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Friend –

This very difficult week began with the President of the United States spreading lies about our beloved home. By mid-week, we saw members of the US military and masked federal law enforcement officers on the streets of the Nation's capital, and by week's end, we were in federal court fighting to stop the unlawful takeover of our local police department. This is the greatest threat to DC's Home Rule and local control that we've ever witnessed, and I believe it will continue to escalate in the coming days and weeks. This is about power and control, and it's not just about DC. They've sought to control the media, universities, speech, our bodies, and many other aspects of American life, and now they're looking to cities on American soil. DC is first simply because the President can, given our lack of statehood and full voting representation, but make no mistake that every American should be paying attention. If they succeed here, in a few months, the fight will be on our neighbors' doorsteps.

As I've shared before, and as we've seen plenty of, the politics of public safety is potent stuff. What the President and his administration want is for any criticism of their unlawful and harmful federal intervention to be cast as "weak on crime" or "not being tough enough." DC has some of the strongest and smartest laws on the books, and with the shared work between the Mayor, Council, Chief of Police, officers, and community partners, DC has cut violent crime in half over the last two years. Those are the facts. But the facts also remain that if a crime happened to you, someone you love, or on your block, all the stats in the world are meaningless. We must continue working to build on the significant progress we've made together. But the fact that work remains – as it always will – is not an excuse for unlawful federal actions and a loss of local control. The federal intervention has sown confusion and chaos in our public safety system, as well as on the ground in the community. Federal law enforcement and military members aren't trained for community policing – they don't know what works best outside your child's elementary school or the corner store. That work should be led and conducted by local law enforcement, which is trained and accountable to us.

The situation is changing almost hourly, and it's likely that, by the time I finish writing this, more news will have broken by the morning. I will work to share updates consistently with the community and be present in our neighborhoods, but please also feel free to reach out to me or my office anytime with any questions or to share information at [email protected] or by replying to this newsletter.

Meanwhile, we still have a city to run, services to deliver, a new school year to get ready for, and neighborhoods to celebrate. As hard as we're fighting back against this false and destructive story President Trump is telling the country and world, I've been heartened by the images and stories shared that lift up all the beautiful and wonderful parts of the city we call home. In a small gesture to our beloved ward, we've changed our banner above to highlight some of our favorite scenes and moments from life in Ward 6. It's a direct response we can take to the lies being told, and it's important to find joy in times of hardship. While the work to improve public safety in every corner of our city will always be our top priority, let's also share what makes this a great place to call home. Please reply to this email and share a story, an image, or a memory of what makes our community so wonderful. And please also take a moment to breathe. I know this is painful, uncertain, and anxious for so many of us, and I've heard a lot of neighbors remembering the violence and trauma of January 6th at the Capitol. It's important to talk to others, know you're not alone, and know we'll get through this together.

QUICK LINKS: Public Safety Updates | Know Your Rights | Back to School | Garfield Park Connector Project in the Works | Rumsey Update | Supporting LGBTQ+ Seniors | Restaurant Week | Capitol Hill Art Walk | Events

Miss the last newsletter about the stadium deal and the FY26 budget? Read it here.

Public Safety

• As we've discussed all week, the President has moved to take over MPD and bring the National Guard onto our neighborhood streets. I shared my initial thoughts Monday, sent you an email with all we knew the next day, and later talked more about this on CNN's The Situation Room (you can watch the two interviews here and here). Through it all, I've focused on DC’s progress in reducing crime, why bringing the military into our neighborhoods is dangerous and wrong, and why this fight underscores our need for full rights, autonomy, and statehood. We’ve seen a 50% reduction in violent crime over the last two years because of the hard work of our residents, MPD, the Mayor, and the Council, with more progress needed. The federal government could be a real partner by filling judicial vacancies, supporting our local agencies, and respecting our autonomy — not undermining it.
  
  
• Our local first responders are still doing their best to keep our communities safe. Just this past Tuesday, I was on the scene of an outstanding response by DC Fire and EMS personnel, who put out a fire on the 500 block of F Street NE and rescued a resident from the second story. It's a reminder that these heroic acts happen every day throughout our city.
  
  
• MPD has established a Juvenile Curfew in Navy Yard, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly, from yesterday to Monday. The boundaries for the area are:
  • North: I-695 and Virginia Avenue SE
  • East: 8th Street from Virginia Avenue to M Street SE and 4th Street from M Street to the Anacostia River
  • South: M Street between 4th and 8th Street SE and Potomac Avenue and the Anacostia River between South Capitol Street and 4th Street
  • West: South Capitol Street from the Anacostia River to I-695

Some Resources

I know in a time like this, there may be a mix of emotions and reactions. What we can all do, though, is equip ourselves with resources to stay informed. Here are just a few:

• Know your rights with law enforcement: Free DC
• Know your rights, how to exercise them, and what to do when your rights are violated: ACLU
• FAQs specific to homelessness and encampments: Office of the Attorney General
• If you or a neighbor needs emergency shelter: 202-399-7093
  • Unhoused veterans: 202-745-3012
  • Youth and young adults: 202-547-7777
  • Additional help: Miriam's Kitchen
• Follow the local laws for marijuana use and consumption: ACLU of DC
• Get training from Free DC

It's Almost Time to Go Back to School!

While there's still time to eke out the last few days of summer, kids return to DC Public Schools classrooms beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Find plenty of details here, with information such as the 2025-26 calendar, getting to and from school, attendance, afterschool programming, and more.

There's also a back-to-school information session on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Sign up for the virtual meeting here.

Additionally, thousands of students with disabilities in the District are eligible for transportation service from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This year, OSSE launched a portal for parents and guardians of transportation-eligible students to directly select their transportation option and input their contact information for the 2025-26 school year. For families that choose OSSE transportation, your school will need to confirm and verify the transportation request before the start of school. If you haven’t heard anything from your school about the OSSE Parent Portal, or if you have any questions, you can email [email protected].

Expect to See Work South of Garfield Park

DDOT is starting work on the first phase of the Garfield Park-Canal Park Connector Project, which includes the area in the picture above under the freeway (definitely a "before" photo!). I found funding in the budget to redesign this whole space, and we can expect Phase One of the work, located in the amenity area near the Virginia Avenue SE intersection, to last through January.

The northern portion of the park will remain open during construction, while the southern portion is experiencing the following:

• Pedestrian walkways at the northern and western limits of the work area are closed.
• Virginia Avenue SE, under I-695, the sidewalk, and crosswalk will be closed at the intersection of H and 2nd Streets SE.
• Work will be adjacent to the sand volleyball court.
• A pedestrian detour will be in effect from the intersection of H and 2nd Streets SE around Garfield Park using 3rd St and F Streets SE. Pedestrian access through the work area will be prohibited.

Make sure to obey all detour and no-parking signs.  All work should only be done from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

An Update on Rumsey Aquatic Center

I wanted to share an update on Rumsey Aquatic Center's renovation because... well... there haven't been any updates in a while. While DPR and DGS got off to a big start in December 2024 and laid out a timeline for their planning work through 2025, they quickly got off track at their second community meeting, when they were met with resounding dissatisfaction with their first attempts at designs that left out the second floor of programming and activities that the community asked for. In addition, they came back to me saying they'd need additional funding for the project we envisioned. I fixed that for them in the recent budget passed by the Council. 

Over the spring and summer, the city agencies and the architects and designers working on the project have been outlining ways to deliver on what the community wants, and they realize that the first attempt missed the mark. That has put their timeline well off pace. So, while initial plans had them aiming for construction beginning at the end of this year or the first of the new year, I think it's safe to assume that will slide significantly.

Meanwhile, unfortunately, highlighting why this renovation is needed so desperately, the heating for Rumsey Pool has been out again. The boiler system is so old that spare parts are hard to come by, and DGS is working on repairs. I've talked with a lot of swimmers who have noted that the temperatures are colder. With the warmer outdoor temperatures this summer, the pool hasn't needed to close, but I'm pushing DGS to expedite these parts and repairs.

Resource for LGBTQ+ Seniors

I wanted to share a new resource from Capitol Hill Village, "DC Senior Living Communities: A Resource on LGBT Inclusion." It's a product of a three-year project they've been working on to make it easier for residents to learn about LGBTQ+ inclusion in senior communities, and it's helpful for seniors, caregivers, friends of seniors, and more. Learn about the project.

Restaurant Week Is Back!

So many things make living in DC wonderful, including our vibrant restaurant scene. Summer Restaurant Week is here Monday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 24, when you can try new-to-you places or revisit your favorites. Support our local businesses by checking out the menus and making a reservation or two today.

Capitol Hill Art Walk Returns

Another reason to love our neighborhoods: the Capitol Hill Art Walk is coming up! From noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14, you can walk to more than 70 locations on the Hill and enjoy art and crafts made by more than 130 local artists, who will be there on-site. Learn more, and I hope to see you out there!

Upcoming Events

• Arena Stage Community Day: Saturday, Aug. 23 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 1101 6th St. SW
  Arena Stage is taking over 6th Street SW for a free outdoor block party and indoor open house for the entire city. Expect live music, dancing, special performances, local vendors, food trucks, hands-on art activities, games, and more.
  
  
• Ward 6 Day at the National Children's Museum: Sunday, Aug. 24 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
  The National Children's Museum is hosting DC Ward Days, with each area getting a special day for its respective residents to have a free day of play. To reserve DC Ward Day tickets, enter your ZIP code as a promo code on the Discounts page during checkout.
  
  
• Back to School Celebration: Monday, Aug. 25 | 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW
  Join the library staff in the children's room to celebrate the new school year with crafts, snacks, and giveaways.
  
  
• Sun Day: Sunday, Sept. 21 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Solar homes throughout DC
  Next month, local clean energy groups are organizing this citywide day of education and solar promotion, and they're looking for homeowners and property managers with existing solar power installations to take part. Want to share your solar setup and story? Sign up to host a solar site.

Keep Cheering on the Nats

Staying in town for Labor Day? If so, you can reply to this email for a chance to win tickets to the Sept. 1 baseball game, when the Nats take on the Miami Marlins at 1:05 p.m.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen