Dear Ward 8 Residents:

I want to invite all Ward 8 residents and business owners to sign up ([link removed]) for a Frontline Office Hours meeting. This is a one-on-one session between myself and a member of my staff to discuss your needs.

I want to know about your business needs, community concerns, and your needs around housing and employment. The topic of conversation is up to you. Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with Zoom meeting details. Please complete the registration before the meeting to ensure we have the appropriate staff to assist with your needs.

Sign-up to today: [link removed]. For more information, please email: Kimberly Harper at [email protected] or call our office at 202-724-8045.

Peace & Love,

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.
[link removed]


** Quick Links
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* Need a Test? Get a Test: Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites ([link removed])
* Hospital Coming to Ward 8: See Plans for New Hospital ([link removed])
* Behind on rent due to COVID-19? [link removed] ([link removed] )
* Need Help With Utility Bills? [link removed]
* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])

Advisory Notice

Immediate Release: October 7, 20201

Contact: Kellie Didigu, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , 202-626-5124


New Dialing Procedure for Customers with the 202 Area Code begins October 9^th


The District of Columbia will have a new overlay area code,
771 on November 9^th


(Washington, D.C.) All customers with the 202 area code should prepare for mandatory ten-digit dialing on October 9, 2021. All local calls made within the DC 202 area code must be placed using ten digits (area code + the seven-digit telephone number). On and after this date, calls placed using seven digits will not be completed.


Also, customers with new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 771 area code ([link removed]) beginning November 9, 2021. The key facts for consumers to know about the upcoming DC 202/771 area code overlay are:


* Your current telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
* If you seek new phone service on and after November 9, 2021, you may be assigned a phone number with the 771 area code.
* You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
* You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls.
* What is a local call now will remain a local call.
* The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
* You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. You can also dial three digits to reach 211, 311, 711, and 811.


For additional information, please visit the Commission’s 771 webpage ([link removed]) or contact your local telephone, VOIP or wireless service provider.


The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is an independent agency established by Congress in 1913 to regulate electric, natural gas, and telecommunications companies in the District of Columbia.


###



OCTOBER LEGISLATION
Legislation/Resolutions introduced by Councilmember Trayon White as of October 19th.

(1) “Housing Production Trust Fund Affordability Levels Enforcement Amendment Act of 2021”. ([link removed])

(2) “Violence Awareness and Prevention Programs in Schools Act of 2021”. ([link removed])

(3) “Mental Health Education in Schools Act of 2021”. ([link removed])

(4) “School Attendance Amendment Act of 2021”. ([link removed])

(5) “Baba Melvin Deal Posthumous Memorial Recognition Resolution of 2021.” ([link removed])

(6) “Helen Marie White Posthumous Memorial Recognition Resolution of 2021.” ([link removed])

(7) “Theresa Howe Jones Way Designation Act of 2021”. ([link removed])

(8) “Closing of a Public Alley in Square 5612, S.O. 21-06924, Act of 2021”. ([link removed])
HEARING SCHEDULE
Meetings & Hearings Schedule: Click here ([link removed]) to browse, search, or filter to find past and upcoming D.C. Council meetings, hearings, and events.
[link removed]
[link removed]

PROPOSED LEGISLATION

"School Attendance Amendment Act of 2021", B24-0428 ([link removed])

Introduced by: Councilmember T. White on October 4th, 2021
The Chairman is referred this legislation to Committee of the Whole on Friday, October 8th.

[link removed]

[Click To Watch] ([link removed])

Recreation, Libraries & Youth Affairs Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 07, 2021

This is the first committee meeting after recess for Council Period 24. In this meeting, two items were on the agenda:

* Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs for Council Period 24 Revised Resolution of 2021
* Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs Committee Director Appointment Resolution of 2021

[link removed]
October 12, 2021


** Public Hearing on B24-0066 ([link removed])
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BILL SUMMARY - As introduced, Bill 24-66 creates an Office of Safe Passage, reporting to the Mayor, tasked with coordinating safe passage efforts across agencies developing city-wide and ward specific strategies for student safety, administering grants to community-based organizations implementing safe passage plans and hiring personnel to monitor routes in high-priority areas. It also calls for increased use of shuttles for student transportation to Metro stations in problemed areas.

[link removed]
October 18, 2021

[Click to Watch] ([link removed])

Councilmember Elissa Silverman, chair of the Council's Subcommittee on Redistricting, holds a hearing on redistricting and the Ward 8 boundaries.

Find more information at :[link removed] ([link removed])
Submit maps through the DC redistricting website. This website will allow members of the public to draw their own ward and ANC boundaries using the new Census data and submit these maps to the Council subcommittee for consideration. The public mapping tool will launch on September 17, at DCredistricting.esriemcs.com ([link removed]) .

If you are interested in serving on the ANC boundary redistricting committee, please send me an email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
[link removed]
October 19, 2021
Committee of the Whole, Committee Meeting, Phil Mendelson, Chairman

[link removed]


** REDISTRICTING WARD 8

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[CLICK TO WATCH]

On October 16th, newly elected officers of the Ward 8 Democrats were officially sworn-in by Councilmember Trayon White. Following the swearing-in, District Councilmember's discussed the process of redistricting and how these changes will impact Ward 8.


** Frequently Asked Questions About Redistricting
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**
1. Why do we need to redistrict?
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Every ten years, we draw new political boundaries within states, dividing up our residents into new districts of roughly equal size based on the decennial Census. This periodic rebalancing is crucial for making sure our legislatures have fair and equitable representation. If we don’t rebalance the wards every ten years, we’ll end up with big size imbalances; larger wards dilute the voting power of their residents, compared to smaller wards. Right now, we have some wards with 25 percent more population than others. We also want to ensure that some residents are not purposely gerrymandered or divided for political gain of one group over another.


** 2. How does redistricting affect me?
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Redistricting will ensure you have an equal voice in our democracy, and an equal power in electing your government representatives.


** 3. Who is making the redistricting decisions?
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Chairman Mendelson has appointed a subcommittee on redistricting, consisting of three at-large members: Elissa Silverman, who will chair the subcommittee, Anita Bonds, and Christina Henderson. The subcommittee will hold hearings and then make recommendations on redrawing boundaries in the form of legislation to the Committee of the Whole, which consists of the full Council. The legislation passed by the Committee of the Whole will then require two more votes by the full Council. This is the same process as with any other piece of legislation at the Council. Each ward will have a redistricting task force to make recommendations on redrawing ANC boundaries. Each ward council member will appoint members to their ward-specific task force.


** 4. How can I participate in the redistricting process?
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There will be many opportunities for residents to participate in the redistricting process. But there are four main ways:
* Submit maps through the DC redistricting website. This website will allow members of the public to draw their own ward and ANC boundaries using the new Census data and submit these maps to the Council subcommittee for consideration. The public mapping tool will launch on September 17, at DCredistricting.esriemcs.com ([link removed]) .
* Testify before the Council's subcommittee. These hearings will be open to the public, so anyone can testify on redistricting. The hearings will be at different times of day and different days of the week.
* Submit testimony to the subcommittee. The subcommittee is accepting written and oral testimony, including maps. Any testimony submitted will be included in the committee report on the redistricting legislation. Any written testimony will also be distributed to the subcommittee members before each hearing. Written testimony can be emailed to [email protected]. The subcommittee is setting up a voicemail box for residents to also submit oral testimony in the near future.
* Contact your councilmember. Every member will have a vote on the new lines, and will be actively participating in the redistricting process. You can find your councilmember's contact information here ([link removed]) .

[link removed]

ALEX FOOD PANTRY AT LYDIA'S HOUSE

They say the young people got next but really they got NOW! On Saturday, October 16th, Councilmember Trayon White joined Lydia’s House this morning for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the “Alex Food Pantry”.

Alex is a student at St. Andrew's School and was looking for a way to “help a neighbor”. As the project unfolded, it was determined that every home contained a food pantry and thus it was introduced to Lydia's House.

For more information about the pantry and how to get involved visit: www.lh4us.org ([link removed])

THE WELL AT OXON RUN PARK
Our communities need access to fresh and healthy foods. We are excited to partner with DC Greens, Department of Parks & Recreation, Green Scheme, Soul of the City, Friends of Oxon Run and so many community members to create “The Well” at Oxon Run. The Well is a state of the art, urban farm and community wellness space nestled in Oxon Run Park .

This space, along with the two new grocery stores coming up in Ward 8, will combat the food inequalities in our community due to historic disinvestments.

To learn more about The Well visit: [link removed]
On Saturday, October 9th, Councilmember joined PG Country Chair, Calvin Hawkins at the National Father and Blue Weekend. This event was a collaborative effort to join local law enforcement and members of the community to walk along the DC/MD border to build bridges and break biases to stop violence impacting the neighboring communities.

On October 6th, CM Trayon White supported Ketcham Elementary for “National Walk to School Day” to encourage physical activity and promote safety in our neighborhoods and nearby schools. ⁣

Safe passage is critically important for DC students. Greater Greater Washington is organizing an #𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 ([link removed][0]=AZWK--Ka0hrIGE9zlCAJ_hKB8ohlONYBkiP_5R0hM4bHS0ijxHQc_9XJUg7nNnHyfG4sv3NX4q0S8urK1BwyVR10-_IHW92D4kYc_0vHhfq2ebgmTmRLeB_7jyhu7naqYJ8&__tn__=*NK-R) campaign to draw attention to the dangerous conditions on the route to school. To participate, @ggwash wants you to take a photo or video of any unsafe condition on your walk/ride to school and post using the hashtag #EveryBlockCounts ([link removed][0]=AZWK--Ka0hrIGE9zlCAJ_hKB8ohlONYBkiP_5R0hM4bHS0ijxHQc_9XJUg7nNnHyfG4sv3NX4q0S8urK1BwyVR10-_IHW92D4kYc_0vHhfq2ebgmTmRLeB_7jyhu7naqYJ8&__tn__=*NK-R) .


** Mayor Bowser and DC Health Add Flu Shot Opportunities to Walk-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Health, led by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, announced that the District’s walk-up vaccination sites will begin offering annual influenza (flu) shots. Earlier this month, Mayor Bowser encouraged residents to receive their flu shot by the end of October.

Beginning Wednesday, October 13, Fort Stanton Recreation Center (1812 Erie Street SE) and Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) (3101 16th Street NW) will offer flu shots for residents ages 3 and older, in addition to COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are eligible.

Beginning Tuesday, October 19, Benning Library (3935 Benning Road NE) will offer flu shots for residents ages 3 and older, in addition to COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are eligible. The clinic at Benning Library will also change its hours for Tuesdays and Wednesdays to 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Like the COVID-19 vaccine, flu shots are also free at the District’s walk-up vaccination sites. While residents are encouraged to bring their insurance information, it is not required. Individuals without insurance will still receive their vaccination(s). No one will be turned away or and no one will be charged.

All people six months and older should get their annual flu vaccination to reduce the chance of getting the flu and spreading it to others. The best way to protect yourself and the people around you against flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.

Residents can find days and hours for the District’s walk-up vaccination sites at vaccinate.dc.gov ([link removed]) .
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:30pm
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Wendy Glenn: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Director, Constituent Services
Department of Employment Services
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
DCACL
ERCPCP/ACC Faith Leaders

Louise Thorne: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
DC Public Schools
DC Housing Authority
Department of Human Services
Utilities: PEPCO, DC Water, Washington Gas
Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Eric Cleckley: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
District Department of Transportation
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Department of Energy and Environment

James Wood: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Works
Senior Related Issues

For all other constituent services concerns, please contact Wendy Glenn.

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Ward 8 Outreach

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