Is ANC 4C going through the motions or will they actually take community input? (Community Opinion)

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Is ANC 4C going through the motions or will they actually take community input? (Community Opinion)

A Community-Submitted Opinion Article
Today, after significant pleading from a long standing community resident, three ANC commissioners released the draft resolution.  While I am grateful that the ANC Commissioners finally heeded the advice of community members to be more transparent, the proposal continues to fall short and does not sincerely address the concerns of those most impacted by the DDOT proposal.

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What's going on with the election in 4C05?

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What's going on with the election in 4C05?

The election for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Single Member District 4C05 is the only competitive race in 4C, pitting current Commissioner Paul Johnson against newcomer Brittany Kademian. Johnson serves as the commissioner for ANC 4C07, but his SMD will change to 4C05 with the changes to the boundaries next year.

Without question, this is a race filled with controversy and disagreement.

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Upshur restaurants are doing fine, and would do better if you went out more

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Upshur restaurants are doing fine, and would do better if you went out more

What keeps Upshur and Petworth going strong is that it offers options that local people are looking for — places they want to visit and spend money. Asking what’s happening when there’s a closure is a valid question, but perhaps it’s how the question is asked that matters as well. Alarming people into thinking doom and gloom is on the horizon can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In this case, one that isn’t true.

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Op-Ed: A special election and a special opportunity to improve our democracy

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Op-Ed: A special election and a special opportunity to improve our democracy

Low voter turnout in DC elections has myriad causes. From the lack of competition within the dominant Democratic party to the influence big donors have on politicians’ priorities, there are deep systemic issues that need to be addressed. While we do that work, there are immediate changes we can make to our elections that are likely to increase participation.

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Education… by any means necessary

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Education… by any means necessary

There is a crisis in  public  education. The  fact  that students  are  graduating  high school  and  can  barely read  what's  on  their diplomas  is  sad.  What  we  should remember  is that education  is really about self-preservation.  If you don't get it  in the classroom, then you should obtain it somewhere else: by  home schooling, tutoring, mentoring, being self-taught or by any means necessary.

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The gym situation in Petworth? It's not working out

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The gym situation in Petworth? It's not working out

When my husband and I moved to Petworth last November, we were excited to see the neighborhood's growing offering of bars, restaurants and shops. One thing we didn't see so much of? Gyms. Particularly not affordable ones.

An op/ed by contributor Yuliya Panfil.

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Reflections on a Petworth full house renovation

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Reflections on a Petworth full house renovation

Roshani Kothari bought her Petworth home in 2007, in love with its charm. Ten years later, she's finished a major renovation of the property, a renovation that she undertook acting as the general contractor. Now Roshani plans to rent out part of the house and live in the other part.

Here's the story of the renovation and some tips if you're considering doing something similar to your home.

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Give a little to a group that gives a lot to the local community

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Give a little to a group that gives a lot to the local community

Every day, struggling families get help from Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative. Our diverse staff works with each family to identify their strengths and needs and connect them to community resources. This includes addressing the wellbeing of parents and children, providing for basic needs and helping the family navigate the complex social services system. Thousands of families have been given a fresh start at life through our programs and services since 1998. Now, we need YOUR HELP to continue doing this life-changing work.  

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"Peace on Earth": Thoughts on the holidays

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"Peace on Earth": Thoughts on the holidays

The holidays were family time, cultivating traditions, and having hope in things unseen. We didn’t feel like we were lacking anything because our parents filled in the blanks. We were loved, encouraged and protected. And then stuff happened…

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Finally feeling at home: civic duty and neighborhood pride

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Finally feeling at home: civic duty and neighborhood pride

I lived in DC for almost 10 years — a lifetime in our transient city — before I set foot in the Wilson Building, home of the DC Council. On Tuesday, December 6th, I found myself waiting outside the council chamber with my seven-month-old strapped to my chest so I could look our councilmembers in the eye when they voted on a landmark paid leave bill.

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Urban churches on the perimeter of change

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Urban churches on the perimeter of change

With the rapid development and gentrification of urban cities, along with the skyrocketing cost of housing in walkable communities, many of the people who once lived in the neighborhood have moved out. Most members commute to worship in the churches that they helped to build by raising money to construct and improve the structures. The churches in local communities are a reminder of the culture and history that was once essential and vital to life in the neighborhood. 

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