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SPACES in ACTION Visits Council to Discuss Child Care
May 13, 2024
Members of Council Trayon White's staff met with Grassroots Policy Consultants for SPACES in ACTION to share how vital investments in child care have been for themselves and their communities. SPACES in Action is a member-based grassroots advocacy organization that champions the demands of Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income communities throughout the District.
Parents, teachers, faculty, and students from Bright Beginnings in Ward 8 spoke passionately about the budget cuts affecting daycare providers and teachers. During the meeting, emotional testimonies were shared about the significant impact of their work and their lives. They also spoke about the potential negative consequences if the budget cuts were not reversed.
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Budget Cuts Remain a Concern
This week, the Legislative team met with Save Community Schools, Mary’s Center, and Latin American Youth Center regarding concerns about the budget. Each one of these organizations is designed to address the continuing crisis of truancy in schools, bridging the gap from high school to college for at-risk populations, and offering services to students to ensure their success. Each one of these organizations is concerned about the recent proposed budget by the mayor. Each of their services would be cut, with more money being allocated to public safety. As a result, the education portion of the committee of the whole is struggling to restore the previous funding. Councilmember White’s staff echoed their concerns and are working to address their concerns.
Additionally, this week the Council had a legislative meeting. An important bill on the floor is the PLA (project labor agreement) for the government to have with union-based contractors. The legislation offers to lower the threshold of the price of a project to 50 million dollars for unions to get exclusive rights to the project. The Councilmember proposed an amendment to ensure that the people of the District of Columbia are included in these projects and to ensure that they are among the beneficiaries of this legislation. There are concerns that residents of the District may be left out of the opportunity to receive such projects.
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This week, the Legislative team met with D.C. Hunger Solutions. The organization was reporting how racial inequities, along with the hunger landscape, impact food security in the District of Columbia. Last year, over 13,000 families were living below the poverty line. Twenty-two percent of residents participate in SNAP. This is disproportionally affecting Black residents as the median household income of Black families is half of their white counterparts. The organization states that they hope to see changes for better nutrition programs that start with targeted financial, legislative, and technical support for organizations that provide food and nutrition, adjusting income requirements for SNAP and WIC, improving in-store support for WIC participants, and additional assistance through federal nutrition programs.
Furthermore, the organization finds that residents in the District, particularly Black communities in Ward 7 and 8, need important federal nutrition programs that are accessible for older adults, immigrant families, and students from low-income homes. On all levels, racial injustices have been detrimental to the socioeconomic conditions of Black communities and other people of color. Older adults, immigrant families, and students are additional vulnerable populations that should need extra protections to ensure they receive the equity needed.
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May 21, 2024
Councilmember Trayon White Hosts Public Roundtable to Address Serious Concerns at DYRS Facilities
In a significant public roundtable, Councilmember Trayon White confronted serious allegations against the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). The discussion was sparked by a troubling incident reported by ABC7 News involving the violent assault of a then 16-year-old youth by DYRS staff at New Beginnings on May 7th, 2023. According to court documents, staff members allegedly restrained the teenager, kicked him, bit him, and threatened to kill him, while he was held in a prone chokehold for over two minutes, despite his asthma. He was reportedly denied immediate medical care and forced to sleep without a mattress that night. This incident has raised urgent questions regarding the safety and treatment of youth within DYRS facilities.
Councilmember White demanded answers from Director Abed about the investigation into the incident, the punishment of involved staff, and measures taken to prevent future occurrences. Concerns about retaliation and the thoroughness of incident reports were also addressed. In light of this case, White inquired about new training for staff and the accuracy of reported assaults within DYRS facilities. Director Abed was also asked to comment on the 14 assaults reported within a 10-day period and to provide recent data on assaults, arrests, drug tests, and overdoses.
Addressing Broader Issues: Safety, Substance Abuse, and Facility Management
The roundtable also covered broader issues such as a recent reported sexual assault involving two female perpetrators and one female victim.
Councilmember White questioned the immediate actions taken by DYRS to investigate the incident, the support provided to the victim, and the measures implemented to ensure community safety. The discussion expanded to the prevalence of drugs and contraband within DYRS facilities, questioning the investigative process, the involvement of staff in drug trafficking, and the frequency and transparency of staff drug testing.
Further, the roundtable examined the impacts of ongoing construction at the Youth Services Center (YSC), the overcrowding of facilities, and the adequacy of programming for youth. Questions were raised about the implementation of restorative justice practices and their effectiveness in resolving conflicts. Concerns about the oversight of DYRS facilities and the role of the Office of Independent Juvenile Justice Facilities Oversight (OIJJFO) were also prominent topics.
Councilmember White’s persistent inquiries reflect the community’s urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reforms within DYRS to protect and rehabilitate the youth under their care. The roundtable underscores the critical need for comprehensive and immediate action to address these systemic issues.
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DDC Public Library
Ward 8 & Virtual Events
May 22-28, 2024
Wednesday
How Do I...? - Tech Q&A
Wednesday, May 22: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Arthur Capper TechExpress
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: COMPUTER CLASS
Get drop-in help with all your tech questions!
Email Troubleshooting
Wednesday, May 22: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: COMPUTER CLASS
Help with any email concerns, from 2 Step Authorizations to attaching a file. I also help with setting up a new email, how to send an email, and resetting passwords.
Job/Resume Clinic - Job/Resume
Wednesday, May 22: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room B (6-12 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: JOB READINESS CLINIC
Job Seekers/Resume provides help to create your résumé, apply for posted jobs, research in demand careers, and find occupational training opportunities that meet your needs.
Teen Time
Wednesday, May 22: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: GAMING, FILM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Come out to the library to engage in different activities with peers. Movie night... Game night... and more! Also enjoy the resources of the library!
ANA-CON - Anacostia Anime Club
Wednesday, May 22: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: FILM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Come watch anime, learn to draw manga, and hang out with your friends!
Thursday
DC Jail Video Visitation
Thursday, May 23: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room 1 (2-6 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
DCPL partners with DC Department of Correction to bring a Video Visitation program.
TechHelp
Thursday, May 23: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: COMPUTER CLASS, AGE-FRIENDLY DC
Onsite Technical Support for Customers
Lego Lab - What Will You Build?
Thursday, May 23: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH), FAMILY PROGRAM
Come play with Legos and other building materials. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to make and build at this open play time.
Chess for all Ages
Thursday, May 23: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: CHESS CLUB
Come play and learn from others in a friendly game of chess.
Financial Empowerment Workshop
Thursday, May 23: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: WRITING
Bellevue Library invites you to join us in about financial Literacy
Friday
DC Jail Video Visitation
Friday, May 24: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room 1 (2-6 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
DCPL partners with DC Department of Correction to bring a Video Visitation program.
Watch and Build
Friday, May 24: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH), FILM, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Join us in the Children's Room on the last Friday of each month to watch a movie and build with Legos!
Saturday
Coffee & Conversation - A Conversation Circle
Saturday, May 25: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room B (6-12 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: CONVERSATION CIRCLE
Customers are invited to join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee provided.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Film Festival
Saturday, May 25: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS BIRTH - 5 ADULTS 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: FILM, ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with us through beloved movies featuring AAPI characters Saturdays from May 11th to June 1st. Snacks will be provided as long as supplies last.
Sunday
No Events
Monday
No Events
Tuesday
Peer Outreach Specialist
Tuesday, May 28: 9:45am - 5:30pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library - Study Room 4 (2 Person Max Capacity)
AGE GROUP: ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Meet with a Peer Outreach Specialist
Preschool Story Time
Tuesday, May 28: 10:30am - 11:00am
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5
EVENT TYPE: STORY TIME
Come to hear stories , sing songs and move with us at Parklands-Turner! For ages 3 to 5
Drinks, Craft and Stories
Tuesday, May 28: 10:30am - 11:30am
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5
EVENT TYPE: FAMILY PROGRAM, BEYOND THE BOOK, ARTS & CRAFTS
Join Anacostia Neighborhood Library for drinks, art crafts and story time, a chance to foster your creativity, imagination, and social interaction in a fun and engaging environment.
International Day of Play
Tuesday, May 28: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: FAMILY PROGRAM
Participate in International Day of Play at the library!
Ménage Movie May - Film Series at TechExpress
Tuesday, May 28: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Arthur Capper TechExpress
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: FILM
Come enjoy a movie with us!
Teen Art Workshop - with Project Create
Tuesday, May 28: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: KNOW YOUR POWER, ARTS & CRAFTS
Are you looking for a space to get your creative juices flowing?
Gamer's Galaxy - Gaming program at Anacostia Library
Tuesday, May 28: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library - Ora Glover Meeting Room (25-100 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: GAMING
Teen gaming program
Register
Stories & Crafts
Tuesday, May 28: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: FAMILY PROGRAM, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Drop in to watch and listen to your favorite books while making a related craft.
Happening outside the ward
Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington DC - Author Talk with JoAnn Hill
Tuesday, May 28: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Northeast Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room 1 (15-100 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: LECTURE, AUTHOR TALK
Food Builds Community
Tuesday Night Movies
Tuesday, May 28: 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library - Auditorium
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: FILM
DC Public Library film series for adults
DIY Paper Quilting - Service with Pride
Sunday, May 26: All Day
Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: ARTS & CRAFTS
Create a piece of beautiful art using recycled and decorative paper
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The Throne Bathroom at Oxon Run Park
Thanks to the input and suggestions from Councilmember White and the Friends of Oxon Run Park, Oxon Run Park is one of the selected locations for the installation of a new, portable public restroom facility. The Throne Bathroom!
Finally, #Ward8 has a stylish solution with the introduction of Throne Bathrooms; the necessity of public restrooms is transformed into an experience of comfort and style. The Constituent Service Director visited the touchless, automated, climate control spotless porta potty to see if the name Throne lives up to its royal hint! Indeed, she was impressed with the public bathroom's cleanliness, ease, privacy, security, and convenience.
This smart bathroom is strategically located at the top of the Bunn Amphitheater in Oxon Run Park. The Throne Bathrooms offer convenience in a scenic setting; it's tech-enabled, using a smartphone to scan and unlock. These restrooms are designed to be accessible, ADA compliant, and do not require a municipal water connection. It is equipped with intelligent sensors, and the bathroom maintains high standards of hygiene and automatically dispatches someone to clean if necessary.
The success of this pilot could lead to more public restrooms being installed in other parts of the city, enhancing the overall quality of life.
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Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Incentive Program
May 3, 2024
A member of the Constituent Services team had the pleasure of joining the DC Fire & EMS Department to learn about its AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Incentive Program. The AED is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. The AED incentive program will provide discounts to small businesses, places of worship, condo owners, and cooperative apartments. The AED Incentive Program will expand the availability of devices across the district to help increase survival rates for people who go into cardiac arrest.
Seventy-five percent of cardiac arrests happen at home. In DC most cardiac arrests happen in zip codes 20019, 20020, 20032.
For more information on the AED program, contact The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. (202)673-3320 or email [email protected].
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Criminal Justice Coordination Council Host Webinar on Violence Intervention
May 6, 2024
Councilmember White's constituent services team participated in a webinar hosted by the Criminal Justice Coordination Council where they had the opportunity to listen to professionals working at both the national and local levels. These practitioners focused on bolstering the field of violence intervention through various means such as skill-building, education, professional development, and executive coaching. During the webinar, the presenters discussed their initiatives aimed at enhancing capacity, providing assistance to frontline workers, and establishing the necessary structures and personnel to bolster community violence intervention efforts.
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During Teacher Appreciation Week, Team Councilmember Trayon White had the pleasure of delivering Certificates of Appreciation to the Ward 8 school. The staff at each school were appreciative and honored to know how appreciative Councilmember Trayon White Sr. was of their efforts to educate our scholars.
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May 20, 2024
The Constituent Services Director attended a hearing at the new DC Department of Housing and Community Development to hear about a new project in Anacostia, NDC. The NDC project team explained the latest development of over 21 units planned for High Street, SE. These family homes are priced at 60% AMI with a household of a minimum of three people. The public hearing was conducted to ensure residents were informed about the development and to introduce the developers. The developer provided participants with the opportunity to present their views concerning the project.
To get a hearing transcript please go to DHCD: Public Hearing -- Developing 2352, 2356, 2360 High Street, SE -- May 20 (govdelivery.com). Or contact the DHCD Project Manager Keishon Keane at [email protected]
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May 15, 2024
The constituent services team attended the "East of the River Jobs not Guns" event. The event was held at the Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Road, SE. The purpose of the event was to engage high school-age youth with Government careers and trades. Eric Cleckly, Constituent Services Specialist, brought remarks on behalf of the Office of Councilmember Trayon White, encouraging them to stay on the path to success.
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Leckie Elementary School
Leckie School is getting a Parking Facelift! They will soon have a new tactical curb extension installation design, which protects existing crosswalks, narrows the crossing distance, and reduces the turning radius at two intersections (Chesapeake Street and MLK JR Ave SW and Danbury Street and MLK JR Ave SW) adjacent to the school. The new addition of the plastic bollards across from Danbury Street is visible. Once the PLUG (Pepco Line Undergrounding Project ) is completed, murals will be displayed to indicate the importance of road and pedestrian safety. The agencies responsible for this initiation include DDOT, DC Commission of Arts and Humanities (CAH), and DCPS.
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DDOT is Working for you!
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin a Roadway Improvement project along South Capitol Street, S.E., between Southern Avenue and Livingston Road, on or about Tuesday, May 28th. This work will include concrete repair of curbs & gutters and resurfacing of the asphalt pavement within the project limits. It is estimated to take approximately two weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Due to the nature of the work, curbside parking will be restricted at this location during construction. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the construction area. The contractor is allowed to perform the resurfacing of the asphalt work between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays. Please note the temporary “EMERGENCY NO PARKING” signs displaying the date and time of the construction work and move your vehicle if necessary. These signs will be posted on the streets a minimum of 72 hours before the start of work.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission: In the Know
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ANC 8B: May 21, 2024
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8B held its monthly community meeting at 7TH District Police Station. ANC 8B has a Community Grant Program that helps non-profit organizations continue to contribute to their communities. During the month, the Commissioners approved two grant applications for $3000 each. The first grantee was for The Prosect House. The Prosect House is an organization that is dedicated to the rehabilitation and housing of the wards' returning citizens. The second grantee was for the Woodland Water Day. Water Day is sponsored by community leader INDYB with the support of the ANC Grant Fund. D
ANC 8B Monthly Meetings are EVERY 3rd Tuesday OF THE MONTH.
Location: 2455 Alabama Ave SE Washington, DC 20020
Time 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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ANC 8D: May 23, 2024
Please join ANC8D during its monthly meeting. This Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 at Community of Hope Community Center located at 4 Atlantic St SW or online at https://tinyurl.com/ANC8D-Monthly. The agenda will include, a discussion of the redevelopment of “Martin View Apartments”; and a presentation from the developing group, Kaye Stern Properties, on its mission of the “Development without Displacement” approach, which means each resident will work with the development relocation coordinator on moving options during construction. The redevelopment will bring new amenities, including nearly 800 brand-new apartment homes, green space, A fitness center, a daycare, a community room, and secure garage parking. The redevelopment will occur in several phases, beginning in late 2025 and delivering the first available units by 2027. To find out https://www.imaginemvdc.com/
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DC Councilmembers Discuss Next
Steps in Fight Against Juvenile Crime
by Tom Roussey
Tue, May 7th 2024 at 4:57 PM
Updated Tue, May 7th 2024 at 6:19 PM
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WASHINGTON (7News) — Although most crime numbers are down in D.C. so far this year, the numbers are still high compared to last decade, and crimes involving juveniles remain stubbornly common.
“It’s not getting any better. We have shootings every day,” Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White told 7News during a break at a council meeting Tuesday. “Just saying there is a decrease in crime is how we got to where we are today. Because we didn’t deal with it. It spread throughout the city.”
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