DC Metro Action is a listing of local actions, entertainment, volunteer opportunities and the occasional rant on a wide range of socially just issues.
contact me at dcmetroaction@comcast.net
Action of the Day Many of these action alerts are found on the listservs and websites of organizations listed in our "Act Locally" section (Left).
Friday, January 31, 2003
Work for a Free DC!.
Most of you probably have heard of the campaign to make DC's 2004 primary the “First in the Nation” (see our previous posts on Jan. 26 and 27). Such an effort would spotlight the inequalities faced by DC for the entire nation, and would force presidential candidates to address them and other issues to win your vote. So far, things are going well: the DC City Council and Mayor Anthony Williams support the idea, and City Councilmember Jack Evans has submitted a bill to make DC's primary the first.
But there is still a long way to go. We need to show that all of DC is fully behind this idea. You can help, sign the online “First in the Nation” Primary Petition, then encourage and implore your friends, family and networks to visit the site to learn more about this important campaign. The petition will be submitted to the city council, the mayor, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and the Democratic and Republican national committees.
…to our new readers from DCWatch, an online magazine that covers local city politics and public affairs in Washington, D.C. In addition to articles and columns about political issues and politicians, DCWatch features resources for civic activists and background material on legislation and current events in the District of Columbia. If you haven’t yet been to its website, visit it now.
A Matter of Life, Death -- and OilWeapons of mass destruction are cited as the spur for a U.S. attack against Iraq. Perhaps the real motive is something just as urgent? Terry Macalister, Ewen MacAskill, Rory McCarthy wrote from Baghdad in the Guardian:
“One of the most popular themes on the placards of anti-war demonstrators across the U.S. and Europe is that the looming confrontation is primarily about oil. U.S. and British ministers dismiss such a charge as the stuff of conspiracy theorists, and instead argue that the Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein, has to be dealt with for one reason: the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction. And, yet, western powers have been fighting over Iraq's ‘black gold’ for decades.”
Target Oil is organizing an international day of action against the oil industry, on Tuesday, Feb. 4. In Washington, the protest will be at noon in front of the American Petroleum Institute at 1220 L St. NW.
Hundreds of people from around the DC area will converge on the offices of the American Petroleum Institute and demand that U.S.-based multinational oil companies stop their intense lobbying efforts to start an unprovoked war with Iraq. Let’s send the message to the heart of the problem: BIG OIL. For more information, send an email here or call Jason Kafoury at 202/387-8030.
Lisa I. writes: “Hi. I attended a small rally today and heard about buses going up to NYC for the protest at the UN on 2/15. Please send info. Thanks.”
From the editor: Lisa is talking about the International Day of Action on Saturday, Feb. 15. The event in the United States will be a massive rally at the United Nations in New York City. Check back here often; we will be posting bus information soon for the action in NYC.
With this exceptionally cold winter, our thoughts should be with those who are most exposed to the elements, the homeless and the elderly. Those most vulnerable are most in need of our help.
So Others Might Eat (SOME) exists to help the poor and destitute of Washington, D.C., particularly the homeless and elderly. The goal of SOME is never to pass judgment but to nourish, support and when, need be, challenge. It strives to meet the needs of the poor and homeless through immediate services such as food, clothing, and medical care. SOME also works to empower its clients through substance-abuse rehabilitation, job training and housing programs so that they can eliminate their cycles of poverty and dependence. SOME helps people help themselves, and it invites you to help.
Located at 71 O St. NW, SOME is best known for its meals, serving between 800 and 1,000 each day. This deserving group needs our help. Please visit its website and click on “ways to help.”
Mirroring what is happening across the world, Washington’s peace movement keeps growing. In addition to tonight’s Sorry State of the Union rally/march/concert (see the Jan. 27 post, below), the Washington Peace Center released this schedule of local actions:
Candlelight Corridor of Peace
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 to 9 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between Fourth and Sixth Streets.
There is no guarantee that President Bush's motorcade will pass by tonight, but come stand on the traditional route the Leader of the Free World takes to go and deliver the State of the Union address to Congress. It will be windy, so it is advisable to bring electric or battery-powered candles or flashlights. Wear a white outer garment with some expression of peace on it.
Code Pink Contingent
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:45 p.m.
Come join the women of Code Pink in a rally on the west side of the Capitol to tell Bush that a real State of the Union would reflect the demands of the people in the United States, which is no war against Iraq. Plan to meet at the Capitol South Metro station and walk to the rally together as part of the Code Pink contingent. All are encouraged to wear pink. For more info, contact Code Pink at 202/393-5016.
D.C. Speaks Out Against War
Wednesday, Jan. 29, noon, in the Lower Senate Park, north of the Capitol, Senate Terrace Fountain, Constitution and New Jersey Avenues, NW
What are the real costs of war? How will our community pay for a multibillion-dollar war with Iraq? Bring your sign and your opinion. Part of the Nationwide Speakout Against War sponsored by the National Network to End the War Against Iraq. For more info call 888/END-A-WAR or 301/270-4858.
Women’s Peace Vigil, Special Guest
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2 to 3 p.m., Lafayette Park (across from the White House).
Sharon Salzberg, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and the author of several books, will be teaching at the Women’s Peace Vigil site. For more info, call Code Pink at 202/393-5016.
Make DC's Presidential Primary First-in-the-Nation
To publicize the plight of the half million disenfranchised residents of Washington, there is a move to make DC’s presidential primary the first in the nation. New Hampshire law reads that no other “state” shall hold its primary before that of the Granite State but, as we know all too well, Washington is not a state.
DC could play a leading role in the presidential nomination process in 2004, raising nationwide the issue of full DC voting rights and self-government. Presidential candidates would be forced to offer solutions to DC's lack of congressional voting rights and self-government if they want the political benefits of winning the first contest for convention delegates.
Stand Up! for Democracy in DC will be holding a coalition strategy meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the National Council of Negro Women, 633 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Bush is taking the shirts off our backs to pay for this war, and the Shirts Off Coalition is planning the first major protest in recent memory of the State of the Union speech.
On Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the west side of the Capitol Reflecting Pool at Third Street NW, come join the rally, concert and march to challenge Bush’s assessment of the State of the Union.
Performances by Thievery Corporation, Milemarker, Mr. Lif, DJ Tom B, 1905, David Rovics, The Whips, 302 Acid, Jungle Jessi and Funk DC.
Speakers will include Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, Jeff Bale of the Washington Teachers Union, Medea Benjamin of Global Exchange and the Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping. Minneapolis City Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee will give the official US Green Party response.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress "exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever" in a new federal District. In 1790, the Founders annexed three municipalities: Washington and Georgetown in Maryland, and Alexandria in Virginia – and designated them the Seat of the Government of the United States.
In the late 1700s, there was concern about the safety and defense of our young cities. While meeting in Philadelphia, Congress feared attack from unpaid soldiers, but the state of Pennsylvania refused to assure its protection. The Continental Congress decided then to create a federal District so no one state could impose its will upon the seat of the national government. These are the roots of the present-day exclusion of more than 500,000 people from the right to vote for congressional representation.
Citizens of this new “District” were still permitted to vote as residents of either Maryland or Virginia. As the 18th century drew to a close, President John Adams left the temporary capital of Philadelphia and brought the seat of government here to Washington. Far fewer than the 30,000 people needed for a congressional district were here. Most were temporary residents here to do business with Congress; the number of eligible voters was miniscule. The Founders never envisioned a major city with a large permanent population.
In 1800, the right to vote was severely limited. Over the next 200 years that right has been so broadened that the principal “one person, one vote” is something that every child in America is taught.
Today, the federal government is able to protect itself. The residents of the District of Columbia pay federal taxes, serve in the armed forces and have the same concerns about health care, foreign policy, living conditions and education as other citizens. Yet all attempts at statehood have been thwarted by a group of highly partisan elected officials fearful of living with the inbalance created by two new senators, assumed to be Democrats.
To deny a half million Americans the right to vote is immoral, to do it because of partisan politics is unconscionable.
If you’ve been in D.C. for more than six months, you’re probably no more than a couple of degrees separated from someone involved in a mugging, burglary or break-in. But there are things we can do to make our streets safer.
This Saturday, Jan. 25, Mayor Tony Williams is sponsoring a forum on crime and prevention, "Building Partnerships for Safer Neighborhoods," at Eastern Senior High School, 1700 East Capitol St. NE, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appearing with the Mayor will be D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Charles Ramsey and other police officials. The crime forum will feature interactive break-out sessions, one-on-one discussions with police commanders, an onsite crime-reporting Command Center, and a Crime Prevention Marketplace, which will give citizens the opportunity to explore new ideas and work on solutions with the police department to reduce crime in our city.
Among the many post-presidency achievements of Jimmy Carter, Habitat for Humanity stands out as one of his most effective domestic projects. DC Habitat strives to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in the nation's capital by building affordable energy- and resource-efficient homes. They sell houses to families who are ineligible for conventional financing and offer no-profit, no-interest, 20- to 30-year mortgages for their buyers. Prospective homeowners make a $500 down payment and contribute 300 hours of sweat equity, which must be completed in one year toward construction of their own and other residences.
DC Habitats needs volunteers for construction, planning groups and office support. Visit DC Habitat's website to learn more about the organization’s work in Washington and explore volunteer opportunities.
Attend Workshop for South Capitol Street Development
If you care about transportation issues, community development and environmental sustainability, historic preservation or related concerns in DC, then please attend this workshop. You will be evaluating five transportation options for South Capitol Street, as a participant in the South Capitol Street Gateway Study.
This study could affect DC neighborhoods including Sheridan, Historical Anacostia, Barry Farms, Buzzard Point, Navy Yard, Southwest Waterfront, Near Southeast and Capitol Hill, so if know people who live or work in these neighborhoods, please make sure they know about this meeting!
DATE/TIME: January 25th, 9 am - noon (registration at 8:30)
LOCATION: Savoy Elementary School, 2400 Shannon Place, SE (across from the Anacostia Metro Station)
OTHER: Light refreshments and limited child assistance will be provided.
ACCESSIBILITY: The building is wheelchair accessible from the parking lot facing Talbert St. Persons with special needs should call the DC Dept. of Transportation ASAP at 202-671-2244.
DETAILS: DC-area residents, small business owners, commuters, bicyclists and other interested parties are invited to participate in the South Capitol Street Gateway Study’s third public workshop. The purpose of the study is to identify options for improving the liveability, economic development, urban design and access (pedestrian, transit and vehicular) in the South Capitol Street Corridor between Independence Ave. and Suitland Parkway (including Frederick Douglass Bridge), and New Jersey Ave. between Independence Ave. and M St. SE.
Come see tonight -- for free -- a documentary about local legal activist James Forman Jr.. Meet this extraordinary social activist, and the filmmaker who tells the story, at the screening of the award-winning documentary Innocent Until Proven Guilty on Jan. 21 at 5:30 pm at The American University’s Center for Social Media, in the Wechsler Theater, Mary Graydon Center, Room 315.
The hour-long documentary showcases the legal and educational activism of Forman, a public defender, teacher, writer and indefatigable activist. The son of civil rights activists, Forman has fought the criminalization of African-American youths in the courts. He also founded the Maya Angelou Charter School in Washington, DC. Renowned African-American filmmaker St. Clair Bourne produced the film, which debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival. A reception will follow; no RSVP is necessary.
The Center for Social Media showcases and analyzes media produced for social action, civil society and democracy. It is a project of the School of Communication at American University.
The largest full-service homeless shelter in the country is located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Serving 1,350 homeless men and woman, the Community for Creative Non-Violence offers a full array of social services; drug and alcohol rehabilitation; medical, mental health and dental care; and cultural activities. CCNV, a nonprofit organization, has been serving homeless persons for over twenty-five years in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
* Over 5,000,000 meals have been served since 1984.
* Over 65% of the shelter guests work full- or part -time on a regular basis.
* The area in which CCNV is located has seen the largest reduction in crime in the District of Columbia.
CCNV has utilized literally thousands of volunteers who come from the united states, as well as countries throughout the world, including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Bulgaria, Poland, Holland, Japan, Denmark, and Switzerland. Volunteers are needed at all times to assist in providing services to the residents of the nation's largest transitional homeless shelter. For more information, send an email to Wydde Wideman.
EnviroCitizen Turns Ten, Big Blowout Bash Celebration
The Center for Environmental Citizenship was founded by young activists in 1992 to encourage college students to be environmental citizens. With their Vote Environment Headquarters, EarthNet News and Summer Training Academies -- EnviroCitizen continues to expose young people to environmental activism, and train the next generation of leaders. In an era laden with assault upon the environmental community, supporting groups like this is important. What better way to show your support than to party with them? The big blowout bash will be all weekend January 24-25.
3:30-5:30 p.m. at Woodmont & Bethesda Avenues in Bethesda (on the grassy spot in front of Thyme Square restaurant at Woodmont & Bethesda Avenue.) For information, send an email here.
Washington is expecting to play host to thousands of anti-war demonstrators this weekend. In addition to joining the march, do your part for peace by participating in a local peace event.
Every Wednesday, join the weekly Interfaith Peace Vigil in Silver Spring . This witness will be peaceful and in compliance with Montgomery County and Metro regulations. Meet on the sidewalk near the entrance to the Silver Spring Metro station from 7am-8am every Wednesday. For more info, send an email here.
ATTN: Students: Go to the East Coast Student Anti-War Conference, on Friday January 17 at 10am, it’s at the Marvin Center at George Washington University (Foggy Bottom Metro, Blue/Orange lines). Students at George Washington University are hosting this conference for brain-storming about building a student movement against war, and specifically the upcoming war against Iraq. send an email here for more information.
On Monday, Dr. Martin Luther King Day, from 10:30am-1:30pm -- Black Voices for Peace will be sponsoring workshops on militarism, civil liberties and human needs. At 3pm there will be a rally. Both the workshops and rally will be held at the Plymouth Congregational Church, N. Capitol St. & Ridge Rd., NW . Contact: BVFP 202-232-5690.
Support Art for Social Change, and Have a Great Time
Sol & Soul exists to use the power of art and the creative process to transform lives, create community, and build a more just society.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH AND SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH Sol & Soul presents The Two Joes. The Southwest meets the East Coast in an evening of poetry and music. From Santa Fe, New Mexico - Joe Ray Sandoval and D.J. Rockwell; From New Jersey - Joe Weil. With The Two Joes, Hip-Hop meets the songs and poetry of the working class.
8pm, Friday and Saturday The Warehouse 1017 7th Street NW (near New York Avenue). $10 Adults; $5 Students. For more information and reservations, call 202.526.4417 or 202.745.2630.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Roe v Wade. In case you are unfamiliar with the hoopla that surrounds this event, anti-choice protestors come from around the country to Washington, DC to participate in the March for Life and to attempt to close down the clinics.
Planned Parenthood will be one of the hardest hit clinics this year. This occurs for many reasons, including the Planned Parenthood name and the fact that the DC PP clinic is on the way to the White House and the March for Life. Preliminary data is already showing that there will be at least two large, historically aggressive anti groups coming to PP.
In anticipation of this, WACDTF works overtime this time of year to make sure that there are enough escorts at each clinic. We also will NEED to do extra measures: we watch the clinics overnight (clinic watch), escort during the week at many clinics, and escort for longer hours.
This year the anniversary of Roe (and therefore the March for Life) is on Wednesday, January 22nd. This means that PP will defintely need extra coverage on Saturday the 18th and Wednesday the 22nd. We may also need extra coverage during the rest of that week. Escorts are needed from 6 AM to either 12 or 1 (depending on anti activity). Nobody is expected to do the entire 6 or 7 hours, instead please consider doing some part of that.
If you can help out, send your availability for the entire week of Saturday the 18th through (and including) Saturday the 25th. Since, we will be escorting at early hours please let me know the hours you are available. Please consider helping out at PP before work, especially on the 22nd. EVERYONE IS NEEDED!!!!!!!! If you have friends, please ask them to help out.
If you are interested in doing clinic watch, please send an email to Rebecca Fox at refoxwacdtf@hotmail.com
Congress Plans to Dismantle D.C. Panel From the Washington Post: "Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.) intends to abolish the House Government Reform subcommittee on the District, assuming oversight of the capital city personally as the new chairman of the full panel... The House District Committee was created in 1808 and, in the 20th century, became a bastion for white, southern segregationists who wielded power freely over the mostly black, disenfranchised city."
Virginia Prisons Reduce Meals to 2 a Day on Weekends From WTOP: In these lean budget times, even prison inmates must do some belt tightening. Starting Jan. 18, Virginia state prisons will serve just two meals a day on weekends and holidays.
Reopening Of Virginia DMVs Could Be Delayed From NBC4: Just because Virginia Gov. Mark Warner has pledged to reopen a dozen shuttered Department of Motor Vehicle offices doesn't mean it will be business as usual.
District Judge Promises Ruling on Drug Treatment Initiative From ABC 7: A DC Superior Court judge has heard arguments over the fate of a drug treatment initiative passed by District voters in November. Judge Jeanette Clark heard presentations from lawyers representing both sides of the issue. She also heard from a staff attorney from the DC Board of Elections and Ethics.
Poll: President Losing Ground Among Maryland Voters From Sunspot.net: Support for President Bush has cooled among Maryland's voters as terrorism fears linger and concerns about a new war in Iraq and a faltering economy come to the forefront, a new poll for The Sun released today shows. Read the Baltimore Sun article here, and see the poll results here.
DC Schools Announce Lottery for Out-of-Boundary Enrollments From ABC 7: "The DC school system has outlined the lottery process that will allow parents to enroll children in a public school outside their designated neighborhood school. Where there is space available, a lottery will be held to fill the vacancies."
Metro Approves Next Step In Fare Hike From NBC4: "... The transit agency is proposing a hike in the base subway fare of up to 30 cents, to $1.40. The mileage rates on longer trips would also go up, while the cost of parking at Metrorail stations could jump as much as $1. Local bus fares could climb 20 cents, to $1.30."
Williams Gets $287,000 -- All But $700 Spent on Inaugural Parties From News Channel 8: "Mayor Tony Williams has more than broke even on his second inauguration. Last week, Williams held three open events to kick off his second term. Williams received nearly $217,000 in donations and $70,000 worth of in-kind services for the events. Among the donors were Chevy Chase Bank, Comcast, Fannie Mae and Verizon."
Fare Hike at Metro Expected Thursday From WTOP: "Metro riders may need to dig a little deeper in those pants and pocketbooks for subway and bus fares. When the transit agency's budget committee meets Thursday, it is expected to hear CEO Richard White deliver the bad news. Metro says White will present his recommendations for what would be the first fare hikes in eight years."
Krispy Kreme "Hot Doughnuts Now" Sign to Go Dark for 2 Weeks From WTOP: "After 56 years, Krispy Kreme is closing the doors to its retail location on Richmond Highway in Virginia next Monday at 8 p.m. ...the Krispy Kreme commissary will still be operating and making doughnuts for all the grocery stores, boutiques and fundraising operations. It just means doughnut lovers will have to go without the fresh, out-of-the-oven goodness of "Hot Doughnuts Now" for two weeks, as Krispy Kreme builds a new location next door."
City Leader Resigns Amid Teachers' Union Scandal From NBC4: "There's more fallout from an on-going scandal with the Washington Teachers' Union and the alleged misspending of millions of dollars in union funds. D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams Wednesday announced the resignation of one of his key community aides who is allegedly connected to the scandal."
Organizers Plan Major Anti-War Protest in DC From ABC7: "The weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is a perfect time for a big anti-war protest in Washington, sponsors said Wednesday. "The American people have very little time left to tell President Bush that they don't want the U.S. to be an aggressor nation and attack Iraq," said former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, whose group International A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now to Stop War and Racism) is organizing the Jan. 18 event."
Casey Foundation Might Nix Mayoral Mansion From NBC4: "Dreams of a new mayoral mansion in the District may be ending. The controversial project has run into new roadblocks. Plans for the mansion were announced two years ago. Since then, the first brick has yet to be laid, but now some say the project might never be built."
Fairfax Drunk Sting Loses Support From the Washington Times: Lawmakers and business leaders responded yesterday with a mix of skepticism and outrage to a Fairfax County police initiative to take trouble-making drinkers out of bars, then arrest them.
Profiting From Our Health Care Needs One of the metro area's largest healthcare provider, Care First, recently announced that it was "switching" from a non-profit -- to a for-profit corporation. Next, Care First tells Washington's Children's Hospital that they will be paying a lower rate for the hospital's services. Now, the hospital and Care First have stopped doing business together, leaving some seriously ill patients with no health care coverage.
Northern Va. Likely to Be New Homeland Security Site The Washington Post reports that "the Bush administration has narrowed its search for a Department of Homeland Security headquarters to three sites in Northern Virginia..." and that "...the leading sites include a Chantilly office park on Route 28 near the headquarters of the high-security National Reconnaissance Office. Also in contention are two Tysons Corner sites near the Dulles Toll Road and the Capital Beltway."
PG County Police Warn of Maintenance Impersonator WTOP reports that "Prince George's County police are warning the public about a man who poses as a maintenance workers, then robs and assaults his victims when they let him in their homes."
Fairfax Cops Hit Bars to Jail Suspected Drunks From the Washington Times: "Fairfax County police have raided bars in Reston and Herndon to arrest suspected drunks, taking them to jail on charges of public drunkenness. Pub owners say police are harassing sober customers."
Twin Investigations: Teachers Union Money Scandal Meets the Mayors Petition Scandal NBC4 reports: "...The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia issued a subpoena Tuesday for financial documents from Mayor Anthony Williams' re-election campaign. A grand jury is investigating the mayor's petitions to put him on the ballot..." "The mayor told News4's Tom Sherwood Tuesday that there were some unexplained cash transactions in his campaign records."
"One key player in the petition probe is Gwen Hemphill, the mayor's campaign co-chairman until she resigned in the midst of another scandal. In that other scandal, Hemphill is being investigated for her role as a key figure in the Washington Teacher's Union. She and former president Barbara Bullock, as well as several others, are under investigation for the alleged theft of millions of dollars in union funds."
Republicans Party Hardy, er -- Hardly The New York Times reports that the Washington party scene has slowed down with the early to bed, early to rise lifestyles of republican officials and staffers. "There's no question that the hype is true: this is an early-morning administration," said Edward E. McNally, 46, general counsel in the White House Office of Homeland Security, who first came to Washington as a White House intern in the Reagan administration. "People don't stay out to all hours, even the 20-somethings. You can't leave work at 11, go out till 1 and be in at 7."
Attendance Up at Smithsonian Museums Newschannel 8 reports that tourists are retuning to the Mall. Crowds on the weekend after Christmas were up 73 percent.
U.S. Disaster Plans Include Capitol Dome Clone The New York Daily News reports that federal officials are "quietly mapping doomsday strategies that could be used to replace or resurrect our national icons in case they are ever damaged or obliterated in terrorist attacks."
Ehrlich Supports DC Baseball Team WJLA reports that Maryland Gov.-elect Robert Ehrlich supports a Major League Baseball team in the Washington metropolitan area.
Ocean-Going Ships on the Anacostia River From the Voice of the Hill: "Few people today are aware that Washington's founders sited the federal city in this particular place along the Potomac not because of what the Potomac had to offer but because of its Anacostia tributary. It was the Anacostia that had the best harbor, and it provided passage for ocean-going ships, in those days, all the way up to Bladensburg." Hear all about it at the next Overbeck History Lecture on Feb. 11.
Gov.-elect Ehrlich Thinks Mandate -- Wanna Bet? From the Washington Post: "... Ehrlich claimed a mandate yesterday for legalizing slot machine gambling in the wake of his November election and outlined a plan to pressure local governments to help him pass the proposal ." Maryland's next governor wants to "pressure" local governments? What do you think? Send your comments on being "pressured" and share your feelings about slots in Maryland here.
Metro Bus Maps Available Online Bus maps are now easier to find. While still available from Metro sales centers at $1.50 apiece, they are now available for free on the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority's website. They provide a unique overview of overlapping routes, and details about which streets in the District, Maryland and Virginia are used by the buses. Read WMATA's press release, or go to the maps.
Drink Water on the Metro, Risk a $50 Summons Metro is stepping up its enforcement of "public conduct ordinances" that prohibit eating food or drinking beverages on Metro's cars, platforms and stations. Is this how the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority plans to deal with a $48M budget shortfall?
Citizen Petition Keeps Utility Service Center Open Some 200 Southeast residents signed on to force Washington Gas to keep its service center open in their neighborhood. Score one for the people.
DC Metro Action is published by Michael Schlesinger, a 32-year veteran of electoral and issue organizing who is committed to social justice and to increasing participation in the political process.
All original content (C) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Michael Schlesinger
