Week of June 25, 2004

202.724.8058
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue • NW • Washington • DC • 20004

Evans concerned with security at Senior buildings
 Councilmember Evans and residents of the James Senior Citizen's Building and Claridge Towers are seriously concerned about their management companies using residents as security guards.

"This problem is a serious concern, as security is one of the biggest problems for our seniors," Evans said. "We cannot allow management companies to place residents at risk in an effort to save money. These residents need full time security from certified companies. As we all know, seniors are often the targets of both violent and non-violent crimes."

In response, Evans asked Metropolitan Police Department Chief Charles Ramsey to increase patrols around these buildings until an internal resolution is developed. Additionally, Evans called upon the DC Housing Authority to add these buildings to their regular patrol.

For additional information, contact Evans' Senior Citizen Liaison, Carolyn Long.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#SENIOR

Putting on the Dog! Evans attends the 17th Annual Bark Ball
 Councilmember Evans was one of 750 guests who donned black tie attire and took a four-legged date to the 17th Annual Bark Ball benefiting the Washington Humane Society on June 19. The Bark Ball included a vegetarian sit-down dinner, a silent auction, doggy Hor D'oeuvres and dancing with the dogs into the night.

"It would not be impossible for me to say who was 'best in show', but this event is one of my favorites every year and you can usually find me with Kayla, my 11 year old Golden Retriever," Evans said.

Also in attendance were several dogs from the DC Animal Shelter with hopes of being adopted. Roughly, 65 percent of the proceeds from the evening are given to help protect, care and house stray, injured, abused and unwanted animals.

For more information, contact the Washington Humane Society at www.washhumane.org.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#BB

Join Logan Circle and Evans at annual picnic
 Most people recognize summer with picnics and barbeques - in keeping with this tradition, Councilmember Evans will join Logan Circle Community Association (LCCA) members on June 27 at their annual Picnic in the Park at LCCA/PEPCO Park (12th & O Streets, NW) from 3 - 7:00 p.m.

"I remember when PEPCO Park and Logan Circle were not the best places to have picnics. But, in just a few years with everyone's help, we have turned this neighborhood around," Evans said. "I understand the Circle is still having problems and hopefully we can convince the National Park Service to take this and other DC parks more seriously and monitor, police and clean each of them on a regular basis."

The Association is encouraging everyone in attendance to bring chairs, desserts and entrees, as this year's turn out is expected to be high.

For questions, contact Chasta Jones, 320.1205 or email cjones@logancircle.org or Evans' neighborhood liaison, Sean Metcalf.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#LCCA
Evans and colleagues say goodbye to longtime DC/Ward 7 advocate Lloyd Smith
 Along with friends, family members and DC dignitaries, Councilmember Evans said goodbye to longtime DC/Ward 7 advocate Lloyd Smith on June 22. Smith, a 27-year public servant and an inductee of the DC Hall of Fame, served residents of Ward 7 in many capacities. Most notably, Smith served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO), a nonprofit community-based organization that has undertaken community development activities since 1979.

"This loss will have a long lasting impact on many residents of DC, especially those of Ward 7," Evans said. "I was very fond of Lloyd Smith and his work and hope his mission is carried on. Addressing the needs of low and moderate-income families are more important than ever given the skyrocketing cost of housing in the District. Lloyd's vision of affordable housing and financing is a model which will undoubtedly be replicated for years to come."

During his 20 years with MHCDO, Smith initiated housing rehabilitations, multi-family housing and condominium/single-family home development for low to moderate-income residents of Ward 7. Under his leadership, MHCDO was the first community development corporation to invest its own funds in the new Individual Investment Account Program, which assists residents with the purchase of a home.

Additionally, after leaving MHCDO, Smith was the organizing Director and Chair of City First Bank - the only community development bank in DC, which is moving its headquarters into Ward 2 this summer.

For more information, visit - www.mhcdo.org & www.cityfirstbank.com.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#LS

Evans pleased with Commander Moore's efforts to make Ward 2 safer
 Councilmember Evans applauds Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Commander Jeffrey Moore and the officers of the Second District in their efforts to address recent complaints regarding burglaries and thefts in Ward 2. Over the past few months, members of the MPD Second District's Focus Mission Unit and detectives have been investigating two separate and independent fencing operations. The police believe property stolen during burglaries in Ward 2 have been sold at two separate businesses on 8th Street, SE.

"MPD believes proceeds from burglaries and thefts occurring in the First, Second and Third patrol districts were sold at these fencing locations. I hope by eliminating these two fencing sites, police can tighten the market for stolen property and ultimately reduce burglaries and thefts," Evans said. "As always, I wish to extend my highest praise to Commander Moore and the officers of the Second District."

To date, eight suspects have been arrested in connection with these fencing operations and several computers and cash have been recovered. It is possible further arrests will take place and additional search warrants will be executed.

For more information, contact Evans' Deputy Chief of Staff, Schannette Grant.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#MPD

Don't drive and talk -- it could cost you $100
 Responding to requests from the Metropolitan Police Department, the DC Council passed strict legislation in an effort to curb the amount of driving incidents which take place while motorists are distracted. The legislation, which goes into effect July 1, imposes a $100 fine and one point against the driving record of motorists using cellular phones without a hands-free device while driving in DC. In addition, this law not only includes cellular phones, but also pertains to hand-held computers, pagers, video games and personal grooming.

"I am not a fan of this law, but it's inevitable with the technological advances we constantly see," Evans said. "I only hope this law will produce a decrease in accidents caused by distractions."

DC Government officials will issue citations to violators during July and will start full ticketing on August 1. The grace period will provide motorists with the opportunity to understand the law and obtain a hands-free device.

To view the legislation online -- follow this link -- http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/images/00001/20040113120047.pdf

For more information, contact Evans' Legislative Assistant, Schannette Grant.

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/EVANS/newsletter/Week.of.06.25.04.htm#CELL
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