Dear Ward 8 Residents,

I know many residents are disappointed about the canceled community meeting, which was meant to provide updates on two major infrastructure projects in our community – the Anacostia Senior Wellness Center and the Congress Heights Recreation Center.

Our goal is to keep Ward 8 residents informed; however, at this time, the Department of General Services (DGS), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) declined to participate, stating they are not at a phase in these specific projects to have much to share with the community. Additionally, DACL and DPR submitted that they plan to schedule a meeting with the community with the support of DGS when they have something to report.

These are important conversations and we are doing our best to collaborate with these specific government agencies to determine the next steps in these projects. I appreciate your patience as our office works through the details. If you have any urgent needs or concerns in the meantime, please feel free to contact my office. 

Respectfully, 

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

DHCD's Ward 8 Housing Listening Session

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm

DHCD's - Multi-Purpose Room

1909 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC

Registration Link: REGISTER HERE 

The first recorded celebration of Halloween in the District of Columbia dates back to the mid-19th century. While the exact year is difficult to pinpoint, Halloween began gaining popularity in the United States around the 1840s. 

By the late 1800s, DC community celebrations that included costumes, parties, and other festive activities. These early celebrations often focused on community gatherings rather than the trick-or-treating traditions that became common in the 20th century. 

As the holiday evolved, particularly through the 20th century, Halloween became a more organized and widely celebrated event in the city, with various festivities and community events. Today, it remains a cherished occasion in DC marked by a blend of historical customs and modern practices.

As Halloween approaches, the excitement of costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations fills the air. However, amid the fun, there are specific laws in the District of Columbia that govern how Halloween is celebrated. Understanding these regulations can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here’s a look at some of the key laws and their importance.

While there is no specific law that explicitly regulates trick-or-treating in DC, it is generally encouraged during certain hours. In 2010, the DC Council passed a resolution recommending that trick-or-treating be observed from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on October 31. This resolution was aimed at ensuring the safety of children and minimizing disruptions in residential neighborhoods. 

The DC Noise Control Act, enacted in 1977, aims to minimize noise pollution throughout the city. While it doesn’t single out Halloween, it does impact the use of loud decorations, music, and parties during the holiday. Residents are encouraged to keep noise to a reasonable level to respect their neighbors.

In DC, there are no specific laws governing the types of costumes that can be worn during Halloween. However, general laws against public indecency and hate speech still apply. In 2016, the DC Council reinforced existing regulations that prohibit hate symbols and discriminatory attire in public spaces, even during costume events.

The DC Fire Code, updated in 2014, includes specific regulations about the use of candles and other open flames, which can be particularly relevant during Halloween. The code restricts the use of open flames in decorations and recommends using LED lights instead.

In 2018, DC implemented stricter regulations concerning pedestrian safety, which are particularly relevant on Halloween when streets may be crowded with children and families. The regulations focus on reducing speed limits in residential areas and increasing penalties for reckless driving.

While Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, it is important to remember that certain laws and regulations exist in the District of Columbia to ensure safety and community harmony. From recommended trick-or-treating hours to fire safety measures, these laws play a vital role in creating a festive environment that is both enjoyable and secure. By adhering to these regulations, residents can help ensure that Halloween remains a beloved tradition for years to come.

October 3, 2024

Chief of Staff Wanda Lockridge and Director of Constituent Services Monique Diop attended the DC Community Leaders Invitational, hosted by the Chesapeake Outward Bound School. This event showcased the school's expeditionary learning model, which serves middle and high school students, in both Baltimore and Washington, DC. The program focuses on outdoor education activities like rock climbing, high ropes courses, and other trust-building exercises.

The Chesapeake Outward Bound School offers one-day programs called "Insight," as well as five-day expeditions, all designed to promote teamwork, personal growth, and leadership. As part of the invitational, Lockridge and Diop participated in rock climbing and other team-building exercises.

The school is now exploring opportunities to expand its services in Ward 8, particularly near THEARC and the Bishop Walker School for Boys.

Tragic Fire Claims Lives in Shipley Terrace Neighborhood.

On Sunday, October 6, a devastating fire broke out at a two-story home on 23rd Street SE in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood. The fire, tragically set intentionally, claimed the lives of three beloved Ward 8 residents: Jessica Cunningham, 34, Ronald McKinnon, 64, and Margaret McKinnon, 85, the homeowner. Margaret McKinnon was rescued from the blaze by ladder and rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but she sadly succumbed to her injuries the following day.

D.C. Police have arrested Robert Simpson of SE DC, charging him with three counts of murder and arson in connection with the tragedy.

In response to the incident, Councilmember Trayon White’s Constituent Services team, alongside Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Deborah Wells (8E01), worked with DC Fire and EMS to canvass the community. They focused on promoting fire safety and identifying hazards, including the lack of working fire detectors in homes.

AARP Chapter Highlights Senior Village Resources and Welcomes New 7D Commander.

The Anacostia/Bellevue/Congress Heights AARP Chapter #4870 held its October meeting at Greater Fellowship Full Gospel Baptist Church. The meeting focused on the valuable resources provided by the Kingdom Care Senior Villages. These Villages offer essential services such as clothing assistance, supportive housing, and socialization to help seniors remain in their homes and communities.

Senior Villages are neighborhood-based nonprofit membership organizations supported by volunteers, making it easier for older residents to live safely, comfortably, and actively in their homes while staying connected with their neighbors. Ward 8 is home to two Senior Villages:

• Kingdom Care Senior Village: 814 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032. Phone: (202) 561-5594 
• Far Southeast Senior Village: 1010 Anderson Place SE, Washington, DC 20020. Phone: (301) 326-5460 

Additionally, the meeting included an introduction to the new 7D Commander, Christopher Dorsey, who provided important safety updates for the community.

The Office of Councilmember White Continues to Support Talbert Street Homeowners.

This week, Councilmember White's Constituent Services team assisted the homeowners of River East at Grandview Estates, also known as Talbert Street, as they faced challenges stemming from the deterioration of their homes. The team worked closely with residents, offering guidance and connecting them to vital resources through the Office of the Tenant Advocate, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Buildings to help resolve their housing issues.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month a time dedicated to raising awareness and preventing domestic violence. One of the key moments during this month is Purple Thursday, a National Day of Action. On October 17th, everyone is encouraged to wear purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal commitment to ending domestic violence. The purple ribbon stands as a powerful symbol of this cause. 

On October 8, 2024, Constituent Services Specialist, Louise Thorne, had the heart-wrenching opportunity to meet with a courageous survivor, whom we will call Ms. TB to protect her identity. She endured a domestic violence relationship that nearly became fatal for her and her children. Without realizing it, Ms. TB experienced all four stages of domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend. It wasn’t until he violently struck her with the handle of a gun—leaving her bloody, with a broken nose, and hospitalized—that she fully understood the gravity of the situation. Despite his repeated claims of "love" after each abusive episode, she came to the painful realization that this was not love.

With great courage, Ms. TB filed a police report, obtained a protective order, and received assistance relocating to ensure her and her children’s safety. The perpetrator was arrested, but her journey serves as a reminder of the many survivors still trapped in this cycle of abuse.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention and resources at (800) 799-SAFE (800-799-7233).

**Your life could depend on it.**