City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
DC's resistance to federal parole
October 23, 2023
Hey, neighbor! Tomorrow is the 36th annual 17th Street High Heel Race near Dupont Circle. So dress up and join the crowds cheering on costumed drag queens and kings as they stumble to glory. Rumor is Karamo Brown will be making an appearance.
What's CITY Talking About?
“Missing Middle” Zoning Update
A local judge ruled that Arlington homeowners can sue the county over a rezoning plan. In March, the Arlington County board approved plans to build multi-unit buildings in an area that had for decades held only single-family houses. While single-family homeowners like the plaintiffs said the plan would overwhelm their neighborhoods, others argued that it was an important step to help lower housing costs. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: Arlington’s “missing middle” housing fight has been ongoing for months, with political ramifications. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Montgomery County Cop Indicted
A Montgomery County police officer has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his connection with the Jan. 6 riots. He was already on administrative leave for fatally shooting a teenager in July. This police department says it is now “taking steps” to fire him.
- Related: The D.C. police have been trying to fire an MPD officer for 13 years, but he’s managed to appeal and arbitrate his way out. And he's not the only one. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Rise in Machine Gun Conversions
D.C. law enforcement are worried about the trend of people using small devices to turn semi-automatic handguns into fully-automatic weapons. This year, police say they’ve discovered more than 100 of these conversions in D.C., compared to just two dozen in 2020. They’re working to combat this as homicides skyrocket in the area. [WTOP, City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
Live in art at Seneca House
Currently offering a 2% builder credit! Only three homes remain at Seneca House, a brand new boutique condo community located one block from Meridian Hill Park. The exterior features a full façade mural by Hamilton Glass, while the interiors offer Calacatta Prado quartz countertops, white oak hardwood flooring, and outdoor private terraces. One bedroom and dens and two bedrooms from $549,900.
Where Is It?
This one was hard, especially because it’s brand new! This is the high-end Japanese food hall Love, Makoto in the East End. There are three sit-down options (Dear Sushi, Beloved BBQ, and Hiya Izakaya) and a fourth fast casual option (Love On the Run) which serves up ramen and sandwiches. Both Dear Sushi and Beloved BBQ are on Michelin's Washington, D.C. 2023 guide, so definitely worth checking out!
Congratulations to Andrew S., Vicky C., and Julia U., who were the first to guess the interior correctly.
Next up, we have something much more sinister. This is rumored to be one of the most haunted houses in D.C. Can you name it? Bonus points if you can tell us the story behind it. OooooOooo!
What To Do
📜 DC Archives Fair | Monday | 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for a day-of session on archives, records, and information, along with remarks by the new Archivist of the United States. [Free, National Mall]
🧛🏽 The Life of the Vampire | Tuesday | 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Learn about the origins and evolution of the feared and beloved cultural icon, from Slavic folklore to Edward Cullen. [$15, Penn Quarter]
🏠 DC & MD Homebuying 101 | Tuesday | 6 - 8 p.m.
Learn how things like mortgage loans and down payments work over beer and wine at this free homebuying info session. [Free, Logan Circle]
🎃 Pumpkin Drag Race | Thursday | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Decorate a pumpkin in drag at Midlands Beer Garden and support local queer and trans youth non-profit SMYAL. [$15, Park View]
Today on City Cast
The Movement To Change DC’s Parole System
D.C.’s parole system is run by the federal government, just like the prison system as a whole, and that impacts all of us. Now, there’s a movement to take control back from the feds. Emilia Calma of DC Policy Center tells us why it’s important, and if it could really happen.
Sponsored Content
Calling All Policy Wonks: Register for Wonk Week
Quorum’s annual Wonk Week is next week on Oct. 30-Nov. 1! This year, the theme is Wonk-o-Ween, so you can expect 3 days of tricks and treats from peer leaders in the field to level up your government affairs strategy. Register today.
Get outside this week
Shenandoah is coming into peak leaf peeping season this week. Send us your best fall pictures from around the District. We’ll choose the best ones to include in the newsletter!
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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