55 Sam's Mart locations in and around Charlotte, 7-Eleven is converting many of them to franchises and selling them to local owners as 7-Eleven stores.

The retailer said it has sold three of the 55 stores, which reopened as 7-Elevens, to local franchisees. The January deal, for an undisclosed price, brought 7-Eleven back to the Charlotte market 24 years after the  convenience store operator left.

About 5,000 of the company's U.S. stores are operated by franchisees. One of those new franchisees in Charlotte is Bob Powers, who took over the store at 7740 Bruton Smith Boulevard on Oct. 8. Powers plans to buy two more 7-Eleven franchises this year, the company said.

"We expect our inventory of available stores to move quickly," said Doug Doyle, the company's manager in the Charlotte region. The company requires seven weeks of training for franchisees at an existing location, and provides support with functions such as payroll.

If you're interested in becoming a 7-Eleven franchisee, you can sign up for an informational seminar at the Embassy Suites in Concord here. The company is holding monthly meetings.

Bob Powers, courtesy 7-Eleven

And lest you think Slurpees, Big Gulps, and those hot dogs which will forever remind me of late nights in college are cheap, remember this: 7-Eleven has 48,000 stores globally, and generated more than $76 billion worth of sales last year. 7-Eleven said it plans to continue growing through franchises, acquisitions, and a program under which existing businesses can covert to 7-Elevens.

Debate-watching parties, MLB playoff specials at Lou's this month

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If you like baseball or politics, or both, get yourself to Lou's City Bar this month! Starting tomorrow with the Presidential debates, they're holding events, plus ones for the Nats' first division championship! Here's more.

Lou's City Bar Hosting Presidential Debates on Patio and Free Nationals Playoff Specials throughout October
Lou’s City Bar is embracing the area’s election fever each week in October and showcasing the 2012 Presidential Debates.  Our patio TV’s will be tuned to the bouts between President Obama and Governor Romney (and Vice President Biden and Congressman Ryan) with sound throughout!  The patio is covered so rain or shine, Democrats, Republicans, Decideds and Undecideds can enjoy the fall weather and join in this American tradition. Debate Night in America coverage begins at 7:00pm with the marquee match-ups starting at 9:00pm each night of the debates.  The event kicks off this Wednesday, October 3rd, with 50% off ALL DRAFTS all night!  The full schedule of Lou’s Debates on the Patio specials can be found at www.louscitybar.com.
The October celebrations continue with the Nationals clinching the National League East and bringing the post season to DC for the first time since 1933!  Join us for all Nationals games to cheer on the home team and celebrate each Nats home run with FREE “Natitude Shooters” throughout their playoff run!  Plus, enjoy $19 Ballpark Buckets of 16oz Coors Lights and root, root, root for the home team on our 140" HD screen, covered outdoor patio TVs, and 23 HDTV's!

Discussion about the neighborhood with Kojo Nnamdi on Oct. 10

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Pretty cool to see this: WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi will be in the neighborhood on Oct. 10 to record his Kojo in Yoour Community discussions, which talks about the changing neighborhood and how that affects schools, housing, and more. Here's more information from them.
WAMU 88.5’s Kojo in Your Community to broadcast from Columbia Heights on Oct. 10
Washington—WAMU 88.5’s The Kojo Nnamdi Show will leave the studio to record the latest in its series of Kojo in Your Community discussions on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at All Souls Unitarian Church (1500 Harvard St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009). Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., ET. The event is free and open to the public.

The conversation will focus on the changing face of the Columbia Heights neighborhood and how its transformation is affecting schools, housing, and the community at large. Local residents will have the chance to weigh in on the conversation by sharing their questions and comments with host Kojo Nnamdi. The discussion will be taped to air at noon, ET, on October 11, on WAMU 88.5.

Kojo in Your Community discussions are town hall-style meetings in neighborhoods throughout the District, Maryland and Virginia. The series began in 2001 as WAMU In Your Ward, and was expanded and renamed in 2003 to include the entire metro area. For more information, visit http://thekojonnamdishow.org/about/kojo-your-community.

The Kojo Nnamdi Show airs at noon, weekdays, on WAMU 88.5. The live two-hour magazine program highlights news, political issues and social trends of the day. The Politics Hour airs at noon, Fridays, and covers the week in local and regional politics. For more information, visit kojoshow.org.

American University’s radio station since 1961, WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station for NPR news and information in the greater Washington, D.C., area, providing programming to a total audience of more than 787,000 listeners on-air and online. WAMU also broadcasts from 88.3 Ocean City on the Delmarva Peninsula; and WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, a bluegrass and American roots station, at 105.5 FM in Bethesda, Md., 93.5 FM in Frederick, Md., and Hagerstown, Md., and 88.5–2 in HD radio in Washington. WAMU also broadcasts in Washington on two additional HD channels – the flagship frequency at 88.5–1 and Intersection at 88.5–3, a news and information station broadcasting international coverage from the BBC and offering public radio programs unavailable elsewhere in the Washington area. For more information, visit wamu.org.

Better Know Your ANC Candidates: ANC 1A10

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The sixth in our Better Know Your ANC Candidates series is fightin' ANC 1A10, which you can see at right.

The idea with these posts is that you can learn about who is running for the ANC in your area and if you'd like, be able to learn more about them via their websites or emails. The ANC advises the city council on local issues and also can issue grants, hold events, and approve or deny liquor licenses.

There's a map of all the ANCs here.

ANC 1A10 is currently represented by Lenwood Johnson, who I've written about a number of times before (and not positively.) He's running against Anthony Cimino. Cimino's responses are below; Johnson did not respond to numerous emails.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My wife Dawn and I live on Irving Street--we bought our home a little over three years ago. I've lived in the neighborhood for the past six years. We are very active in our community and we've been fortunate to make great friends in our neighborhood. I am originally from California. I graduated from UCLA and am in the final year of my part-time MBA at Johns Hopkins. I have worked for and with Congress since coming to DC, and my wife has recently started her own business, working out of our home.

2. Why are you running for ANC?
I'm running because I think I can serve the neighborhood and work to improve many of the challenges we all have worked on and still face. My neighbors – new and long-time residents alike – have come together on their own to address some of the challenges we faced. We started with illegal dumping – that grew to neighborhood trash clean-up, graffiti, and working with the city to stop drugs sales, and rat abatement.

We made progress on those issues, but as I talked to other neighbors from surrounding blocks within our district it became clear that they have many of the same struggles. I will serve those residents by helping address those issues, as well as unique concerns they may have.

I have come to admire and respect the heritage of this community and the strong, diverse group of residents that live here today. For too long those residents – my neighbors – have not had an ANC Commissioner that is committed to serving them. I will. I will be responsive and responsible. I will work to address their problems and make sure their voice is heard. I will help us build the clean, safe community that benefits everyone.

3. What are the biggest issues confronting your district?
Quality-of-life issues such as trash, illegal dumping, rats and graffiti affect us daily. Whether it is trash and illegal dumping that attracts rats, or graffiti and public safety, residents want to see improvements made in these areas. But my district is also invested in the development of Georgia Avenue. It is important that residents have a voice as that development occurs so the progress reflects the residents input and ultimately serves the community.

4. What do you think the ANC can do better?
The Commission, I think, has done a better job of communicating what is going on in the neighborhood, but that information has not filtered down to the residents in my particular district. I meet so many residents, long-time and new, that not only have specific issues they want addressed, but also want to know what is going on in the neighborhood. They want to be engaged, they want to be informed, they want to participate. But there is a disconnect between what the Commission and other organizations are working on and what the residents in my specific district have communicated to them. As a result, the Commission and other organizations miss out on this valuable resource of engaged and caring residents.

5. What do you think the area needs more of?
The residents, I think, need to have more input and their needs better addressed. Also, there are a number of vacant and neglected properties on Georgia Ave., so I am interested in making sure residents have a voice in Georgia Ave.’s development.

6. One of the ANC's jobs is to regulate liquor licenses. What are your thoughts on these issues? 
Every situation is different. Things like the type of liquor license applied for, the location, the type of business, and what, if any voluntary agreements the applicant agrees to would inform my decision. But most importantly, residents have a right to be aware of what is being considered and have their views heard. It will be my goal on all questions before the Commission – not just liquor license applications – to ensure that the views of residents I serve are heard and appreciated.

Campaign website, Facebook, Twitter, email, phone number and other information: 

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE—PLEASE JOIN US!
Join Anthony’s E-mail List: Anthonycimino4anc@gmail.com
Like Anthony on Facebook: “Anthony Cimino for ANC 1A10”
Have Questions or Concerns? Call Anthony: 202.670.2629
Website: anthonycimino4anc.com

Better Know Your ANC Candidates: ANC 1A12

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The sixth in our Better Know Your ANC Candidates series is fightin' ANC 1A12, which you can see at right.

The idea with these posts is that you can learn about who is running for the ANC in your area and if you'd like, be able to learn more about them via their websites or emails. The ANC advises the city council on local issues and also can issue grants, hold events, and approve or deny liquor licenses.

There's a map of all the ANCs here.

ANC 1A12 is a new district and thus doesn't have an incumbent. The candidates are Rosalind Gilliam and Zach Teutsch. Here are their responses, first from Gilliam, then from Teutsch.
Rosalind Gilliam:


1. Tell us a bit about yourself?My name is Rosalind M. Gilliam. I've been a resident in Columbia Heights for more than 30 years. I hold a degree in Public Administration from the University of DC. I am recently retired from our city's government. I am also very athletic. I like being in touch with what's going on in our city and community. I want more young and older residents in 1A-12 to get involved, know one another and work together for the good of the community.

2. Why are you running for ANC?I am running for ANC 1A-12 because we have no representation. This area has a great deal of residents over the age of 50 and their voices need to be heard. There are needs to be met. There are not enough older residents included in the decision making of improvements going on in our area. I believe I am the one who can help.
3. What are the biggest issues confronting your district?Affordable housing, crime, lack of interest in seniors, and older adults.
4. What do you think the ANC can do better?Find out what their issues, needs and desires are and act accordingly, as they relate to improvements for them as well as the area.
5. What do you think the area needs more of?The area needs more affordable housing; more housing for seniors (55+); more fitness facilities; a Medical Supply store in the DCUSA Mall, a Crafting(Joann's or Michael's) store in the DCUSA Mall; a Costume/Party store in the DCUSA Mall - NO MORE restaurants are needed at this particular time.
6. One of the ANC's jobs is to regulate liquor licenses. What are your thoughts on theseissues?Right now, in my district, that situation seems to be under control and I'm very glad about that. Less is better in this area and throughout the District. It's okay for the restaurants to have a license as long as they adhere to the age law and know when to stop serving a customer. This curtails the violence and other bad behavior from citizens and visitors. We don't need any more liquor stores or places that sell alcoholic beverages in this area.

Zach Teutsch:


1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been invovled in community activism for many years, beginning with my work on behalf on increasing affordable housing with inclusionary zoning in 2005. More recently, I have worked to protect social services and create a fairer, more progressive tax system in DC. In 2011, I, along with other leaders in the Progressive Budget Coalition, helped reverse tens of millions of dollars in cuts to housing, emergency assistance, and other essential DC programs. 
I have worked on behalf of Initiative 70, which will help reduce corruption in DC politics by banning direct corporate donations to DC election campaigns--these donations are already banned in federal campaigns. In the neighborhood, I have helped make sure that our roads are in good repair as a frequent user of 311, that our sidewalks are shoveled and safe for all (working with CM Graham and Mayor Gray, to get the major property owners to follow the law). I've also requested and watered trees to help beatify our neighborhood. 

My day job is as an educator and activist for the AFL-CIO. I have been working on economic justice for my whole career. When I am not focusing on my professional commitments or community affairs, I like to play and watch football, bake bread, play ultimate frisbee, and enjoy classic movies. I often use metro/metrobus, bike, and also drive so I am personally familiar with all the transit issues we face in our community. 
2. Why are you running for ANC?It should be easier for people to be invovled in the ANC's process. I am excited to help us broaden the conversation so that people's opinions are heard even if they can't make it to ANC meetings. I'd like to periodically have open meetings in our part of the neighborhood. As important issues arise we should discuss them via community listservs as well as through in-person discussions. 
I take a specific, practical approach to the main ANC issues, since taking the same position all the time (either for or against new things) rarely gets us the best outcomes. I'd work with the other ANC members to carefully consider the implications of a lot of changes in our neighborhood, to facilitate positive change, but also to make sure that those changes are positive to us existing residents--not just folks who will move in later. 
3. What are the biggest issues confronting your district?Our district has been changing very quickly. It'll be very important to stay on top of which businesses are coming in and make sure that they are structured in a way that benefits the neighborhood. We have a lot of diversity in our district and I'd like to see more public events designed to bring people together such as the Columbia Heights Tournament of Games which is organized annually by Mack Thompson III. 
4. What do you think the ANC can do better?The ANC has been good at addressing local concerns. I think it can do a more effective job at soliciting input electronically and in writing so that people can weigh in on important issues, even if they can't be present at the meetings. This sort of e-input has been more common of late and we should build on that trend.  
5. What do you think the area needs more of?We could use a better parking policy. Here's an example, only one side of the street is available for parking on many blocks in Columbia Heights during rush hour (such as Harvard, Irving, and parts of Columbia Road) and because of street cleaning that side changes, as a result when people park during rush hour on their blocks, they then have to move the car again to avoid getting ticketed the next morning at 7am. That's silly, we should be able to park on either side of our streets starting earlier than 8pm after street cleaning has finished for the day. We could also use more service on the 52, 53, and 54 buses. They are nearly always full in the morning and afternoon rush and yet they are less frequent than they used to be. We can always use a more diverse mix of locally owned restaurants.
6. One of the ANC's jobs is to regulate liquor licenses. What are your thoughts on these issues?On the one hand, if we are too lenient it creates noise and nuisance problems for neighbors. If we are too strict, then new restaurants, expensive and cheap alike, will not be viable (it's hard to compete with competitors who have valuable liquor licenses without one) and we'll all lose out. I'd like to see us focus on allowing for innovation and new businesses in the neighborhood so long as they are adding to the life of the neighborhood rather than creating a nuisance. We should be open to experimentation but tough on businesses that create problems. We should be very careful to avoid the sort of system that involves a set number of licenses. That system seems like a good idea at first but has hurt U Street since it doesn't create much benefit for the community and just makes liquor licenses more valuable and leads to higher prices for consumers. We certainly don't need our neighborhood to involve paying *more* for things than we do already.
Here's Zach's campaign website: http://zachforanc.wordpress.com/

Immigrants' arrests put firms in spotlight: Fourteen illegal immigrants were found in a Verizon contractor's van this week in Virginia Beach.

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Byline: ChrisFlores And Mike Holtzclaw
May 9--VIRGINIABEACH -- Verizon Communications has been using an army of contractors toaggressively replace its old phone lines with an expensive fiber-optic systemin Hampton Roads and nationwide.
The company's mainVirginia contractor doing this work -- Greensboro, N.C.-based Ivy H. Smith Co.-- was caught by Virginia State Police with 14 illegal immigrants in a vanduring a routine traffic stop Monday in Virginia Beach.
The detainment ofthe illegal workers sheds light on a question frequently facing majorcorporations today: Are businesses responsible for the hiring practices oftheir contractors? Verizon isn't the only party that will need to answer thisquestion for federal immigration investigators.
Ivy H. Smith,which has an office in Norfolk, is one of 28 subsidiaries of publicly tradedDycom Industries. Virginia state regulators have been dealing with complaintsfrom cable and gas companies about Ivy H. Smith and its contractors digging upcable lines for more than two years.
As problems mountedwith Ivy H. Smith and other Verizon contractors, Fairfax County tried to helpits residents. One of the promises that Verizon made was to ensure "eachwork crew would have one individual that can effectively communicate inEnglish."
Mike Netherland isassistant special agent-in-charge for the U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement, or ICE, office in Norfolk. He said the illegal immigrants were alladult males, 12 from Mexico and two from El Salvador. They were riding in a vanowned by Ivy H. Smith.
Netherland saidICE had begun "actively investigating the employer" but said hecouldn't comment further on that matter. A woman who answered the phone at IvyH. Smith said the company had no comment.
Verizon said itregularly reviewed the performance of its contractors and had terminated somein the past. Verizon is reviewing this incident with Ivy H. Smith.
A state policespokesman said officers pulled the van over for a registration violation onInterstate 264 and found the 14 men in the vehicle.
Upon receiving thecall from state police, Netherland said, ICE determined the immigration statusof the men and then took them into custody to begin the process of deportation.He said the detention and removal section of ICE was now handling the matter,waiting to see whether the men will accept deportation or fight it.
"Individualscan stipulate to the order of removal, or they can challenge their removal andappear before an immigration judge," Netherland said. "These men arebeing detained pending those proceedings."
Based on previousICE cases, Verizon is unlikely to face any repercussions unless Ivy H. Smithsays it was specifically asked to hire illegal workers.
"It is thecontractor who is liable for the work force because they're vouching to thecompany that is hiring them that the work force is authorized," said PatRiley, an ICE spokeswoman in Washington.
There's a highburden to prove that a company knew its contractors were using illegal workers,but it happens occasionally. ICE reached a settlement with Wal-Mart afterdocuments surfaced showing the company knowingly hired cleaning contractorswith illegal workers.
The question ofVerizon's supervision over its Virginia contractors was raised two years ago byCox Communications in Northern Virginia. Cox was more concerned that Ivy H.Smith contractors were cutting cable lines while digging and repairing themwith tape.
A Cox executivesaid at the time that Ivy H. Smith officials said Verizon had 1,500 contractorsdoing this work and that they were paid for each foot of cable buried. Coxcomplained that this gave the contractors an incentive to try to move quicklywithout repairing lines.
The problems havecontinued into Hampton Roads and were bad at first in Virginia Beach. ButVerizon and Ivy H. Smith have improved quite a bit since the Northern Virginiaproblems, said Thom Prevette, the Cox spokesman for the region. "They'veadhered to, and abided by, a lot of our joint agreements we've workedout," Prevette said.
Under fire fromWall Street for the cost of the mammoth undertaking, Verizon has said in recentyears that it's working to reduce the costs of installing the lines.
The work inHampton Roads started in Virginia Beach about two years ago. Then Verizon begandigging in Newport News, where it started selling television service two weeksago.
Ivy H. Smith'sparent company, Florida-based Dycom, specializes in doing contract work withtelecommunications companies. Verizon's building boom has become the key tomaking Dycom the company it is today.
For the yearending in July 2005, Dycom received 25 percent of its revenue from Verizon --by far its largest customer. The previous year -- before Verizon startedbeefing up its fiber optics -- Dycom received only 3.7 percent of its revenuefrom Verizon.

Coastal Bathroom Remodel

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If you've been following the 60's bathroom renovation in our home over the last few years, I am pleased to say I am COMPLETELY DONE!!
One thing I have been working on is "framing" our built in cabinet. I stalked the internet for days to find a thick molding  idea that worked for us. Ultimately to cut cost, I went with MDF boards and crown moulding.(See links above to see transformation on the framing it in).
But first, I'd like to share the completed project!
(Below: All framed in and pretty!! Coastal accents bought on a budget in various places)
(Below: Still need to touch up paint in some areas)
(Below: Built in is framed and pretty - decorated with Coastal accents from all over)
(Below: Coral bought at The Green Turtle in Siesta Key, FL (while on vacation last week) for $5.99 - Sea Glass also purcahsed from The Green Turtle for 59 cent each)
(Below: Loved my metal basket SO MUCH, when I first laid eyes on it, knew it would be perfect!)
(Below: Just another view, with flash on)




(Below: Another Coral ($5.99) & Giant Starfish ($4.99) I purchased in Siesta Key, Florida while on vacation this past weekend)
(Below: Probably one of my FAVORITE pieces for the coastal bathroom remodel - An old candle my daughter decorated with sea shells she and Ethan collected off the beautiful white sands of Siesta Key, FL).

(Below: Hot glue and collected sea shells, handmade with LOVE from my daughter, MiMi)
(Below: My baby girl after she made me the seashell candle - A great way to preserve vacation memories!! - I should probably double check my spelling on things, I left off the "ed" in "collected" ;))
(Below: My daughter and her brother collecting the seashells in Siesta Key, Florida last week)

That's it for now, I'll post more vacation photos and portraits I did of family while there on my next blog (hopefully). :))

ALL This back to school cuteness for ONLY $78.12 (GYMBUCKS factored in) at Gymboree Today!!

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WOW, am I glad I randomly wanted to check out Gymboree online today!! I was mailed a 20% off coupon code and when I saw the jackets and boots were deeply discounted I KNEW I had to jump, and the fact I could earn gymbucks too?! Well shoot me and send me to heaven ;)) Had to get the last of my daughter's school/fall shopping done!! I saved SOOO MUCH!! Let's take a peak!

(Gem Bow Faux Suede Boots: $46.95 ON SALE FOR: $20.99)She wanted these to go with the dress I bought a few entries down)(Below - Bow Pleated Plaid Skort: $29.95 ON SALE FOR: $20.99)(Below - Bow Sequin Pony Long Sleeve Top: $21.95 ON SALE FOR $15.99)(Below - Gem Bow Argyle Short Sleeve Sweater: $34.95 ON SALE FOR: $20.99)(Below - Bow Cherry Sneaker - $26.95 ON SALE FOR $17.99)(Below - Bow Cherry T - $21.95 ON SALE FOR $15.49)(Below - Chordory Hooded Jacket $56.95 ON SALE FOR $20.99)(Below - Smart Girl's Guide Long Sleeve T $21.95 ON SALE FOR $15.99)(Below - Toggle Corduroy Jacket $49.95 ON SALE FOR $20.99)(Below - Bow Plaid Skort $29.95 ON SALE FOR $20.99)$$$75 IN GYMBUCKS BACK$$$ !!ORIGINAL TOTALS: $341.50SALES TOTALS: $191.40After using the 20% discount my totals were: $153.12
Then if you count getting back $75 in gymbucks it's like getting EVERYTHING here for only $78.12 !!
Where else can you get TWO jackets, TWO pairs of shoes, TWO cute skirts and FOUR nice tops for $78.12?! Especially that has a near FULL retail value when you list them on ebay later! :) LOVE GYMBOREE!!