Local News/Neighborhoods

Community removes planters installed at 17th st safeway after homeless sweep

On the 3ed of August, DC police and DPW swept an unhoused tent camp from in front of the 17th st safeway. Afterwards, someone installed planters where the tents had been to block their return. The planters did not belong to the DC government-and community members removed ALL of them after twitter posts announced "free planters" at that location. A GoFundMe to replace them failed and was shut down after raising just $100 out of a $2K goal.

ALL of these planters installed to block unhoused people from returning have been removed by the community

WMATA's Tom Bulger gets residential protest over proposed increase in Transit Police powers

Video-Tom Bulgar gets a home demo 2 min 9 sec

Update July 30:WMATA postpones vote on proposed police power expansion until Sep 9.

On Thursday, July 29, Metro's board had been scheduled to vote YES or NO on giving Metro Transit Police power to bar anyone merely accused of a variety of offenses from riding Metro for a prolonged period. On the evening of July 27, furious Black Lives Matter protesters showed up at the fancy Upper NW home of Metro board member Tom Bulger, who could have killed the proposal by voting NO if the vote had taken place as scheduled.

In front of Tom Bulger's house

Cancel Rent activists march on home of councilmember Anita Bonds

On the first of June, protesters gathered in front of the DC Housing authority to march on the home of councilmember Anita Bonds. Activists were there to demand at least a two-year rent freeze with cancellation of back rent due to the pandemic. Across the street from DCHA, low income apartments burned as firefighters gave their all to battle the blaze. This while activists hope to douse the flames of gentrification and displacement.

Video of the march and rally at Anita Bond's house 1 min 51 sec

Protesters gather at DC Housing Authority as an affordable apartment building burns across the street

BLM Plaza murel returns

By the 15th of May, the Black Lives Matter Plaza murel that had been paved over was back on BLM Plaza. Community outrage had accompanied the repaving that removed the original, and there was suspicion this was done while activists were focussed on the Middle East. Now the murel is back

Mayor Bowser paves over BLM Plaza

Early morning on Tues May 11, DC's Mayor Bowser paved over the Black Lives Matter Plaza lettering on 16th st. She never actually supported BLM as shown by her pro-police, pro-gentrification policies.

Black Lives Matter DC photo via Twitter

Fence blocking access to H st/BLM Plaza removed, some National Guard to stay

As of the evening of Jan 22, the fence blocking access to the "sign fence" on H st from BLM Plaza has been removed. Hopefully no remnants of the coup plotters are still in town to attempt an attack on the artwork.

Activists limit 2nd L st homeless sweep to opening 9 foot clearance on sidewalk

On Dec 8, an "area cleanup" of the L st underpass homeless camp was limited by community pressure to trash removal. On Dec 21, the Mayor's troops returned, only to again face a potential hornet's nest as camera-wielding activists waited ready. Again the Mayor had to let the homeless stay, again only trash was removed. This time, tents etc were moved by residents and activists to clear a 9 foot walkway.

Scene at the L st underpass as cops and trash trucks showed up (phot bt Remora House)

"Area cleanup" of overpass homeless camps limited to trash removal by community pressure

On the 8th of December, DC Dept of Public Works trash trucks showed up at the L and M st underpass homeless tent cities for a pre-announced "cleanup." Normally these involve forcible expulsion of all residents and large-scale destruction of property. This time however, community activists were ready and waiting, and the cleanup was limited to trash collection and removal of two abandoned tents at request of camp residents.

Biden Should Call for Emergency G20 Leaders Meeting, Says Religious Development Group

Washington DC - A religious development group urges President-elect Biden to convene an emergency G20 meeting upon inauguration into the high office. Jubilee USA Network focuses on solutions to the global coronavirus health and economic crises and argues additional G20 action must happen quickly."While the G20 made progress in recent months on confronting the global coronavirus crisis, we need much more action to lift workers and protect the vulnerable," stated a United Nations finance expert and Jubilee USA Executive Director, Eric LeCompte.

Professional quality "Defund Police" signs appear under parking restriction signs

On the 29th of September, at least one very high quality, either professionally made or very well repainted sign saying "Defund Police-invest in communities" showed up, bolted to a sign post bearing parking restriction signs of the same size, shape, material, and mode of fastening.

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