Like many of you, I feel anger at President Trump’s takeover in DC. Some anger, also, is directed at DC elected officials – the mayor and Council – whom I believe have ignored or downplayed evidence of growing crime in apartment buildings and other pressing issues.
To ward off anger and despair, I walk. Along the way I see reminders – and feel elation – at the good we can do when we stand up and advocate for our communities.
One reminder is the newly constructed sidewalk on Davenport Street. The push for this long-awaited pedestrian safety accommodation, between 30th Street and Linnean Avenue, began with the first Murch Safe Routes to School plan circa 2009.
This brand new sidewalk, completed in a few short weeks, is the result of years of advocacy.
Poured into the concrete are many memories of tenacious neighbors fighting to fill this and other sidewalk gaps in our area, and the relationships and partnerships we developed with public servants at DDOT. It’s because of these citizen activists and relationships with local agencies that I know and hope that the DC government, at least, can be and will be better.
But that will not happen without us. This is not the time to stop holding officials accountable. We all must fight for better governance. And it is more important now than ever.
Small and local actions can be as simple as attending your local ANC’s meetings to learn about issues in the community. (ANC 3F next meets on September 16th at 7 p.m.) ANCs also have committees any resident can join. ANC 3F’s committees work on issues including street safety and housing.
We can and should also take our concerns directly to the Council. Here’s the contact information for Ward 3 Council member Matt Frumin and his staff. And his next Workday in the Ward, on September 25th, will be at Bread Furst from 8 to 10 a.m. (A September 13th appearance at the UDC Van Ness farmers market has been canceled.)
Van Ness Main Street provides additional ways to get involved in the community, with committees including events, design and economic development. Its Good Clean Fun initiative is focused on making Forest Hills Park fun and safe for all, and welcomes volunteers. (Forest Hills Connection is an editorially independent program of VNMS.)
To keep up our energy and momentum, I recommend taking another walk or several, not to forget everything that angers us in this world, but to recharge our batteries and continue the fight.
What does that for me is walks in and around Rock Creek Park.
As I enter the Soapstone Trail from Broad Branch Road, a group of mallards greet me. I watch the male shepherd a group of females into the water. They bob up and down, as he does. Why would they copy him doing that? I get closer, and they suddenly take flight.
Another morning, Soapstone Creek is a shimmering green, as if a fairy has cast a spell.
As I continue, the sun and shadows dance across tree trunks and the path ahead.
My eyes are then drawn to bright orange mushrooms growing out of a log. I crouch to take a photo.
And it is not until I view the photo later that I see the slug lumbering over the mushrooms.
As I prepare to stand, I see movement out of the corner of my eye. A daddy longlegs is scooting around so rapidly, you can see its movement even in the still photo.
So, I walk. I take in the marvels and beauty of nature. And I am motivated to keep fighting for better days.
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Charlie says
“Some anger, also, is directed at DC elected officials – the mayor and Council – whom I believe have ignored or downplayed evidence of growing crime in apartment buildings and other pressing issues.”
^^ THIS is why I don’t plan to remain in DC much longer.
Andy Orlin says
Marlene-
You are just a jewel!!
This is a very difficult time, and this was very uplifting and informative as nearly all of your posts are!!
It is so great to have you be in and be a keystone in this neighborhood!!!
A Citizen says
“Some anger, also, is directed at DC elected officials – the mayor and Council – whom I believe have ignored or downplayed evidence of growing crime in apartment buildings and other pressing issues.”
Unfortunately, this is why I left DC. It’s sad, because I really liked the Van Ness neighborhood. But buildings without voucher tenants are simply outside of my budget. So I faced a choice of either living with crime/weed/noise/disorder/stress or leaving the city altogether. I am now living in Virginia, where I haven’t once smelled weed or heard screaming/violence/loud music from my neighbors. That alone has done wonders for my mental health.