Friend – 

I know I say this every year, but I honestly can't believe it's back to school time already. I'm excited for both my kids to start their school years - and wait, how do we have a high schooler now?!

As I've mentioned in the last couple of newsletters, my team and I have been visiting schools across the Ward this summer to make sure our teachers, educators, families, and students are ready to go on Day 1. Most recently, we stopped by Shirley Chisholm Elementary School, which will be navigating a campus swing as their exciting modernization begins, and Watkins Elementary School to focus on important maintenance needs at their co-located recreational facility. 

For families returning this week and next, please check out the back to school events I've highlighted in the newsletter below. And there's an important checklist at backtoschool.dc.gov, with resources from DCPS like their full academic calendar and the DC Public Charter School Board one, as well. There are also some great events and reading recs on the DC Public Library's site, too.

It's an eventful next few weeks, for sure, with updates below on the first-ever PorchFest on Capitol Hill, the Capitol Hill Art Walk, "Camp Cobb Park," the Southeast Library reopening, a big milestone for a beloved community institution, and important opportunities to share your thoughts on transit planning for the RFK Campus. And we're returning to our active hearing schedule soon at the Wilson Building, so there are some legislative updates about the fall, too.

Let's get into it. 

QUICK LINKS: Public Safety Update | Back to School Events | Southeast Library Grand Reopening | Mott's is Back | New Stop Sign | First Capitol Hill PorchFest | Camp Cobb Park | Folger Park Opening Postponed | DPR Capital Project Meeting |  Capitol Hill Art Walk | Protecting Helmet Laws | National Guard Resistance | RFK Transit Feedback | RCV Update | Grand Prix Closures | Mr. Henry’s 60th | Battery Standards | Restaurant Week | Voting Summit | Problem Solving for You | Tickets! Tickets! Tickets!

Miss the last newsletter recapping Sherwood Rec renovations, Ward 6 Week, the H Street NE BID, and more? Read it here.

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Public Safety Update

MPD Overtime Fraud Prosecution: I wanted to make sure you were aware of some recent concerning public integrity news from DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb's office.

NBC Washington reports that several sworn and civilian members of the Metropolitan Police Department have been charged with significant overtime fraud. "Five current or former officers and a civilian employee falsified overtime claims and received a total of $441,137 in pay they didn’t earn ... They are accused of forging approvals and altering official overtime records."

This was the result of an internal investigation by MPD and will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office, not the DC AG, as USAO handles most adult criminal prosecutions - even of local matters. Warrants have been issued for the individuals' arrests. I'm glad to see this misconduct rooted out by MPD itself and Attorney General Schwalb, particularly in the context of the serious budget pressures avoidable and unavoidable agency overtime use puts on DC's finances.

Homicide in SE: A little over a week ago, we tragically lost a young woman in Hill East near the Hopkins community to brazen gun violence. My team is working with MPD and the family to connect them with the resources they need after this devastating loss. MPD is also asking if any neighbors have information about the shooting on August 9 in the 1100 block of K St, SE, please share it with MPD here. You can do so anonymously.

Thefts from Auto: While down substantially overall, some parts of the Ward have seen an uptick in thefts from vehicles parked on the street. MPD is aware and working to put more patrols in those areas and identify a suspect. They've shared that it's often one person or one small group of people that will commit the vast majority of these types of crimes. MPD is reminding people not to leave valuables in their car or bags visible, and they're asking any victims or neighbors to ensure they report the crime (even if it happened the day before) and check security cameras to help with ID'ing suspects.

Can't Miss Back to School Events

In more back to school news, first, the Nationals are partnering with the Southwest Library on Thursday, August 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a Nats library takeover!

This means free food, music, prizes, and all things baseball. 

The best part: all students will receive a backpack with school supplies (while supplies last). You can register for the event here and even use your library card to make it easier.

And we've got more! On Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Capitol Hill BID is putting on a free family event featuring music and our local first responders right in Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

This event will also include a backpack giveaway for children 5-18, while supplies last. 

Register here for more information.

It's Almost Time for the Southeast Library's Grand Reopening!

T-minus 19 days!!! One of the oldest libraries in DC is slated to make a beautiful return on September 10.

The Southeast Library was in deep need of renovations. It's been a long two years of construction, but we're finally just days away from the grand re-opening. You're going to love the thoughtful, expanded spaces and community amenities.

As I've outlined in previous newsletters, there will be a much larger, modern children’s area, dedicated adult reading spaces, and multiple community rooms. The redesign brings in far more natural light and creates flexible uses for everything from quiet reading to neighborhood gatherings.

Check out details on the renovations here, and I can't wait to celebrate with you at the reopening ceremony that morning at 11 a.m. and the evening block party in Eastern Market Metro Plaza.

We Welcomed Back Mott's Market With a Community Bash and a Sub-Cutting

I'm sure you've heard the news, but ICYMI, Mott's Market is back! What started out as a longtime store and neighborhood institution that closed in 2022 is now open once again. This really is a story of the power of what's possible. And I couldn't be happier about the wide community turnout for the grand re-opening! 

A huge shoutout to members of the community who helped bring Mott's back, and not to mention the hundreds of neighborhood investors who contributed to the "Save Mott's Market" movement. 

You can read more about their efforts in the HillRag, but one quote that stuck out to me was from Michael Skinner, president of the LLC that brought back the space: 

“It’s a feeling of relief,” he said of the opening. “There were times when we just weren’t sure we were going to keep going forward with this thing, which has been volunteer run for over four years.”

I'm thankful for all of those involved and look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate this wonderful 'third space' in the community. And great breakfast burritos. ;)

Safer Streets, Block-by-Block: A New Stop Sign at 6th & A Sts, SE

That's right! After repeated requests from neighbors, the ANC, and my office, this intersection has been converted to an all-way stop sign on one-way 6th Street.

This is a long-overdue fix in a spot that’s seen too many crashes, as I previously highlighted. This change will make the intersection safer and more predictable for everyone, whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.

I appreciated the feedback I received in comments on our social media posts about this stop sign, especially from those of you who've requested other intersections for us to look at.

Our office's general guidance: Submit a 311 request and send us the request number so we can keep an eye out and escalate them. We work with our ANCs and DDOT every day to make our streets safer, and you can help by getting the word to us about problem spots on your block.

Get Involved in the First Capitol Hill PorchFest!

The first Capitol Hill PorchFest is coming up on October 10, and I'm so excited! Dozens and dozens of musical acts and hosts are registered so far, but the organizers still need your talent and your porch.

If you're interested in playing: Here's a link to the band application, and the deadline to fill it out is September 1. From there, acceptances will go out September 6, and you'll be assigned to a host by September 20.

Want to be a Porch Host? Here's a link to the application, and that's also due by September 1. Don't have an actual porch but still want to host? You can get creative a yard or alley space!

This has been a long time coming, and it's going to be incredible with your help!