On Monday, October 5, a friend, neighbor and constant fixture around the Capitol Hill and Trinidad communities, Karen Ramsey, took her own life in her Trinidad home. While those of us who knew her are still trying to grapple with the tragedy of losing our friend, her presence throughout the city was widely felt. She was friends with many in the photographic, biking and craft communities. Her friends over at The Uncommon District put together a very sweet photographic tribute of her work. A friend from the west coast published an obituary of Karen recently.
If you feel overwhelmed, qualified people can help you through this time. Click here for suicide prevention resources.
A new sports betting bar, Handle 19, is coming to 319 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, the locale that formerly housed Stanton & Greene and beloved watering hole the Pour House. Handle 19 is the brainchild of Shane August, a former college football player and businessman (SportsHandle). A group of close neighbors is alarmed by the fact that the new leasees have “dismissed the impact their establishment will have on the surrounding neighborhood and homes immediately adjacent to their property. Alcohol-fueled violence and crime is a common occurrence in and around such establishments.” If you want to add your voice to the petition that would stop this business from obtaining their liquor license, you can add your voice here (StopHillGambling). Revenue from sports betting in the District has been underwhelming to date, falling short of expectations– possibly due in part to the pandemic (Washington Post). Incidentally, a 2016 study found that men who gamble are more prone to violent behaviors (Science Daily).
Speaking of violent behavior, neighbors around 6th and H Streets NE were rudely awakened on Monday morning to the sounds of an SUV plowing into the northwest corner of the intersection. DC Fire and EMS shared the hair-raising photos on Twitter. Although there was obvious structural damage, the building is not under threat of collapsing. (NBC-4) That property, which at some point was going to become a Peet’s Coffee and Tea (Eater DC), has remained vacant for several years. Guess it was just waiting to get hit by a SUV? Incidentally, the suspect who crashed the car fled on foot, but he was caught on camera. If you have any information, the police is offering up to $1000. You can call (202) 727-9099 or text info to 50411.
It’s true! The coolest museum in Washington you’ve never set foot on (or have, but only if you’ve been lucky) will build a new, public-friendly, exhibits-friendly campus! The Washington Post broke the news ahead of the official announcement by the Navy, on their 245th birthday. You can read my Twitter thread about the announcement yesterday and vote on the poll about the museum.
Looks like federal court ruled in favor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church and they will be allowed to hold outdoor services in DC for now. Is there an outdoor space big enough to hold one thousand parishioners safely? Maybe the parking lots at RFK? DCist
There will be a DC Delegates debate moderated by Jeffrey Anderson of District Dig and political strategist Lisa Rice. You can watch the livestream on Facebook here.
Will the Demon Cat make an appearance this year? Find out more about this local Capitol legend over at Washingtonian.
You know where you can leave your demons behind? At the Rumsey Pool, which is now open! Click here for more info and click here for added safety precautions in place.
Parting thought: DC is one of the rattiest cities in the country. I want you to think about that early and often. FOX-5