Hey there, and happy Wednesday! How are we doing? On Monday, Valentine’s Day, Mayor Bowser decided to rescind the vaccination mandate for most indoor venues effective the following day and, well… let’s just say it hasn’t been one of her most popular moves. As a matter of fact and according to The Washington Post, about 74% of residents supported the rules she rescinded– something she did without checking with or informing the DC Council ahead of time. Huh. Sure, about 93.4% of DC residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine, but when you look at the percentage of fully vaccinated folks (which we now know to be three doses), that number drops to 70.9%, which is pretty good but not great. The number is, of course, low on account of the entire DC population that is 5 and under, which is still unvaccinated and may remain so for a while. (Reuters)
Some of the DC Council thought this was a terrible idea– especially for parents of young children and those who are immunocompromised– and they spoke out:
Anyway. We’re compiling which bars and restaurants will stick with the vaccine mandate over on Twitter, if you’d rather still patronize places that check status for the sake of their employees, unvaccinated children and the immunocompromised. DCist and Washington City Paper also have good lists.
For schools, February break is next week. DCPS announced yesterday that they will be requiring all families to test ahead of time. More information here.
This is an election year and the DC Board of Elections and Ethics wants your input on where they should put up ballot drop boxes. Click here to weigh in. You have until Friday, February 18 to give input.
After a wonderful career spanning 17 years, Ryan Zimmerman announced his retirement from baseball yesterday. WUSA-9
The Hill Rag has news on the latest EMCAC meeting.
As I sit here typing this in yoga pants and Uggs, I have to laugh: LawnStarter thinks DC is the fourth most glamorous city in America. How? Apparently, it’s because we have a great fine dining and fashion scene. Well, ok then.
Looks like a Nike store is coming to 7th and H NE, according to PoPville. No other details or a source in the post but hey– it’s something.
Look at these lovely before and after tree canopy shots from Casey Trees and get a little happier.
Interested in the future of Union Station? Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will be holding a special virtual town hall tomorrow, February 17 at 6 p.m. Want to attend? RSVP by emailing NortonEvents@mail.house.gov by noon tomorrow.
If you want to be part of the K-9 Corps at Congressional Cemetery, you have until March 31 to get on the list, as it’s being shut down for the time being. More information here.
Finally, the 11th Street Bridge Park has selected an artwork by a mother-daughter duo called Anacostia’s Sunrise/Sunset Portals to welcome visitors into a space near the river’s edge called Anacostia’s Approach. Below, you can see a rendering of the $400k commissioned piece.
