Friday Fun Post: Summertime

Been in a 90s mood this week. And his song never gets old.

Sarles Quietly Takes Over at Metro

The new interim General Manager has been on the job for nearly a month. But you'd hardly know it as an average Metro customer. Richard Sarles took over for capable but embattled John Catoe on April 3rd of this year. Catoe wasn't so much ousted as he was ushered out --on his own terms-- by a very mediocre performance. He was dogged by elevator and escalator outages, explosive growth in system usage, safety mishaps, and of course the June 11 fatal Red Line accident, among other issues.

Sarles must feel a bit restricted; he is not likely a candidate for the permanent GM, but is tasked with overseeing daily operations as well as long term budget and capital planning for Metro at a critical juncture. He is now the driver on these important issues:

Rail to Dulles: We knew the good times wouldn't last. The on time delivery of Phase I of the Silver Line may be threatened by a dispute between Metro and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is overseeing the construction. If this dispute --over the price of rail cars-- goes on for an extended period, the entire schedule could be pushed back months or years.

Funding streams: None of Sarles predecessors solved this issue, so I don't think he will either. Metro needs dedicated funding. Maryland, Virgina and the District all need to codify yearly, dedicated funding for Metro in their respective budgets. Otherwise Metro will have to replan and readjust expectations and operations each year and won't be able to project with any real accuracy or precision.

Today's budget gap: forget about the future, what about now? Metro is facing a current budget shortfall of $189 million. How to correct for this? Really, the same ideas we've been hearing; increase in fares, cuts in services and restructuring internal departmental budgeting. In additional to eliminating some raises at Metro and asking MD, VA and DC for more money now.

Safety: This is huge. Additional training helps, but this is an institutional issue. It may require massive turnover for the entire agency to be on the same page regarding safely. Some of the newer ideas proposed by Metro are increased random drug testing of some workers, right of way training, fatigue management/prevention programs and more funding for suicide prevention (for riders, not workers).

Any changes approved by the Board would go into effect almost immediately, with new fares effective June 27th and other service changes and reductions being fulfilled by September of 2010. After public meetings, revisions to proposals and the general mood of transit in DC, I predict the following state of Metro in the second half of 2010.

New rush hour fares: Base rush hour fare will increase from $1.65 to $1.90. Currently we are paying a surcharge rate of $1.75, but that ends this summer. Maximum rush fare will increase to $5.00.

New base fare: Non rush hour base fare will increase from $1.35 to $1.55.

Parking: Fees are different in each lot, but all day parking at Metro lots will increase $.50 where ever you are. And reserved spaces will increase in price as well.

Internal Reductions: Metro is looking hard at cutting costs internally. You may never see the changes as a rider, but they have proposed massive cuts across departments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. This includes eliminating staff, including some whole offices, reducing the use of special consultants and outside legal counsel and deferring the hiring of various new employees.

Photos: Sweetlife Festival

Last Saturday was rather overcast, so not a great day for outdoor photography. The Sweetlife Festival came off pretty great though, as far as my experience is concerned. Just after 2:00pm, when I arrived, it was very lightly attended although it was purportedly sold out. The show started promptly however with a great set by Matthew Hemerleine (amazing solo cover of Ginuwine's Pony included). I just could not make it to the end of the fest, I was getting so tired. I missed Hot Chip's DJ set and U.S. Royalty.

The highlights for me were Hemerlein and Phil Adé (both pictured below). Adé played to a slightly larger crowd; enough to get into the performance during a chilly and damp spring day. He'll next appear at an event with a sweet name, Hustlepalooza, on May 5th.

Everyone was chill and as far as I know there was no drama. If this happens next year, I vote for better weather! And more food on site. That's it really. The fest was alcohol free, which was refreshingly pleasant. Really nice event and for a good cause; benefiting DC Farm to School.

Mount Pleasant Music Fest This Saturday

Ring in Spring with more great music, this time, ultra local style. Maybe you couldn't get into the Sweetife Fest. Perhaps you don't frequent the club and bar scene. And for years we couldn't even see a live band in our own neighborhood restaurants. Well, this Saturday you can literally roll out of bed and hit up a free concert just blocks away from where ever you live in Mount P.

The Mount Pleasant Music Festival will follow the first farmers' market of the year in our very own Lamont Park.

The music is very Mount Pleasant-ish, if that makes sense. Almost everyone is DC based and DJ Wanako is Mount P based, so he won't have to travel far to spin a set or two.

And now, the envelope, please.... I mean line up. I don't know why I said envelope:

Long time DC mellow indie band Deleted Scenes, folksy Aaron Thompson, three pieces Frau Eva and Deutshmarks, Royal Forest (Austin TX), Radio CPR's DJ Wanako and Four Horsemen (their Karenina below, via byt).

The Fest begins at 2:00pm after the Farmers' Market and will end around 7pm. Not sure of the order of appearance, but you can't really go wrong here. If you're into FB rsvp, go bananas, but try to follow through, ok? See ya there.

U.S. Royalty, Hot Chip Headline First Sweetlife Festival in Dupont

Pretty hot music lineup for the Sweetlife Music Festival tomorrow. The Sweetgreen salad and yogurt shop is sponsoring the music fest which is literally in its Dupont backyard. DC music heavyweights DJ Will Eastman and U.S. Royalty join dance-electric stars Hot Chip (DJing only), MD hip hop phenom Phil Adé, DC's Matthew Hemerlein and others. How they pulled this line up off I don't know. But I like it.

Sweetgreen is teaming up with Rock the Vote to put this Fest on. The proceeds will benefit the DC Farm to School Network, a local advocacy organization which, well, promotes local farm food in DC schools. Good music, great cause.

The Dupont Sweetgreen location is at 1512 Connecticut Ave NW and the party will be outside the back door in the parking lot. This is the same location as the Dupont Farmer's Market.

As far as I know the Festival is sold out. But perhaps you can enjoy the musical stylings from just outside the fence or across the street. It is outside after all. For those of you lucky enough to snag a ticket, enjoy. I lucked out and won one in a contest believe it or not. Somehow this Fest had existed below my radar until about a week ago. But I guess everyone else knew about it, since they sold out. Anyway, if you have a ticket, I guess I will see you there.

If you don't have a ticket, the party continues tomorrow night. Will Eastman is hosting the Official Sweetlife Fest Afterparty at the new (and awesome) U Street Music Hall. And, although it's also sold out, UK's Hot Chip will be playing an actual show at the 9:30 Club as well.

The Festival doors open at 2pm and organizers are urging ticket holders to come early as it is a capacity event.

Wok and Roll Coming to Adams Morgan

The quirky Chinese and Japanese restaurant Wok and Roll may be coming to Adams Morgan by the end of the year. They've advertised as much on their website for some time and I've inquired about it over the phone and in person. No one would give me any firm details, but the general idea is that Wok and Roll are planning to open at 2400 18th Street NW sometime in 2010.

2400 is at the corner of 18th Street and Belmont Road. The previous tenant was Prince Cafe, which I can't say I ever visited. I believe it was a hookah bar with Mediterranean food. Not sure how long it has been closed.

Wok and Roll, currently located on H Street in Chinatown, would add something new to 18th Street. Besides Saki, North Sea Deli and Peking Garden, the Japanese and Chinese food element is missing from Adams Morgan. Mount Pleasant has two or three places and even Woodley Park has Mr. Chen's Organic. It'd be nice to get a strict sit down restaurant (and not another bar) on the strip even if the food isn't 5-star. Wok and Roll is serviceable, affordable and rolls sushi/maki; all pluses in my book. Very busy at lunch time and popular with the tourists because of their location. Who knows if any of those qualities will make it to the Adams Morgan location. Here's to Wok opening sometime sooner than later!

Food, Food, Retail (Closed), Food, Club, Bar

18th Street NW. From L to R: North Sea Deli, Saki, CD Game Exchange (Closed), Cali Yogurt, District, Asylum.

All Vegan Cafe Green Opens in Dupont

Cafe Green is open. The Java Green-related, totally vegan restaurant quietly opened about 10 days ago and has been serving up meals in a nicely appointed 17th Street NW location. I can't believe they already have a Yelp page. (Aside: I really dislike that website. It's being sued for extortion and the "reviewers" are often unfair, nonfactual, or don't give new places like Cafe Green a chance to get their act together.) Anywaaaaay... moving on.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but at this moment, I believe Cafe Green is DC's only table service, all vegan restaurant. I went for lunch, but they serve dinner as well.

The menu is heavy on raw items and is not identical to, but very much influenced by Java Green's menu. For example, there are veganized Korean appetizers, like mondoo (dumplings). The rest of the menu is composed of hot and cold soups, sandwiches and various entrées. I am not a huge raw food fan, but most items are fairly conventional, like the raw kale and mango salad. Obvious, but you just don't think about it; most salad is raw. So, raw dishes based on whole vegetables, I can do that. Raw lasagna and such, that's a stretch for me.

For all the soy or gluten free people, there are plenty of dishes for you and even one (or actually I think two or three) that are vegan AND soy free AND gluten free. I will be curious to see how much of the Java Green menu they end up bringing over. Cafe Green is supposed to be a little more upscale and have its own identity, so expect the dishes to be a little more nuanced and complex. The menu is a bit jumbled and the kitchen is still ironing out the kinks and seeing what dishes work better than others. They are very open to your feedback and suggestions.

The restaurant consumes two floors of a three story row house, plus a patio on the ground level out front. The first floor has a bar and the second floor is more expansive with a mix of 2 tops, 4 tops and a large, round communal table in the middle. There is a fire place as well, but not sure if it will ever hold a fire. The location is great. The address is 1517 17th Street NW, right along restaurant-club row in Dupont. Cafe Green is located between P and Church Streets, bordered by a Dunkin Donuts and Mr. Yogato. The location can't be beat. If the food is good, they will make it. And if the lunch lines streaming out of the door at Java Green are any indication, Cafe Green will be a success as well. Good luck guys!

Mount Pleasant Shop Hop is Today!

From the Mount Pleasant Business Association:

Today! Saturday, April 17th, Mt. Pleasant Businesses will be having a Progressive Sale Party. Every hour a different store will have a different sale FOR ONE HOUR ONLY. What a great way to visit your favorite neighborhood businesses!

Check out www.mtpleasantbusiness.org for updated schedule and events.

SCHEDULE (as of 4/13/2010)

9-10AM	CURVES Tour the facility, get a body fat analysis and use of selected exercise machines. Curves is a fitness facility designed for women.
10-11AM	PFEIFFER'S HARDWARE 10% discount on all merchandise
11AM-12PM	AMANI JA YUU 10% discount on regularly-priced merchandise, a banana leaf box per customer and storeis of African women who make the crafts. 7-ELEVEN 12 ox. Slurpees for $.49, regularly $1.19
12-1PM	DON JUAN RESTAURANT Samples of chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes and a non-alchoholic drink with purchase of $7 or more. ANGELICO'S PIZZERIA Pizza samples and 30% discount on all menu items (other offers not included)
1-2PM	BURRITO FAST Purchase burrito at regular price, get second burrito 50% off HELLER'S BAKERY A free doughnut per visitor
2-3PM	BOVEDA TRIBAL ARTS 40% Off selected handbags, $18 selected shawls, 20% off home décor items. Jelly Bean Count Contest, 1st place -pashmina shawl, 2nd place $10 gift certificate 7-Eleven 12 ox. Slurpees for $.49, regularly $1.19
3-4PM	HAYDEE'S RESTAURANT 25% off discount on food purchases above $50; 10% off food purchases between $20-$49. TONIC RESTAURANT Several menu item samples and $5 Tonic Dollars per purchase
4-5PM	DOS GRINGOS CAFE Free Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Shop DOLLAR STAR 15% discount on home appliances, blankets, book bags, furniture, lady's pajamas, lamps, rugs, toys and window curtains
5-6PM	CLEA CUTZ Refreshments and discount coupons for women and men's haircuts
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS	LOGAN'S ANTIQUES Sale Day 10am to 6:30pm PUBLIC VIEJO ART GALLERY Open House/Reception at Ramona Spa 2-8pm

Take Five at the Kogod Courtyard

Sort of happened upon this by chance, but I'm glad to know it exists. Take Five! is a monthly program held in the courtyard between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. The music is generally of the jazz variety and this event takes place each third Thursday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. SAAM and the NPG are normally open until 7:30, which I love. Great for an after work break/happy hour. The courtyard cafe is open during the performance and yes, they do serve adult beverages.

Yesterday's performance was a take on April 15; tax day. Singer and pianist Sandy Asirvatham played with an ensemble group and sang songs about, well, money and taxes. It was sort of odd, but we enjoyed the music and good company. The next Take Five! performance will be on May 20 and feature the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet.

Do yourself a favor and go early, see Remembering the Running Fence at SAAM (fascinating!) and settle down for some vocal jazz.

This is just a prelude of sorts to another totally separate event, Jazz on the Grass (i.e Jazz in the Garden). Hosted by the National Gallery of Art, Jazz in the Garden begins a week later, May 28, down at the Sculpture Garden on 7th & Constitution. Summer is about to begin boys and girls. It's about to begin.

DC Soon to be Titletown?

Among the big four professional sports (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB), DC has not been home to a championship since 1992 when the Redskins defeated the four time Superbowl Bowl losers Buffalo Bills. DC United last won a Major League Soccer championship in 2004. And the DC Divas won the Independent Women's Football League championship in 2006.

But among the regional powerhouse teams, no championships since 1992. Almost 20 years. The Capitals are our next great chance. They begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs today as the number one team in the Conference and the entire League. If they could bring a championship and the Stanley Cup to DC, maybe we'd shed some of that loser stigma. Our football (men's, not women's!), basketball and baseball teams each had losing seasons last time around.

Our next chance is now! I'm imagining a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, turning north onto 7th Street and ending at H Street with a huge street festival. Ha, that's probably a little over the top, but a nice thought. Anyway, the first game is tonight at the Verizon Center, 8:00pm. A best of seven series vs. the Montreal Canadiens. GO CAPS!

First Pitch

Travel Channel Jumps Into Adams Morgan Pizza Wars

Who has the best jumbo slice of pizza in Adams Morgan? As a vegan, I have no idea! But I've stepped on a slice or two. Or a plate. Or box. I mean, go to 18th Street NW on a weekend and you'll see pizza everywhere. On plates, in hands, on sidewalks; often in that order. Well, tonight you can see how Travel Channel came to DC to settle it once and for all.... sort of.

No, really, airing tonight on the Travel Channel is an episode of Food Wars which will showcase two pizza joints in Adams Morgan, Jumbo Slice and Pizza Mart. The competing shops are actually owned by the Chisti brothers, who've had quite a sibling rivalry over the best pizza for about a decade.

The show is a little silly, but that's OK, we're talking about greasy, cheesy, no-nutrition-having, foldable, brick in your stomach, big as your head slices of pizza. It's not heart surgery people! (there's a joke in there somewhere) This is just fun y'all. If you can't laugh at this, DC has gotten to you.

The producers, to my surprise, capture what I think of as Adams Morgan pretty well. And definitely poke fun along the way. No one (except the brothers!) are taking this too seriously. The host, Camille, profiles the brothers --owners of each respective shop--, goes behind the scenes to see how each larger than life pizza is made, and gets the help of some DC residents to rate the slices. Aiding Camille are two self styled superfans of Pizza Mart and Jumbo Slice who are DC witty -- and skinny, considering how much pizza they purportedly eat.

Honestly, I had never heard of jumbo slice before I moved to DC. Such a strange, but very American bigger-is-better idea. But DC seems so health conscious, right?! Right. We are home to Ben's Chili Bowl and Five Guys. And multiple competing jumbo slice restaurants. I hesitate to call them pizza "parlors" for obvious reasons. I think one of the newer places has no seating, but does have a disco ball and plays dance music. Ah, the AM nightlife. Gotta love it. The show airs tonight on the Travel Channel at 10:00pm.

Apartment Houses: The Kenesaw

Opened in 1906, the Kenesaw was only the second District apartment building constructed so that each face fronted a street. At the time it was one of the most luxurious residences on a burgeoning 16th Street "mansion row." During the early years it housed members of Congress and even Hall of Fame pitcher Walter "Big Train" Johnson of the Washington Nationals/Senators. In 1913, owners donated part of the property to the city as a park. Eleven years later the park became the home of the Francis Asbury equestrian statue. Asbury was the first Methodist bishop in the U.S.

Through a protracted legal battle beginning in the 1970s the apartment building became tenant owned and remains so today. The Kenesaw has always had first floor retail, with a pharmacy and cafe during the early years. Currently Frugalista, a used clothing store, and Acceso Credit Union occupy the first floor on the Mount Pleasant Street side. 3060 16th Street NW.

Friday Fun Post: Kid Scarface

Some kids reenact the cult Al Pacino flick Scarface. A few artistic liberties; like a pile of popcorn instead of the other stuff. And multiple uses of the word fudging. No, they aren't talking about candy.

Nationals Opener Hardly Worth the Wait, Money

If you've read the blog for a while, you know that I am a pretty big baseball fan. Growing up in Richmond, I was a Braves fan as a child. But, ever since the Nationals came to DC in 2005 I have been a big supporter of our team, even buying multiple game ticket plans the last three years.

Not this year. The opening game was really sad. The 11-1 loss, I can take that. The team has lost over 200 games in the last two seasons, so losing is pretty much a way of life for the foreseeable future. Some teams' fans have endured decades of losing. Even President Obama showed us up wearing a White Sox hat while throwing the first pitch. OK, he is the President, so he gets a lot of latitude.

At 41,290 in paid attendance, the game was a sellout. But the stadium was filled with Philadelphia fans. I don't mean just Phila fans who live in DC. It's normal to have the other city's ex-pats at Nats games; that's how it is in DC. But, literally, thousands of fans came down from Philadelphia, possibly with help from Nats sales staff and policies.

The Phillies fans relentlessly booed the Nationals and cheered the Phils, naturally. Nationals fans a) hardly had anything to cheer for, and b) were literally outnumbered in some sections 2:1 by Phillies fans. What good is it spending my money to attend a game in which I can't even cheer for the hometown team. It is no good. Not worth the wait or dollar. I know a team wants to sell tickets and make a profit, but could the Nationals please be a better partner to the city?

I mean, really Nationals? Really? You were that hard up for ticket sales? I know DC residents who could not get tickets through the normal routes (buying online, day-of $5 seats). So there was still demand in DC. Even if there weren't even one more Nats fan who wanted to buy a ticket, the team couldn't give some tickets to local non profits to distribute to youth? Heck, not even the youth (it was a 1:00pm game!); just any DC fan interested in going. So sad. It can not be overstated: WE; yes, WE built a stadium for use of the team, a private entity. WE paid for the cost overruns, and WE, citizens of DC, put up with the team when they refused to pay rent in 2008.

I am biased because I love baseball so much, yes. And I support the team and think they will be good one day. A better team will make it easier to sell more seats in DC. But, opening day illustrated how bad a corporate citizen the team can be at times. Take the dollar, any dollar. Might as well be the Phila Nationals, or Boston, or New York. If they want to make it here, they'll have to try a lot harder, on the field and in the front office.

Mount Pleasant Library Closed, For Now

The Mount Pleasant Branch Library closed last week and will remain so for more than one year while renovation and an addition are completed. Meanwhile, the temporary library at 3164 Mount Pleasant Street NW (pictured below) will open in three weeks on April 26.

The renovation and addition plan for the 85 year old building has been a contentious issue the last two years. Most of the issues have been over the amount of input time made available for residents: specifically on the reconfiguration of the accessibility ramp and the expansion by addition of an entire new "wing" behind the existing structure. While it is "our" library, it is the only library in all of Ward One. Its location on a busy thoroughfare at 3160 16th Street and its unique history and architecture have made for a bumpier road to change than I'm sure DC Public Library would have wanted.

Obviously the issue of the accessibility ramp has merit. If residents can't comfortably get into the library --by walking, wheelchair, or other-- then, what's the point? On the other hand, I am all for modifying historic buildings to meet ADA requirements. Usability should trump decades old bad policy. That being said, DCPL had to make some tough decisions about making the library ADA compliant and keeping the means of egress safe, comfortable and attractive enough that people will actually want to use it.

Expansion of a library that serves an entire Ward seems like a great idea. We spent millions on Nats stadium, so why not spend money on libraries and schools. But this expansion is on what amounts to a sliver of land directly behind the current library. See the full mock ups here.

I'm all for expansion, but only if the claims that emergency vehicles would be hindered during a fire are proven untrue. I do trust the Distrcit to ensure htat our neighborhood's safety comes first.

For the most part, I am happy that our library is getting attention and expanding. I do expect that city agencies like DCPL will hear residents' concerns and react accordingly. I don't expect that each and every resident is going to be satisfied at the 100% level. At some point I'll leave the agencies to do what they are directed to do and trust that the execution will match the plans. As long as they stick to the timeline... spring of 2011, here we come?

Alero Will Replace Rumberos on 14th

Columbia Heights is getting yet another restaurant on the 14th Street strip. Alero, the Mexican restaurant and lounge will occupy the space which last home to Rumberos Restaurant, another locally owned venture. Rumberos, located at 3345 14th Street closed shop last fall. 3345 is on the first floor of the historic Tivoli Theater building at the corner of Park Rd and 14th Street NW.

Alero has three current locations. I've most often visited the U Street location at 13th and U. Haven't been in a while though. Can't say I'm that big of a fan, but perhaps I will try again since they are closer to Mount Pleasant. The other locations are Cleveland Park and Connecticut Ave in Dupont, right on the 42 bus route. No information on when they will open, but as soon as I know, I will pass it along.

Odds and Ends: Weekend Events

Baseball is Back: The Nationals will play the first official game of the year on Monday. But they will actually return to DC and to Nationals Park on Saturday afternoon. They are playing the Red Sox of Boston at 4:00p in the final exhibition of 2010. Last year the Red Sox proved more popular than the Nats in a 3 game set, but the owners were probably happy; the place sold out. Boston fan, you're almost worse than Philly fan, and that's saying a lot! Well, I'll be there, with my Washington gear on. Go Nats!

Soccer is Back: DC United and the rest of of the Major League Soccer averted a player strike earlier this year and the season began on time as normal. DC United's first home game is this Saturday as well. They will also face a team from Boston, the New England Revolution. United is looking pretty good this year. If my loyalties didn't lie with baseball, I'd be at this game. Along with Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles at good 'ole RFK. Luckily there are 14 more home games this season.

Neighborhood Easter Party: Grace Presbyterian Church of DC is hosting a party for residents of Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights. It's being held in CH, at Girard Street Playground at Girard and 15th Streets NW. There will be an Easter Egg Roll, face painting, crafts and games. All are welcome.

Fireworks: Yep, already! The National Cherry Blossom Festival includes this fireworks show at the Southwest waterfront on Saturday night. The show starts at 8:30pm. The show will happen rain or shine. Of course the actual Cherry Blossom Festival continues, through the end of next week.

Yoga for Allergies: Knock on wood, I do not have allergies! Thank goodness. But I know a lot of you who do! The Benadryl is already starting to fly off the shelves. Well, Mount Pleasant's own Past Tense Yoga is offering Yoga for Allergies this Saturday (1:00p-3:00p). You'll learn poses and breathing exercises that will help lessen the affect of the dreaded, brutal, DC allergens. I really feel of you if you have them!

And you can help Past Tense out even if you can't attend a session this weekend. Owner Kelly DiNardo produced a short video and entered into the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's I am Free Enterprise Contest. Essentially, if the Past Tense video gets the most views they'll move on to possibly be judged and if they're the best, win a prize. The video is below. Take a look. Or two!

Is Mount Pleasant Clybourne Park?

This is a continuation of yesterday's post: Clybourne Park Deals With Familiar Issues.

Mount Pleasant the neighborhood is an organic and fluid entity. Even the buildings aren't permanent. Transients, lifers, townies, passers through; we all share the same space and want our immediate surrounds to conform to our comfort zone, be it wide or narrow. Speaking to present day issues, sure, any one persons experience can resemble those in Clybourne Park. But in total, we are what we are, and Clybourne Park is what it is.

Speaking to the second act of the play, my impression of Mount Pleasant, from my first visit almost a decade ago to view the apartment I'd eventually move into, was that it was a multi racial, left leaning but diverse politically, and a mostly laid back neighborhood. Not sure the laid back part played out as expected, but for the most part everything else has seemed to stick. Are there class and race issues? Yes, and they are played out in various ways. I can only speak to my own experiences, which have been mostly positive.

We deal with historic preservation and regulatory issues very much like the characters in Clybourne Park do. In an historic district like Mount Pleasant, homeowners who value a certain aesthetic, for whatever reason, are sometimes at odds with those who may value an entirely different aesthetic. And of course there are economic issues as well.

Preserving local traditions was the hot topic of the neighborhood not long after I arrived. A rather tense, sometimes petty, but real issue of music in restaurants persisted for years until just recently. For me, that's not a life or death issue, but opposing live music in a restaurant seemed too small minded to be backed by genuine motivations, another theme explored in the play. The underlying issues of race, language and culture collided with community boards (ANCs and other groups) and quality of life to extend a simple subject (music!) into a year's long battle.

Another comparison involves not only Mount Pleasant, but Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan and many other areas of the District. As a high schooler I was warned about attending shows in DC, parking near the (then) new 9:30 Club, or later, walking home after hours on Mt Pleasant Street. "14th Street is where the crime happens, so avoid downtown if you can." To hear it told by some, I was frequenting the most undesirable parts of the city as a way of life. Fast forward a few years and 9:30 Club rubs shoulders with a couple of new condo towers, Mount Pleasant Street is actually still alive after hours, and the city is about to help Marriott construct a mega-convention center hotel with 1,000+ rooms blocks away from an area in which only parking lots were the only operating businesses.

All this goes to say that while Clybourne Park changed, so did Mount Pleasant. But we changed differently. And still are changing in our own unique way. We are drastically different from even our two CLOSEST neighbors, Columbia Heights and Adams Morgan. And we like it that way. It's uncomfortable. You might not want to step on toes or offend someone. Or some of us don't mind doing that, either. Most want to be able to make a living and leave the next lady or fellow to do the same happily. If they want to listen to a live band while you eat dinner? Go bananas! I've never even been to that restaurant and live blocks away from Mount Pleasant Street. Want to install storm windows to keep out the cold? OK, sounds economical to me! What about that festival that attracts 40,000 visitors each fall? We'll host, but please, let's work together to make sure the event is safe and fun for everyone involved.

See, change is inevitable. We just need to make sure whatever is presented to us, that we make a conscious effort to think of the impact on people. Ourselves, yes, but also our neighbors, even the one's we might not know as well or even like. They live here, too and deserve to enjoy a quality of life at the very least, equal to that of your own. As long as we keep that in mind, the decisions we make will keep Mount Pleasant, well, pleasant. We're not Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan or Clybourne Park.

Clybourne Park Deals With Familiar Issues

I had a wonderful opportunity to see a production of Clybourne Park as performed by the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Woolly Mammoth is a homegrown theater company, now in its 30th season. They are located in a beautiful, new (oh, about 5 years old?) facility on D Street NW between 6th and 7th.

Clybourne Park is the current production and it has apparently been so popular they are extending the run into mid-April. I attended a mid week show and there appeared to be just a handful of seats unfilled.

The play delineates the often artificially masked, but always obvious tensions of race, class, economics and housing which were present in post-war, 1950s America. This happened in cities all over the United States. As non-whites were eventually able to move into all white neighborhoods, white residents reacted in various ways from resistance, confusion, reluctant acceptance, encouragement and everything in between. Clybourne Park smartly illustrates this real life struggle through the eyes of fictional, but 'gosh darn they could have been plucked right out of the 50s' characters. Not at all predictable, but rooted in real history.

The second act advances to present day in the same neighborhood. Although now the neighborhood --having become predominately non-white-- faces what essentially qualify as the same issues, when a white couple is able and willing to move in. The scenarios present in the 1950s and the 2010s are analogous, but not identical. The play explores each time period on its own accord and holds the audience in high regard in that manner. We get to decide how we want to deal with the events of the play. Not be preached to.

Woven through the two acts are other seemingly mundane issues of neighborhood covenants (explicit and implicit), zoning, law, home economics and social norms. But as we know in hyper-politicized DC, those issues are neither mundane nor unimportant. Add to that a fantastic framing element which grounds the story and ensures that whatever debate happens after the play, there will always be a common ground for viewers to walk upon.

So, the question: Is Mount Pleasant Clybourne Park? Wow. I feel supremely unqualified to answer that question, but also supremely qualified to give my opinion based on my experiences. Living here for the better part of a decade, yes, I have been fortunate enough to see the changes, good and regrettable in the neighborhood during that time period. Neighborhood building is a process. An unyielding and omnipresent process. Change happens whether we plan for it or not.

And.... well, tune in tomorrow for the rest of the answer.

No seriously, I'm saving the rest for tomorrow. So, come back and read it. Feel free to give your thoughts in the comments below though.