Life in the Village (Washington, DC)

Where are the Ward 7 Cyclist & Cyclist-to-be

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Cycling is one of Ms V's modes of choice (when the weather cooperates). I believe the best part about living in a city is having options. Some times I bike, other times I bus, and yes... some times I drive *gasp*. Biking around Ward 7 has its high points and low points. For all intents and purposes, I feel safe biking around the Ward. Most motorists (even the ones from Maryland) give me adequate room when they pass and are generally courteous.

The DC Bicycle Advisory Council is committed to working on the east to west connectivity for cyclists (and in turn pedestrians). I can testify that trying to cross the Sousa Bridge on the east side near the ramps to and from 295 is dangerous. The BAC wants your feedback on their recommendations. Click the link below to get to their page.

http://dcbac.blogspot.com/2012/02/east-of-river-connectivity.html

Ray's the Steaks Reopens

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Great article from East of the River Newspaper on the changes at Ray's the Steaks.

Ray's the Steaks

Ward 7 Transportation Summit - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:19:00 +0000

For more information, click here to visit the Summit Website.

Making Anacostia Metro more Bike/Ped Friendly

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Celebrate Black History Month

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Today is the first day of Black History Month. I remember back in the day when we had to write book reports/essays on a famous black person. My classmates (I went to diverse school) always profile Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks or someone from modern day like Michael Jordan. Ms V was raised by slightly militant/activist parents (which is a post for another day), so my reports were on Patrice Lamumba, Ralph J. Bunche, Angela Davis, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (better known as Malcolm X, but I believe in giving deference by calling him by his name), and Marcus Garvey to name a few. But I digress...

Ms V has highlighted some exhibits and events

Hillcrest

Francis A Gregory Library

East of the River

Frederick Douglass House
Anacostia Community Museum - plenty of events

Other parts of the CIty

This is just a snapshot. Ms V urges everyone to take a young person in your neighborhood to one (if not all) of these events/exhibits.

Ms V Speaks and NPS listens

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:42:00 +0000

I at least hope National Park Service listens. Anywho... National Park Service had a public comment period for the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL SECTION 3. Ms V actually forgot about it, but I was able to quickly skim the EA and whip up some comments. My two cents.

I am a resident of Fairfax Village in the Hillcrest neighborhood and I'm commute via bike on a regular basis. I support ALTERNATIVE B: REALIGNMENT OF SECTION 3 OF THE ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL (NPS PREFERRED). This alternative would provide much needed connections along the Anacostia River. It would be a safer north to south route for cyclists than along the local roads.

As you move forward with design please consider the following:

Wayfinding:
Many of the designated bike routes in Ward 7 are not intuitive or obvious if someone isn't a regular user. Please ensure adequate signage and other visual clues to guide cyclist safely through the area.
Safety plan:
Safety is a concern for many cyclist. Given some of the safety challenges along the Met-Branch Trail, please ensure that a safety plan is developed, funded, and implemented as part of this project. This includes, but not limited to, adequate lighting, emergency call boxes, security cameras, snow/ice removal, and US Park Police bike patrol.
Incorporation of art:
Final design should incorporate art that celebrates and reflects the history of the river.
Accessibility to the path from the local neighborhoods:
As mentioned in the background, accessing the river is a challenge. Please include paths that connect the local community to this trail.

Share your stories with CM Cheh

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Councilmember Cheh received over 4,000 responses on her survey about taxis in DC. Mike Debonis at Washington Post has a great summary of the survey.

Excerpt:

Those last two complaints — driver “profiling” and refusing to haul passengers to where they want to go — have long been leveled against city cab drivers, and they were leveled often by the survey respondents. They also both happen to be illegal under the current taxi regulations.

Cheh said she was struck by how common those complaints remained. “We have more work to do there,” she said. “That’s very demeaning to people, and it makes us consider whether we’re doing enough now.”

For full article, click here.

Dear Ward 7 residents, please let Ms Cheh know your experiences with taxis in this city. She is holding a hearing on January 30, 2012, 11:00 AM in room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW). Please sign up to testify in person or submit written testimony for the record. Ms. V posted the hearing notice and bills below so you don't have to go searching for them.

B199-630: The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011 and

B19-635: The Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011

On January 30, 2012, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson of the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, will hold a public hearing on B19-630, the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011, and B19-635, the Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011. The public hearing will begin at 11:00 AM in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should register online or contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin, staff assistant to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, at 202-724-8062, or via e-mail at abenjamin@dccouncil.us. Representatives of organizations will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentation and individuals will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation. Witnesses should bring 10 copies of their written testimony and submit a copy of their testimony electronically to abenjamin@dccouncil.us.
If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted either to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation or to Ms. Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council, Room 5, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. The record will close at the end of the business day on February 13, 2012.

B19-630: The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act of 2011

B19-635: The Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Parity Amendment Act of 2011

Special Meeting - Marijuana Cultivation Center

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Ward 7 needs economic development. I'm pretty sure, marijuana cultivation centers don't rank high on the community's wants. While this center is proposed in the northern part of the ward, in keeping with the Kwanzaa principle Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), we must work together. It's the same night as the ANC7B meeting, but please attend if you can.

There will be a Special Call meeting to discuss the proposed Drug Marijuana Cultivation Center in Downtown Ward 7 location at 3701 Benning Road, NE, Washington, 20019. (MT)
Date: Thursday, 19 January 2012
Place: Benning Stoddard Recreation Center on East Capitol
Street, NE near 40th Street, NE
Time: 6:30PM
Host: ANC 7A Chairman Villareal Johnson.

We need input from everyone. please invite your neighbors to come with you.

Things to do Martin Luther King Jr Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr weekend!!! There are plenty of options on this 3-day weekend. You can drop it like it's hot at the club (side eye) or take this opportunity to learn or serve your community. Here's a brief list of things to do.

Special Events

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial - There is a wreath laying ceremony on Jan 16th from 8-8:30am. You can also enjoy the memorial on your own. Take a young person (or 2) with you if you go.
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade - The parade begins 11:00 am. The route is from Friendship Public Charter School (645 Milwaukee Place SE) and ends at Leckie Elementary School (4201 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE) in Ward 8.

If you want to stay in Ward 7

6th Annual Pope Branch Clean-up - Help clean-up Pope Branch Park from 10am - 1pm in
Kingman Park Clean-up - 9am-noon starting at 500 block of Oklahoma Ave NE
FREE Youth Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena - From 9:30am-10:45am bring your little humans to the arena for a FREE ice skating, including free skate rental.

Ms V plans to help at the 6th Annual Pope Branch Clean-up, then pick up my Little Sister (from Big Brother/Big Sister Program) and take her to the MLK Memorial.

DMPED Presentation on Economic Development

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0000

Hopefully last night's hearing will be the first of many. The mood of the evening was "less talk and more do." Ms V said "get it done yesterday" in her testimony. Below is the presentation by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) from last night.

DMPED Ward 7 Roundtable.1.11

Ms V Speaks - Economic Development

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Here is my written testimony. In my oral testimony I added in the need for business incubators in Ward 7. Please excuse any typos.

DavisVeronicaTestimony-EconomicDevWard7

And even more information

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Ms V wants to make sure Ward 7 residents are informed. Below is the FY10 Unified Economic Development Report. The long and short of the report Ward 7 has seen some of the least investment by the City for economic development.

Fy10 Unified Economic Development Report

Free Ice Skating on Monday January 16th

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:35:00 +0000

On Monday January 16, 2012, Fort Dupont Ice Arena will be hosting free ice skating classes and free youth skating. In addition to a free Youth Skate (rental skates included) from 9:30am to 10:45am, there is a free Learn to Skate Class (for youth to adult beginners) beginning at 11:00am, followed by a reasonably-priced public skate from 12:00 to 1:50pm.

Additional Information re Learn to Skate class:
§ classes start promptly at 11:00am
§ All skaters must sign in before their lesson
§ Skaters will be put in classes on a first-come, first served basis
§ Spaces are limited
§ Classes are for beginners of all ages
§ Rental skates included free-of-charge
§ Gloves and helmets required (loaner helmets are available)
§ Wear one pair of medium socks (no ankle socks)

Fort Dupont Ice Arena is located at 3779 Ely Place, SE (www.fdia.org) - 202-584-5007

And even more information

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

I love my Ward 7 neighbors. Someone emailed me these two gems this morning.

Penn Ave Redevelopment SE

Benning Minnesota Study

Information for Roundtable on Economic Development in Ward 7

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Tonight is the Roundtable on Economic Development in Ward 7. Below is the witness list and presentation on development in Ward 7 from Councilmember Alexander's Leadership Council.

Witness List for 1-11-12 ED Hearing-1

Ward 7 Projects and Programs

Economic Development in Ward 7

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:22:00 +0000

Ms V is trying to cut back on the snark in 2012. Today's little announcement almost threw that resolution out the window. Ms. V is concerned about all things Ward 7 and DC, but there are three issues that strike a certain fire in my belly: Transportation, Economic Development, and Small Business. Usually hearings, meetings, roundtables within those three areas don't get past me. I was a little surprised that an announcement came out on Monday for a hearing on economic development in Ward 7 scheduled for Wednesday.

So that's the end of my snark. *Gasp* I know you expected more and believe me I have more to say. Ms V version 2011 would have continued with at least two more paragraphs documenting the lack of adequate notice of the meeting by using newsletters, the ward 7 listservs, and tweets as exhibits. For better or for worse, your little Ms V is growing up. I'm just going to leave it at sharing the announcement with you.

CHAIRMAN KWAME R. BROWN
ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC OVERSIGHT ROUNDTABLE
BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS IN WARD 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012, 6:30 P.M.
DOROTHY HEIGHT/BENNING LIBRARY
3935 BENNING ROAD, NE

Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown announces the scheduling of a Public Oversight Roundtable by the Committee of the Whole on Economic Development Programs/Projects in Ward 7. The public oversight roundtable is scheduled for January 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., Dorothy Height/Benning Library, 2925 Benning Road, NE.

The purpose of the public oversight roundtable is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed economic development programs/projects in Ward 7.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify at the public oversight roundtable are encouraged to sign up online by visiting our Council website at http://dccouncil.us. Individuals may also contact Priscilla McIver, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, at (202) 724-8196, or via e-mail at pford@dccouncil.us and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business Monday, January 9, 2012. They should also bring 20 copies of their written testimony or submit one copy of their written testimony by Monday, January 9, 2012. Persons presenting testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.

If you are unable to testify at the roundtable, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, Suite 508 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.

Serving your community

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:16:00 +0000

January 16, 2012 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance will be doing their annual clean-up. Here are photos from last year and more here. Ms V recommends dressing in multiple layers. Froze my tushie off last year.

Check out DDOT's progress on the 11th Street Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Oh and by the way... here is a traffic advisory for bus commuters.

Events Affecting Metrobus
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – Friday, January 27, 2012

Hours of Event: 8:00pm – 5:00am each night – Detour is during overnight hours only
Location of Event: DC – 11th St Bridge exit roadway to MLK Jr Av SE
Routes Affected: 90, 92, 93, A42, A46, A48, B2, P2, P6, U2 – Southbound directions only

Metrobus will run the following street segments during the detour:

90 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

90 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

92 – Southbound – toward Congress Heights
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Howard Rd SE and W St SE
• W St SE, between ML King Jr Av SE and 13th St SE
• 13th St SE, between W St SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 13th St SE and continuation of regular route

92 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

93 – Southbound – toward Congress Heights
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Howard Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between ML King Jr Av SE and continuation of regular route

93 – Northbound – toward Ellington Bridge
• Regular route; No detour

A42, A46, A48 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

A42, A46, A48 – Northbound – toward Archives
• Regular route; No detour

B2 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to intersection of Minnesota Av SE and 17th St SE
• 17th St SE, between Minnesota Av SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 17th St SE and 16th St SE
• 16th St SE, between Good Hope Rd SE and Bangor St SE
• Bangor St SE, between 16th St SE and Pomeroy Rd SE
• Pomeroy Rd SE, between Bangor St SE and Hunter Pl SE
• Hunter Pl SE, between Pomeroy Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between Hunter Pl SE and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Morris Rd SE and continuation of regular route

B2 – Northbound – toward Mount Rainier
• Regular route; No detour

P2, P6 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to interchange of 11th St Bridge and exit roadway to southbound I-295
• Howard Rd SE, between I-295 and Anacostia Station roadway
• Anacostia Station roadway, between Howard Rd SE and continuation of regular route

P2, P6 – Northbound – toward Archives
• Regular route; No detour

U2 – Southbound – toward Anacostia
• Regular route to intersection of Minnesota Av SE and 17th St SE
• 17th St SE, between Minnesota Av SE and Good Hope Rd SE
• Good Hope Rd SE, between 17th St SE and 16th St SE
• 16th St SE, between Good Hope Rd SE and Bangor St SE
• Bangor St SE, between 16th St SE and Pomeroy Rd SE
• Pomeroy Rd SE, between Bangor St SE and Hunter Pl SE
• Hunter Pl SE, between Pomeroy Rd SE and Morris Rd SE
• Morris Rd SE, between Hunter Pl SE and ML King Jr Av SE
• ML King Jr Av SE, between Morris Rd SE and continuation of regular route

U2 – Northbound – toward Minnesota Avenue
• Regular route; No detour

Kwanza Day 7: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:04:00 +0000

The last principle is:

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

My dear Ward 7 neighbors we need to have faith that things will get better, our quality of life will improve, and we and work together.

Kwanza Day 6: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:55:00 +0000

Today's principle is

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

When people hear the word "creative" some times there mind immediately goes to the performance and visual arts. Ms V wants to challenge everyone to expand their definition of creativity. For example, the Hillcrest Community Civic Association held a Wine Tasting and Art Auction fundraiser this year. There well attended event raised several thousands of dollars to support the programs of the civic association. The event was a result of meshing the ideas of a few creative people.

In 2012, my hope for the ward is that we "think outside of the box" to come up with new ways to accomplish different goals and objectives. It's not a rejection of the past (Ms V doesn't believe in reinventing the wheel), but taking what we've done in the past and making it better.

Kwanza Day 5: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Today's principle is:

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

What I like about the Kwanzaa principles is they build on each other. Today's principle really gets to the heart of my ramblings these last few days. There are some very dedicated members of the Ward 7 community. However, we need more. Our problems can seem overwhelming at times.

"Collective" doesn't mean everyone has to worry or solve every problem. If each of us takes a small piece of a problem we can begin to see real change.

Kwanza Day 4: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Today's Kwanzaa principle is:

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Ms V blogged about Ujamma in 2009. Here is an excerpt about one of my ideas:

So here's my idea (not that it is all that original), but what if WE, the community, pooled our money to start our OWN community cafe. There is enough people with relatively high incomes living in Ward 7 . Certainly the Hillcrest (including Fairfax Village), Penn Branch and Fort Davis neighborhoods have some of the highest incomes on this side of town. IF, we could get 100 households to give at least $500 that would be more than enough for starting capital.

Stay with me here.... Then, we hire people from the community to work in the cafe. Maybe even do a job training program with the local high school to give some of these chirren (that's children as my granddaddy would say it) something to do after school. Plus if they work XX amount of hours and maintain a certain GPA, they can be eligible for a college scholarship (funded by the cafe).

The best part is that ALL the profits from the cafe would be required to stay in the community for programs, initiatives and other projects the shareholders (aka the community) wants to fund.

The point is that we have the resources and knowledge to make things happen in our communities.

Kwanza Day 3: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Today is Day 3 of Kwanzaa.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.

In Day 1 and 2, Ms V mentioned the need for the diverse people of Ward 7 to work together. Well now we have the Day 3 principle of collective work and responsibility. In order to work together successfully a few things need to happen:

There is no "I" in TEAM - My basketball coach drilled that into our heads at every practice, game, bus ride, locker room chat, and team dinner. Well that and "Together Everyone Achieves More". We all need to put our egos aside no matter how bruised or inflated they may be. As long as everyone has a personal agenda, we are doomed to not get anything done.
Clear and collective long-term vision - This isn't an in the weeds set of goals. We need to develop a bird's eye view vision of what we want our communities to be like in 20-30 years. The reason we need to look that far is the decisions we squabble over today will impact future generations. By taking a long-term view, it becomes less of an emotional debate.
Open communication - We currently use the listservs, but we also need to go old school to make sure we are reaching wider audiences. For example, the East of the River Magazine is a great opportunity to write articles to share information with our neighbors and discuss issues facing our community.
Utilize everyone's talents - Everyone has different talents, interests, and abilities. Everyone has a role to play.
Show appreciation - Nothing is sweeter to anyone's ears than the sound of "Thank you".

Kwanza Day 2: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Yesterday's Kwanzaa principle was Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Today's principle is:

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Oh Ward 7.... Somebody say AMEN!!! Where to even start with this principle? My brain hurts at the thought of dissecting the status quo, so I'll just jump right into my hope for 2012.

My hope for 2012 is that we redefine ourselves and celebrate the diversity of our ward. We are a ward of diverse people, incomes, housing stock, education attainment, professions, and neighborhoods. We need to create our collective future. I hope in 2012 we demand the services that we want and we take the steps necessary to make it happen. The Circulator is a prime example of what happens when dedicated citizens come together. It was truly a grassroots effort (although those of us involved were left out of the ribbon-cutting... but whatevs). Imagine if using that model we begin to tackle our schools, programming at recreation centers, and economic development.

Lastly, we need to all speak up. There are only a few that stand up, testify at City Council, and write to elected leaders. No one person can do it all, but if everyone can focus on 1 or 2 issues we can get some things accomplished and transform our communities.

It's time "We the people" rise up and create the ward we desire.

Kwanza Day 1: The Ward 7 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ms. V) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa. The African American specific holiday is seven days, which each day having a principle rooted in African heritage. Ms. V has decided to celebrate Kwanzaa, with a Ward 7 twist. For the next seven days, I'll present a principle and my hope for Ward 7 based on that principle.

The principle for today is:

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

February 2012, will mark 6 years of my residency in Ward 7. In my short tenure I've developed a deep affinity for my community. In all the places I've lived (I've lived all over the country), this is the first place that feels like home.

Despite the warm feelings about this ward, there is still much divisiveness. Young vs old, newcomers vs native, North vs South, low income vs middle income, and this list goes on. Some of this comes from a vocal minority, and some times it comes from making assumptions about each other versus seeking to understand one another. For example, I was in Capitol View Civic Association meeting and a gentleman stated that Hillcrest doesn't have the "$300 cash for clunker" signs because Hillcrest gets better city services. I told him the reason Hillcrest doesn't have the signs is because residents rip them down. There is one gentleman in Hillcrest who rides his bike around the community almost daily to take them down.

The redistricting process is a prime example of what happens when we don't work together for a common good. As the old adage goes "united we stand, divided we fall". As long as the divisive forces exist we will continue to get okie doked.

My hope for 2012 is that as a ward we can take the time to get to know each other, learn about the history, and develop a collective future.