Great advice for interns: Your fellow commuters don’t want to hear your cell phone conversation http://t.co/YTJJzljdZr @luzcita
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 24, 2015
Interested in public policy, the DC budget, research and information to inform and improve the caliber of public policy discussions or advocacy? This is the place for you: information and intelligence that improves advocacy is the stock in trade of this blog.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Transpo advice for summer interns
Sunday, June 28, 2015
June 29: Mendo media briefing on June 30 legislative meeting
Mendelson will discuss the major actions to be taken at the June 30 meeting. For many, the highlight of the leg meeting is the final reading and vote on B21-158, "Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Support Act of 2015. The bill under consideration is an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
DYRS senior level staff changes
ICYMI: New DYRS Director Shakes Up Top Staff http://t.co/E9Fl5LWv8q @DYRS_DC @willsommer
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 26, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
CM Silverman adds policy expert to staff
Save the date, July 17: Forum on Boys and Young Men of Color
The forum will take place Friday, July 17 at Noon. Participate by attending the event in person or watching via webcast. Learn more and register online.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thought you might be interested Thursday: Recycling
Tips include recycling those pesky plastic shopping bags at grocery stores, putting small bits of paper in a paper bag, stapling it (and several more simple steps), not dumping plastic-coated paper cups in recycling bins, among others.
Summer program people, these simple how-to's would make an easy and useful addition to your already-planned summer programming. Start with your trash and recycling at your organization and encourage young people to sort properly and toss what is not acceptable.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Be a Produce Plus volunteer, make a huge difference
@Ward7Outreach our #farmersmarket at @UnityHealthCare is going well. We need volunteers to help with Produce Plus. http://t.co/rYqyGoqxdW
— AyaCommunity Markets (@AyaMarkets) June 25, 2015
Want to give back? Have free time you want to use productively? Are you and your friends looking to do good together?
No matter the reason, you can make a huge difference to DC low-income residents who go to farmers markets for their fresh produce. Become a Produce Plus volunteer. As a volunteer, you will work five shifts between now (whenever you are trained) and November and distribute Produce Plus vouchers. The vouchers mean that people can get more produce. Yay!
It's easy to volunteer. Learn more about the program and register to participate in a two-hour Farmers' Market Brigade training.
June 26: Jim Vance on @kojoshow
HUGE KOJO UPDATE: LOCAL NEWS LEGEND JIM VANCE WILL BE A GUEST ANALYST ON THIS WEEK'S @kojoshow POLITICS HOUR
— Michael Martinez (@MikeMartinezDC) June 24, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Heat emergency activated June 23 1:00 - 7:00 pm
According to the Alert DC notice,
The Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected which could cause heat related illnesses. Please take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
Locate a government cooling center or pool by using the handy DC Cooling Centers Summer15 guide (also available in PDF).
Monday, June 22, 2015
Mayor-Council breakfast June 23
.@MayorBowser's 6/23 sked: 9:30a Mayor-Council Breakfast, JAWB, Ceremonial Conference Room (Rm 507). @councilofdc
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 22, 2015
Staying cool in the heat
Summer and the heat and humidity are here. And so a reminder of tips for staying cool and well, starting with staying hydrated!
- Stay inside between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
- Visit a DPR pool — locations are listed online: http://dpr.dc.gov/
- Call 311 for information about cooling center locations
- Get water for the homeless by calling the DC Shelter Hotline — (202) 399-7093
- More information about heat emergency and hyperthermia: http://1.usa.gov/1FEmHfj
- DO NOT open fire hydrants
And now the background from HSEMA:
The District of Columbia Government, through the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), will implement the District Heat Emergency Plan when the temperature or heat index reaches 95 degrees. Extreme heat causes significant impacts to individuals residing in public facilities, public housing, senior facilities, senior centers, and homeless shelters throughout the city. District agencies will activate their internal plans to ensure their residents, employees, and the public are protected against extreme heat. Residents and visitors are encouraged to go to find a cooling center near you. Recreation Centers, DC Public Libraries, and Senior Wellness Centers, are all places to beat the heat and are open to the public. These locations provide a cool place to rest and also provide water and activities.The heat index is a measurement of the air temperature in relation to the relative humidity, used as an indicator of the perceived temperature. HSEMA, in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH), will disseminate emergency public information to the public through agency outreach programs and the DC webpage at www.dc.gov.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
DC State Fair announces poster winner
The 2015 fair takes place September 12 from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm at Old City Farm and Guild (925 Rhode Island Ave NW). The fair will feature all kinds of vendors, contests, food, events for kids, and fun, lots of fun!
See more of Ching's work on her website; she is a professional designer.
I took second place and Liz Caselli-Mechael took third.
Congrats to all the winners!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Mayor Bowser on violence increase
Readout of Mayor Bowser’s Call with District & Federal Public Safety Officials Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser convened a call of Administration officials and federal partners - including Acting US Attorney Vincent Cohen and US Parole Commissioner Patricia Smoot - to discuss efforts to combat the recent uptick in violent crime in the District. Participants discussed immediate ways their agencies can coordinate more closely to combat violent crime. Early next week, the Mayor will convene an expanded meeting to discuss further coordination and policy solutions to make our neighborhoods safer.
Education-related Tweets
Meet the DME team! pic.twitter.com/wXuf3ZH9VX
— DMEforDC (@DMEforDC) June 5, 2015
.@msalmanowitz, formerly known as DCPS spokeswoman, has a new gig ... and other @usedgov personnel changes http://t.co/xz0GGZlXj9
— emma brown (@emmersbrown) June 5, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
DCOA director leaving agency
ICYMI: DCOA's @DrJohnMThompson's last day at the agency is June 29.
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 18, 2015
June 30: How building green builds neighborhoods
According to the invitation,
Join us for a panel discussion to explore how green building is making D.C. a better place to live, work and play. As part of the event, tour our sponsor Nixon Peabody’s new D.C. headquarters, which is tracking LEED Platinum certification, and learn about their rooftop solar installation project, which is part of a new community solar program to provide shared distributed renewable energy to affordable housing communities.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Update on Bowser admin agency directors
Bowser admin update: Gray Appointees Ditch Bowser Administration Ahead of Severance Deadline http://t.co/bOJxc1FWy4 @willsommer
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 17, 2015
Ward 7, get ready for end-of-summer extravaganza!
The organizers are seeking public input to the event reflects what young people and their families want; there is a brief survey (online: young people, families; hard copies below). There can't be enough community input!
Athletics physical clinic dates
Calling all parents: Get your kids' athletics phyicals done; here are some dates. @dcpublicschools pic.twitter.com/WbWBim6ClC
— Susie Cambria (@susiecambria) June 17, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Nominate a leader interested in education
Those who participate will have been nominated by colleagues, friends, etc. and then selected by DFER. Nominating is easy; do it now.
Child sexual assault: A blip in the media and public consciousness, says Safe Shores
Monday, June 15, 2015
Street Sense story considers homelessness, budget, new RFP
Second vote on budget delayed
@susiecambria The Chairman addressed this in his briefing, video at http://t.co/tFiPAafnKi Basically, just dotting I's & crossing T's in BSA
— Council of DC (@councilofdc) June 15, 2015
June 24: 2015 New Heights Summit
New Heights operates in 13 DCPS high schools. The goal is to improve the attendance and graduation rates of these students, prepare them for college or careers, and prevent subsequent pregnancies.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
DC Recycler on disposing of the flag
DC Recycler also links to the VFW for the do's and don'ts of American flag disposal.
June 15: Legislative Meeting briefing
More information is available by calling (202) 724‐8032.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Youth, sexual assault, and public policy listening sessions
Interpreters can be made available upon request. Make the request via email, cortney.fisher@dc.gov.
Teens and young adults are encouraged to participate.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
June 22: The American Dream in Crisis?
According to the invitation,
In his new book, "Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis" (Simon & Schuster, 2015), Robert Putnam describes an America that is increasingly separate and unequal along class lines: Children from wealthy families enjoy the benefits of stable two-parent families who invest heavily in their development, deep and positive social networks, and a knowledge economy. Poor and working-class kids, however, increasingly navigate broken families, the absence of adult role models, and an economy with fewer well-paying jobs for those with low levels of education. And more and more, the two groups don't mix.To what extent is this analysis of opportunity in America correct and cause for concern? What role do culture and public policy play in these trends? And how should individuals, community members, and policymakers respond? Join AEI and three of America’s most prominent social scientists for a discussion of these important questions.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 11: 3rd Annual DC Schools Latin Dance Competition
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10; RSVP at thelincolndc.com/event/868509.
The details:
Join us for an exciting evening of dance featuring participants of the DC After School Latin Dance Program, a partnership between Washington Performing Arts and the After School Dance Fund. Cheer on DC High Schools as they compete in Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, and Bachata. Participating schools include: Cardozo Education Campus, Next Step PCS, E.L. Haynes PCS, Roosevelt HS, and Wilson HS. The evening will also feature a special performance by the electrifying Afro-Cuban group Gato's Band led by the renowned Cuban artist Ernesto "Gato" Gatell.
June 11: Twitter chat about millennials' and (not) voting in local elections
Knight staff will share the findings from Why Millennials Don’t Vote For Mayor, a recently released report from Knight and Lake Research Partners.
To participate in the Twitter chat, follow @knightfdn and use #votelocal. To prepare for the chat, read the blog post Mayoral elections and millennials and the report, linked from that post.
June 11: Report release on (deplorable) conditions of DC prisons
- The deteriorating state of D.C. prison facilities
- Widespread problems of mental health treatment and suicide prevention
- Concerns about the for-profit Corrections Corporation of America, which runs one of the two primary D.C. detention facilities
Learn about the report in person or online:
In person
Covington & Burling, One City Center, 850 10th St NWOnline
Information will be sent via email once RSVP is received
RSVP via email, prteam@cov.com indicating whether you will attend in person or via webinar. Dial-in information will be sent in a confirmation email once Covington & Burling receives your RSVP.
The event will also be live Tweeted from @WashLaw4CR.
streetscamp.org, combining advocacy and transportation June 20
Interested in sidewalk, pedestrian, bike safety? Check out http://t.co/bjm6YQ5hrj.
— Ward7Outreach (@Ward7Outreach) June 8, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
In anticipation of the heat, some info about getting and staying cool
With temps getting hotter and looking at two above 90 degree days this week, here is some basic information about getting and staying cool in the (icky, horrible) DC heat.
- Stay inside between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
- Visit a DPR pool — locations are listed online: http://dpr.dc.gov/
- Call 311 for information about cooling center locations
- Get water for the homeless by calling the DC Shelter Hotline — (202) 399-7093
- More information about heat emergency and hyperthermia: http://1.usa.gov/1FEmHfj
- DO NOT open fire hydrants
And now the background from HSEMA:
The District of Columbia Government, through the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), will implement the District Heat Emergency Plan when the temperature or heat index reaches 95 degrees. Extreme heat causes significant impacts to individuals residing in public facilities, public housing, senior facilities, senior centers, and homeless shelters throughout the city. District agencies will activate their internal plans to ensure their residents, employees, and the public are protected against extreme heat. Residents and visitors are encouraged to go to find a cooling center near you. Recreation Centers, DC Public Libraries, and Senior Wellness Centers, are all places to beat the heat and are open to the public. These locations provide a cool place to rest and also provide water and activities.The heat index is a measurement of the air temperature in relation to the relative humidity, used as an indicator of the perceived temperature. HSEMA, in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH), will disseminate emergency public information to the public through agency outreach programs and the DC webpage at www.dc.gov.
June 10: Talk with teachers about how engaging classrooms are created
The event takes place Wednesday, June 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives (1201 17th Street, NW). RSVP via email, sammy@inspiredteaching.org.
Learn more about the event and how teachers have improved their practice in the event press release (PDF).Must follow @dcreportproject
This Week at the DC Council https://t.co/TR3m6DTo8g pic.twitter.com/AUdVJ1NoMx
— DC Reporting Project (@dcreportproject) June 9, 2015
Tumblr adds Answer Time, competes with Reddit AMA
Tumblr Gets Its Own AMA With Answer Time
Tumblr is launching a question-and-answer session similar to Reddit's Ask Me Anything, called Answer Time. The blogging site will post a listing of various Answer Time sessions here. (VentureBeat)
Monday, June 8, 2015
Mayor Bowser to hold presser June 9
DC gets a new taxi commissioner
As I reported Friday, @MayorBowser replacing Eric Rogers at Taxicab Commission. Official announcement today. Ernest Chrappah new chairman.
— Martin Di Caro (@MartinDiCaro) June 8, 2015
June 13: Anacostia Unplugged Special Event
This special event features guest speakers and appearances and many fun and engaging activities for children.
It's free to attend; RSVP online.
Learn more about Anacostia Unplugged on their Kickstarter page. It's an important story generally to be told. What makes it even more compelling are the personal stories and perspectives shared on the Anacostia Unplugged campaign page. So a pitch: If you believe in the work, support the project on Kickstarter; there are price points for everyone!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Update on the Wards 7 & 8 Community Board calendar
Brief recap of business event in Ward 7 June 4
If you did not attend the WBJ east of the river On the Road event yesterday, you are not alone (I had a prior commitment). You can see some of what happened in the clip above and by reading Emily Mekinc's brief summary of the event On the Road: Bringing businesses, meaningful retail and balanced incomes to wards 7 and 8.
Mekinc will have more on the event in the print edition.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Here's how to get in touch with the Ward 8 CM's office
Connecting with May's staff is easy; names, titles, and contact information are all listed on the CM's council page.
Friday, June 5, 2015
What a fine looking group of legislators
June 11: Creating a Community-Based, Prevention Approach for Children Exposed to Violence
According to the invitation,
This webinar will draw on the latest research and innovative strategies about connections between different forms of violence against children, and discuss how to prevent this violence in one effort. We'll explore implications for practice, including efforts focused on trauma and equity. We'll also discuss challenges to an integrated approach; the tools and resources that can be used to guide integrated efforts; and the benefits and challenges of partnering with agencies that focus on different forms of violence.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Thought you might be interested Thursday: strong women
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tune in to 89.3FM June 8 as @ChuckThies guest hosts
I'm returning to WPFW to guest-host the 11am-noon slot on Monday. Loose Lips, aka @willsommer, and MPD Chief Cathy Lanier are my guests.
— Chuck Thies (@ChuckThies) June 3, 2015
Get your learning on thanks to @WildApricot
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Dunbar principal announcement
New @dunbardc pricipal announced: Abdullah Zaki, II - from Kelly Miller Middle School, Principal of the Year in 2013 @TruxtonCircle
— Jonathan Rogers (@JRogers202) May 30, 2015
CM Bonds seeks input on the government
Monday, June 1, 2015
June 8: Rebuilding the RFK playground planning committee meeting
The RFK Playground Project Planning Meeting takes place Monday, June 8 at 6:30 pm at the RFK Administrative Offices (adjacent to Lot 5; offices are on the 4th floor; ID required to enter). Dinner will be provided.
RSVP to Theresa DuBois, (202) 608-1100 or via email, tdubois@eventsdc.com.
The playground rebuild actively involves Events DC, KaBOOM!, and D.C. United Foundation United for DC.
TA: Online goodies
- Free stock photos via Pexels 2.0, described by Product Hunt as a tool with the "best free stock photos in one place." Pexels has committed to adding 70 hi-res pics a week and they currently have more than 2,000. Even better is the license; all the photos are Creative Commons Zero (CC0). This means
you can copy, modify, distribute and perform the photos. The pictures are free for personal and even for commercial use. All without asking for permission or setting a link to the source. So that attribution is not required. All in all the photos are completely free to be used for any legal purpose.
The CC0 license was released by the non-profit organization Creative Commons (CC). Get more information about the license on the official license page.
- Code for DC's http://www.opendatadc.org/ provides a wealth of DC data, free for the using.
- Use cardette for free to create business cards, invitations, and postcards.
- Get the most out of Excel by using the instructions in ExcelMagic (PDF).
- Paste with or without all the formatting: How to Change the Default Paste Setting in Microsoft Word 2013 explains how to change paste settings.
- Use PowerPoint to remove image backgrounds. Seriously. Learn how in Remove Image Background In PowerPoint.
- Shorthand Social is a beautiful storytelling tool. While you can use photos, video, and text, it's very different from my favorite Storify.Shorthand Social is an elegant storytelling tool. I can see an organization use it to tell client stories, for example.