DC VegFest is Next Week

Vegan treats from Pennsylvania's Vegan Treats

On Saturday September 11, take the 42 bus (almost all the way) to the 2010 edition of DC VegFest.  2009 fest was an unexpected surprise for me; I hadn't heard of the event somehow.  The DC vegan scene is  substantial and growing, but events like this are hard to miss.  Anyway, now I know!

DC VegFest is not just about food, but it could be. Last year's festival darlings Vegan Treats of Bethlehem, PA will return to lead a stellar group of food vendors.  They made the marvelous treats seen in the photo.  The line stretched to over 50 people last year! No one left disappointed.  Sticky Fingers, Sunflower Vegetarian, Bread & Brew, Amsterdam Falafel and Cafe Green will be present among others.

Of course vegan minded organizations will be present with full booths of literature, books, giveaways and information.  I feel like there are way more this year than last.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Vegetarian Society of DC and Humane Society of the U.S. are the biggest names I recognize.  There are over 25 total non-profit exhibitors presenting, at least, that many facets of living a vegetarian or veg friendly lifestyle. The for profit vendors include Portland's Herbivore, one of my favorite vegan clothiers.

DC VegFest is next Saturday (Sept 11) from 12:00 noon until 6:00pm and will be on the campus of George Washington University at University Yard, 2000 H Street NW.  That's about 5 blocks from the closest 42 bus stop or much closer to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station.  Get the full schedule and details on the DC VegFest website.

Restoring Sanity: New Creperie, Circulator News, Rallies

Back to Monday, back to sanity?  Ha, not in this town.  There's always something new!  A bunch of news broke over the weekend and as you can see, I could hardly wait to share it all at once.

***A new creperie quietly opened in Adams Morgan.  Snap already operates a fairly out-of-the-way shop in Georgetown (on Thomas Jefferson St).  I guess they wanted to open a more visible location.  The Adams Morgan space at 2475 18th Street NW used to be CD/Game Exchange.  This is the space between CaliYogurt and Saki.  I stopped by for a coffee, but I remember the Georgetown location as focused on crepes and bubble tea.  Looks to be the same here.  The space is neat looking with orange walls and seating along the sides of the long store.  Crepe making, coffee and the register are in the rear of the store and seating goes all the way to the front windows.  Not sure of they are vegan friendly.  I'll try back when they are in full swing to ask about that stuff.  Cool hang out spot though.

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***Everyone's favorite transit option, the Circulator, just added a new route Sunday.  The DDOT-Metro collabo replaced the long running Georgetown Blue Bus.  The new Circulator route will link Dupont Circle and Rosslyn in Arlington, VA with just 8 stops in each direction.  The Dupont pick up is located at 19th and N Streets NW.  Pretty awesome news.  The buses will (allegedly ) run every ten minutes like the rest of the routes.  

This route will run on M Street through Georgetown in each direction.  Stating yesterday, the Georgetown-Union Station Circulator will now take Georgetown bound buses onto K Street NW for the last portion of the trip.  The buses will then offload and begin a new trip towards Union Station by turning north onto Wisconsin Ave and then right onto M Street on the way to Union Station.  this is, if you remember, the original route.

And a change for another existing route as well.  The southbound Woodley Park-McPherson Sq Circulator will depart from 14th St NW at Thomas Circle and continue on 13th Street until reaching McPherson Square.  Seems there is less traffic on 13th and the buses will reach the final destination quicker.  Good move.

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***Get ready for a slooooooowwwwwww weekend on the Red Line.  If you don't know, listen up.  Metro will be closing five Red Line Stations the entire Labor Day weekend.  Yes, completely closing five Red Line stations for the entire Labor Day weekend.  The closing begins at 10:00pm on this Friday night (Sept 3) and will continue until the stations reopen on Tuesday morning (Sept 7) at 5:00am. The stations closed are Glenmont, Wheaton, Forrest Glen. Silver Spring and Takoma; all on the eastern branch of the U-shaped line. 

Metro is replacing literally thousands of track components and laying fiber optic wire for enhanced mobile phone service in underground stations.  There's a fairly complicated bus bridging system, so check the WMATA website for that.  And good luck to those trying to get to and from MD and DC this weekend!  Add a bunch of time to your travel plans.  Heaps.

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***Lastly, turns out the large rally/gathering on the Mall wasn't really that exciting.  No one's head exploded at the main event and the counter rallies happened simultaneously resulting in little confrontation or other fireworks.  I did see a few "Culture Warrior," "No spin," and tea party affiliated t-shirts.  But besides observing slightly heavier than average Metro ridership, I personally was not affected by the rally.  

However, as former civics and American history educator, it pains me to see so much misinformation insinuated or just stated as fact and then passed along by a charismatic, but misguided and often factually wrong man.  And bringing that to DC under some guise of reformation was just sad.  Sad for the organizers and sad for the country.  This event won't bring us closer together.

I have to say that in my view, the rally had nothing to do with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The ersatz leader of this weekend's rally couldn't hold a candle to King's brilliance.  He does a great job of entertaining people, and selling books and ad space for his TV-radio shows.  But making his constant target --our town, DC-- or any of the other parts of America better; no, that's not the way.  So, I say yes to free speech and yes to free assembly.  But no to negativity and misinformation in the name of "taking back" America.  It's reprehensible and in the end, won't win over the hearts of the majority.  If we have to restore anything, it should be sanity.

Friday Fun Post: Politricks

You Tube and social media have changed political campaigning more than we probably recognize in the present moment.  While traditional TV ads can be expensive and restricted to the candidate's geographical area, the internet throws all those rules out the window.  Production costs have come down with cheaper HD cameras and video editing programs.  Posting on sites like You Tube is practically free.  Now, anyone with an internet connection can see your ads for free, watch over and over again and easily share them with friends and others trough Facebook, blogs and email links.  So, why not get creative?

Obviously I'm not endorsing any of these candidates, but I think these ads are memorable and primarily geared towards the internet with the intent on viral distribution.  Two are local, and Dale Peterson --how could I not.  It's probably the most interesting of the three.  I mean, he's practically threatening you if you consider voting for the other guy.

Bryan Weaver is running for DC's Ward One Council spot.  Pretty neat fast paced ad with lots of neighborhood sites.

Adrian Fenty is running to Mayor of DC.  He did not produce this ad.  And he's not even in it.  But it might be the first political ad to successfully make use of Auto-Tune.

This is Dale Peterson.  He eventually failed in his quest to become Alabama's Agriculture and Industries Commissioner.  However, he definitely won the Most Angst Ridden Alabama Ag Commission Campaign Video Award.  I made that award up and he won it.  He won it. 

Columbia Heights Day is Saturday

This festival has grown every year since its debut on a very dusty and hot Tubman Elementary field three years ago.  This year the field is newly covered and rehabilitated, the prelim weather report looks great and Columbia Heights Day is back with more activities and programming than ever.  Tubman field is at the corner of 11th and Kenyon Streets NW.

It's happening this Saturday, August 28.  The day starts at 10:00am --with a little yoga to wake you up-- and is jam packed until 6:00pm, ending with a performance by DC's own Flex Matthews.  Returning is the Sticky Fingers cupcake eating contest, which has proven to be a huge hit in the past. Also returning is the questionable petting zoo, which perplexes me.  Not into this aspect at all.  But, I digress.  The dog show is back, which in the past was really just a parade of local dogs and their owners. 

Make sure to get out early enough to catch the King and Queen of Columbia Heights contests.  Prom revisited.  Except we're a few years older and probably wider.  I don't know, maybe you're one of the "changers"--people that got way more attractive after high school.  I'm not.  Luckily, I just stayed neutral looking.  Anyway, I won't be entering the contest because I don't live in Columbia Heights, but if you do, strut your best stuff.  No word on if they're requiring a slow dance between King and Queen.

Might a certain Mayor or Council Chair stop by?  Who knows.  I'm betting Jim Graham will be there at some point, though.  

My highlights:  

10:00a     CH bike tour and scavenger hunt

11:45        Queen of Columbia Heights contest

1:00p       King of Columbia Heights contest

3:30          Sticky Fingers cupcake easting contest

5:45          Flex Matthews

Full schedule below!  Enjoy!

New Paint Job: Potters House

alTARGETives: Where to Shop if You're Boycotting Target

A few weeks ago I got excited because the Target store in the DCUSA mall would soon begin selling fresh produce and generally expand it's grocery selection.  Then, someone commented about the recent news that Target was involved in a bit of controversy.  The company is receiving lots of negative attention over giving a large corporate donation to a Minnesota political fund that in turn spent some of the money producing ads for a questionable MN gubernatorial candidate.  You can read about the story here. 

So, if you are boycotting Target --or never shopped there in there first place-- where do you go for those products some of us have grown used to getting there?  This should be easy for most of you.  Target only opened in 2008 and you somehow got by without it before. 

Graphic Ts:  Target is the king of cheap graphic t-shirts.  People must really love those "retro" fake-faded looking Rolling Stone shirts.  Or the ones that have an old Dr. Pepper logo or an 80s comic book character.   If you must have that wacky, "it's only one of a kind because none of my friends would wear anything from Target" kinda t-shirt, try Washington Souvenir Headquarters at 421 7th Street NW.  They are a holdover from the Inauguration and carry all kinds of stuff from stupid pun joke shirts to political shirts from the left and right viewpoints.

Beer and Wine:  For better or worse we have a lot of choices within walking distance.  Maybe Samber Market or Sportsman's (both near Mount Pleasant Street and Park Rd NW).  Where are people's favorite places to purchase adult beverages around here?  

Cheap Swimwear: Ladies, a little help on this one?  I have no idea where to go.  Marshall's?  Guys?  Anywhere for us?  I feel like you can get board shorts pretty much anywhere.  Macy's?  I don't know.  Maybe City Sports.

Household maintenance "stuff":  You know, batteries, light bulbs, tools, mops, brooms, etc.  Stuff you only seem to need, well,  when you need it.  Pfeiffer's Hardware.  Logan Hardware.  Cooper's.

Body Care:  Target has a rather large body care section.  Maybe try something new (but spend a lot more) at Lush in Georgetown.  I like them because they are very open about their vegan friendly-ness, which is hard to come by with cosmetics.  And their printed catalog is cool looking. 3066 M Street NW.

Groceries:  Easy.  Bestworld, Giant, Yes!, Whole Foods, Safeway, Harris Teeter, various farmers markets.  Go bananas.  Go get some bananas.

Kitchenware: Starting to miss that Micheal Graves chic? IKEA to bland for your taste? Try one of handful of stores on 14th St NW.  Home Rule is the best of the bunch. They pack a lot into the little store at 1807 14th Street NW. Heavy on the kitchen and bath items. I've bought more gifts here than items I actually use at home. If you're looking for larger items, like furniture, lamps or weird accoutrement, try Miss Pixies two blocks south.

Have you heard of the boycott?  Are you doing it?  Do you even care?  Even if you aren't boycotting Target, try one of the smaller, cooler stores listed here.  Maybe they have what you need at a cheaper price, or maybe you'll find something new and better.  Or maybe not.  Maybe you don't need to shop anywhere for anything right now.  But it can't hurt trying something new for the second time. 

Will This Church Become a Hotel?

Not anytime soon, but the idea is out there.  And wheels are turning.  The owners of the Edition brand hotel have been eying this spot for almost three years.  Edition is a boutique hotel brand related to the Marriott behemoth.  

The hotel would occupy what is now the First Church of Christ Scientist building on Euclid Street NW at Columbia Rd.  A rebuild and additon would transform the building into 150 hotel rooms, six restaurants and a gym + spa.  It's unclear whether any of that would be accessible to the public at large.

Now Ward One council member Jim Graham wants to give the Edition developers a 15 year property tax abatement in order to tip their hand in favor of building the hotel on the site.  The tax relief would start in 2014 when the hotel is scheduled to open.  The abatement is just a proposal at this point.  It would have to be approved by the city to become reality.  I want a 15 year property tax break!  Wow.  

Anyway, I'm really curious how a major hotel would change Adams Morgan.  There are a few bed and breakfasts nearby, and of course the Hilton in Dupont, but this place is right in the heart of Adams Morgan.  Edition would be a ways away from any Metro stop (.7 miles from each the two closest) and would be in the thick of the Adams Morgan fray on a nightly basis.  I'm sure it'd be a draw for a certain type of visitor and might be one of the classiest places in the neighborhood after it's all said and done.  But I'm not sold on the tax abatement.  Will keep you updated on how this one unfolds.

Free Shakespeare, If You're Lucky

Harman Hall is once again the place to experience Shakespeare Theater Company's Free for All program this week.  The free performance this year will be the Bard's Twelfth Night.  Last year, I believe they performed Taming of the Shrew as the first FFA at Harman.  Previous Free for Alls were held at Carter Barron Amphitheater in upper NW.

Harman is only blocks from the 42 bus, at the corner of F and 6th Streets NW.  Those further afield can take the Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown.  

There will be 22 free performances over parts of the next three weeks starting tomorrow at 8:00pm through Sunday September 5.  This includes matinée shows on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bonus: This year there will be no waiting in long, hot, first-come-first-serve lines.  Ticket selection is by lottery.  Good move by STC.  Just go to this page and click on "Tickets" to read the rules.  Essentially, you enter your name into the lottery the day of the event and a drawing is held at 1:00pm with winners getting a pair of tix for that night's performance.  For matinées, enter the day before.   This all happens electronically and you're notified by email, of course.  

And just to reiterate, it's all free!  Thee is no charge for any performance.  Good luck!

Show at La Casa This Friday

More good music on the 42 bus line this week.

Seattle's Mostly Dimes played La Casa almost exactly a year ago this week.  Last August they played as part of a benefit show on behalf of We Are Family.  Well, they're playing another benefit this year.  On August 20th (that's Friday) they'll play with DC's American Hearts and Order from Charlottesville.  This time for DC's Radio CPR 97.5 who also had a movie benefit last week at La Casa (3166 Mt Pleasant Street NW).  Show starts this Friday at 7:00pm.  If you're feeling generous and care to donate, bring $5.00.

Cool night of music at Asylum this Wednesday as well.  Killing You With Kindness is a DJ night featuring a lot of my favorite music from the 90s and 00s.  As a matter of fact, it will be spun by yours truly.  Good and so-bad-its-good hardcore and melodic bands. This Wednesday at 8:00pm.  2471 18th Street NW.  See you there.

Thanks for the tips folks.  If you know of any other shows on the 42 bus line, let me know: the42bus@gmail.com.

Blockbuster Closing, Crooked Beat Not

Blockbuster video rental store will close its Adams Morgan location.  The sign announcing the closure went up yesterday.  The store --at 1805 Columbia Rd NW-- was also closed for the evening, so I couldn't follow up to ask why or when.  Ten bucks says it's the high rent or a combination of high rent and slowing sales. Netflix effect?  

In 2009 Blockbuster announced that it would close nearly 1,000 stores by the end of this year.  They'll still be in the DVD rental business, however. They are already operating DVD kiosks; similar to the Redbox kiosks scattered around DC.  

Crooked Beat, the stalwart, indie vinyl and CD store is moving.  The "FOR LEASE" sign in the window of the basement space of 2318 1th St NW scared me at first glance, but thankfully they aren't closing.  The business will will be moving to an as yet determined (or at least announced) storefront in Adams Morgan.  There are a handful of empty properties on both 18th Street and Columbia Road.  

Tattoo Paradise recently moved from a basement space to a ground level space in the neighborhood.  Business increased significantly.  Perhaps the same is in store for Crooked Beat.  Good luck guys.

Girls Rock! DC Showcase Tomorrow

Great annual event tomorrow morning at the 9:30 Club.  Doors at 10:30AM.  Yes, AM.  Show starts at 11:00AM.  First rate program, Girls Rock! DC.  Cheer on the musicians and enjoy the music.  815 V Street NW.

Radio CPR Movie Benefit in Mount Pleasant

This weekend the movie's on Friday.  The MPMS Movies in the Park series in on a two week break, returning August 28th with Up!.  In the meantime, Radio CPR/CommunityPoweredRadio is hosting a benefit tonight at La Casa.  You'll get to see Tim Burton's "Pee Wee's Big Adventure."  A classic if there ever was one.  You don't want to get mixed up with a guy like me.  I'm a loner, Dottie.  A rebel.  The $2.00 donation will go to Radio CPR.  La Casa is located at 3166 Mount Pleasant Street NW.  Movie starts at 8:00pm.

Full House: Part II

Mount Pleasant History Talk Tonight

From a reader:

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"Learn the history of Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan.

Ever wonder what Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan were like ten years ago? Fifty years ago? How the riots of 1968 changed everything? How the Latino community settled and grew in our area? Ever think about how knowing any of this might help you build relationships in your neighborhood? Here’s a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan!

Our guest speaker will be Dr. Bernard Demczuk, a former community developer and civil rights activist who now lectures on African-American history and culture at George Washington University and serves as the University’s liaison to the city.

Food and childcare will be provided. Wednesday, August 11, 7:15-9:30 p.m. Capitol City Public Charter School. 3047 15th St NW. Event sponsored by Grace DC Meridian Hill. Visit us at www.gracemeridianhill.org."

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Looks like quite an educational start to the evening.  If you have tips for interesting local events drop me a line: the42bus@gmail.com. Doesn't have to be happening right here in Mount Pleasant, but that's a plus!

DC Shorts Film Festival

Still from Expiration

I had known about the 48 Hour Film Fest, living it vicariously through a friend-filmmaker; but had never heard about the DC Short Film Festival until a few weeks ago. It takes place this September and happens right off of the 42 bus line. The films will be shown at E Street (naturally) as well as the theater at the Navy Memorial. Short means films up to 24 minutes. That's sort of par for the course for me. Short and sweet (or sad, funny, dramatic?) There are a lot of 5 minute films.  And some 1 minute films, too. 

Anyway, there are 97 total. Looks like you can catch all the films if you're a dedicated self scheduler and have some time on your hands. The website provides a one sentence write up for each flick, so it's hard to judge the potential content. But, based on a VERY brief flip through the pages, here are a few I wouldn't mind catching.

Just About Famous (Documentary)

Delve into the minds and hearts of the people who make a living impersonating celebrities.

God of Love (Comedy)

A lounge singer finds his prayers are answered when he receives a mysterious package of love-inducing darts.

Telemafia (Comedy)

What happens when a telemarketer picks the wrong consumer to call?

Katrina's Son (Drama)

After losing his grandmother during Hurricane Katrina, a young boy searches for the mother who abandoned him.

Rita (Drama)

A 10-year old blind girl’s claustrophobic world is suddenly breached by a mysterious presence.

The Muskrat Boy of Griffith Park (Drama)

While taking her picnic lunch, a lonely woman is confronted by a strange and scruffy boy.

A Dream in Hanoi (Drama)

Thanh is alone and sad after his bike is stolen. In a most unexpected way, ballet becomes his inspiration and salvation.

Pretty cool.  Might try to get in a session or two.  The dates are September 9-16.

New Life for 3145 and its Residents

More than two years have passed since a devastating fire disrupted the lives of hundreds of residents of Mount P and left a scar on the main commercial strip.  The fire displaced about 200 people and completely destroyed 3145 Mount Pleasant Street NW, then known as the Deauville Apartments.

A deal has finally been reached which will result in at least some of the residents returning to a newly constructed building on that site.  So sad it has taken this long, but it looks like the end is near for that ugly burned out shell which just happens to exist in the heart of our neighborhood at a time when lots of other properties are also empty because of commercial vacancies.

The city is essentially loaning a group of former tenant-residents money to purchase the property now and secure 40 units in the new building.  The city is also facilitating the financing for construction of the entire building.  In total it will have 67 affordable housing units, the previously mentioned 40 inclusive.  The amount of the initial loan is $4.1 million.  Technically, the loan will be from the Department of Housing and Community Development to an entity of residents known as 3145 Mt. Pleasant Street Tenants Association.

For all you affordable housing haters out there, this is not a "handout," it's a loan.  And there is a need for affordable housing, housing assistance, whatever you want to call it.  Whether that means the market adjusts to real salaries and wages (not happening around here) or that municipalities and non profits step in with a little tenant organizing on the side (what is happening in this situation), it has to be done.  DC can be a livable place for workers of all kinds.  And although the Deauville is but a small fish in the big city, it's so great to see that this story still has legs and looks to be running towards a positive conclusion.

And by the way, we won't have to call it the Deauville anymore.  With a  new building comes a new name, the Monsignor Oscar Romero Apartments.  Romero was Archbishop of San Salvador and known as Bishop of the Poor.  

Ride the Divide: Mount Pleasant Movies in the Park

From Mount Pleasant Main Street:

On Saturday, Aug. 7, the Mount Pleasant Main Street Association (together with the Mount Pleasant Business Association and CricKet Wireless) will be showing the documentary film "Ride the Divide," an account of the world's toughest solo mountain bike race along 2,700 miles of the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. 

The film tells the story of three characters' experiences as they endure mental breakdowns, treacherous weather, hellacious blisters and total fatigue while they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The filmmaker intertwines cycling footage with immense mountain beauty and snippets of small-town culture. 

This is the premier public showing of the film in the District of Columbia.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate Mt P's vibrant bike culture as well as support its local businesses. Local cycling groups will host bike clinics and other educational activities.  A suggested donation of $5-$10 will support the local charity Neighbors Consejo.

Movies begin at dusk in Lamont Park (Mount Pleasant St. NW and Lamont St. NW).  Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and meals purchased from local vendors and restaurants.

Thank you for your consideration.  For more information, email info@mtpmainstreet.org.

Fort Reno

Sadly, not on the 42 bus line, but well worth a trip up to Tenleytown.  It's an annual volunteer run music series.  And it's always free, and high quality, and relaxing, and alcohol free, and just a treat.  Shows are Mondays and Thursdays.  There are a few left this summer.  Here's the schedule.  Put it on you summer calendar for next year.  A gem in the grab bag of sometimes questionable free offerings that this city puts forth on a regular basis.

Taxis and Trees: Keeping Tabs

Haydee's sans tree.

***What is a Tree's Least Favorite Month?:  The tree box controversy in Mount Pleasant took a turn towards normalization last week.  The mysterious removal of a tree in front of Haydee's Restaurant on Mount Pleasant Street was unexpected, to say the very least.  And let's just say it wasn't removed by the city arborist.  Anyway, not only was the tree removed, but so was the entire tree box.  Just bricked over completely.  No trace to the unaware.  

But it appears that an attempt at amends is being made by the restaurant owners.  The tree box (or something resembling it) has been rebuilt. And a tree will again inhabit the space sometime later this year.  Hopefully after the month of Septiiiiimber.  See that.  See what I did there.  September.  You got it.

***Cabbies strike back:  Taxi drivers in DC still dislike the time and distance meters which determine the cost of a cab fare.  It's been just over two years since taxis in DC were forced to operate by the meter: you pay more for each incremental increase in distance and amount of time spent during travel.  The meter system replaced the antiquated zone system in the summer of 2008.  

Cabbies fought it and generally have lost every round with the city.  But, they're aren't done.  They've delivered over 1,000 petitions to United States Senator from Michigan, Carl Levin.  They essentially want to revisit the genesis of the statute which gave the mayor authority to make the change.  It was authored by Levin and embedded in the 2006 District Omnibus Budget Authorization.

***Pay More to Ride the Rails.... Eventually: I'm all kinds of confused about this, but essentially, Metro's new set of fare increases will not take full effect today as planned.  Those of you using paper farecards won't won't incur the 25 cent "fee" for all rail trips until Tuesday.  And the 20 cent peak-of-the-peak increase (for everyone) won't begin until Tuesday.  And even then, we'll only be paying for the afternoon peak, 4-6:30pm.  The software update dictating the morning peak increase won't be installed until later this August.  Got all that?