What's the Best Knife to Take on a Plane? (Now That It's Legal.)

What's the best knife to take on a plane? (Now that it's legal.)

Now that we've gotten over the surprise that the TSA will allow small knives on board airplanes in the United States starting April 25, we can move on to the next question: What's the best travel knife?

Yes, yes, yes, the TSA really did change its tune. Despite seeing this news this on CNN, hearing about it on NPR, and reading about it in the Washington Post, we still had to Google "knives and TSA," because after over a decade of having the tiniest nail clipper mercilessly separated from our carry-on luggage, it's hard to believe this change. Starting April 25, it really will be okay bring along a knife that's up to 2.36 inches long, with a blade up to a half inch wide. (Why 2.36 inches, you may wonder. The answer is that?s 6 centimeters, and is the length of knife allowed by many other countries.)  The blades can't lock and there are other restrictions on knives still in place.

To help you decide what kind of knife would be best to have with you, we prepared this handy guide. Any knife you purchase through us helps support the Cleveland Park Listserv. So get one for every member of your family. Heck, buy a knife for everyone in your company. And why not: Buy even more so you can give them to your fellow passengers.

Black is always a safe color when traveling: Stains don?t show up as readily, and you can mix and match clothes better. If you want a knife that matches your generally black travel wardrobe, or which just looks elegant, the Victorinox Spartan Swiss Army Knife is for you: http://amzn.to/YNeP4E. It?s light, compact, and has 11 tools including a screwdriver, can and bottle openers, knife blade and, occasionally invaluable, corkscrew.

The Wenger Swiss Army Evolution Nail Clipper has a knife blade, self-sharpening scissors, nail file, and dedicated nail clippers. It?s the perfect combination knife and personal grooming kit: http://amzn.to/XPt63M.

If you're unsure of what knife to get, there's the Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker and Classic Knife Combo: http://amzn.to/VFnnyN. In this two knife set, the Tinker has a phillips screwdriver for tightening things that get loose during travel, and a toothpick for loosening things that get tight. The Classic has a nail file, toothpick and scissors, as well as other tools.

Victorinox's Bantam is for the ulta-utilitarian: It has just a blade, bottle/can opener/screwdriver combination, and tweezers. It?s lightweight and has a lightweight price, too: http://amzn.to/YXMmLy.

We saved the best for last, the Victorinox Signature Lite Pocket Knife. It has seven tools including a nail file, screwdriver, scissors, key ring, retractable ball point pen and a flashlight. We can?t tell you how often a flashlight has been handy to have, even on board an airplane, when we've dropped something under our seat, where it?s very dark. You can read about this inexpensive and practical knife here:  http://amzn.to/VFqM0J.

A Tip from Councilmember Mary Cheh on Dealing with Dead Animals

Photo by Thomas S. Mann

Recently, neighbors have come across dead birds in the neighborhood.  Please do not touch them.  The proper course of action is to contact the citywide call center by dialing 311.  The operator will either take the report and give you a confirmation number, or connect you with Solid Waste Collection and someone there will take the report.  Either way you should be given a confirmation number.  

The city does not collect dead animals from private property. 

See a dead animal, call 311.

Leah Singleton, Community Outreach Director & Scheduler

Councilmember Mary Cheh, Ward 3

Council of the District of Columbia

202-724-8062

http://www.marycheh.com

Become an ANC Commissioner!

If you are thinking about running for a seat on your local Advisory Neighborhood Commission, there's now a very helpful website set up by Cleveland Park resident Keith Ivey (thank you, Keith!), which lets you look up who your current ANC Commissioner is, find out if your Single Member District has been affected by redistricting, and see who has already picked up petitions to run for the seat in November:

RunforANC.com/

There's more useful information about the ANC election in the message below, originally published on the Cleveland Park Listserv.

Peggy Robin
Publisher, All Life Is Local

The Cleveland Park Listserv
Former ANC-3C commissioner (in the '80s)

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Election Information for Prospective ANC Candidates - Early Start in 2012!

In past years nominations petitions for ANC positions were not available until the first week of August. This year the petitions will be due at the end of the first of week August.

Beginning Monday, July 9th, the Board of Elections will give out nomination petitions for the next ANC elections. Interested candidates will then have until close of business on Wednesday, August 8th, to return the petitions with the signatures of (at least) 25 registered voters who also live in the Single Member District (SMD) that they wish to represent. And on November 6th, Election Day, the voters will make their selection. The winning candidates will take office after noon on January 2nd once they are sworn in.

Candidates must go to the Board personally to pick up their petitions, or send a representative to pick them up. (If you send a representative, you will need to give your representative a letter authorizing them to pick up the peititions on your behalf.) In addition to the petitions, the Board will also give the candidates a list of the registered voters who live in their SMD and a map of the SMD's boundaries. Candidates will also need to file a "Declaration of Candidacy." You can file this form when you pick up the petitions, or you can file it when you turn in your petitions, but you must file it before the August 8th deadline if you wish to have your name on the November 6th ballot.

The Board is located on the second floor of 441 4th Street NW in room 250N. Their phone number is (202) 727-2525. You can also pick up a lot of useful information by visiting their website at http://www.dcboee.org.

There are a few simple rules governing raising and spending campaign funds by ANC candidates. The Office of Campaign Finance provides information about the rules on their website http://ocf.dc.gov/pdf_files/anc_brochure.pdf .

Finally, the qualifications for running for ANC are also quite simple. You must be a registered voter and have lived in your SMD for 60 days before submitting your nomination petitions (in other words you must have begun living in your SMD by June 9th of this year.)

Bob Maudlin

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DC's "Tree Report Card" Issued by Casey Trees: Grade "Incomplete"

Photo by Quarterczar

The Casey Trees Foundation, which has as its core mission the protection and extension of DC's "green canopy," has come out with its fourth annual report card on the state of DC's trees.

Well, we can't pat our little sprouts on the bark and offer them a reward, because, according to Casey Trees, things have been left in an ambiguous state -- the grade is "incomplete."

Click here to see the full report:

Casey Trees Report Card for DC 2011

(By the way, this "report card" is not a simple table with categories followed by a letter grade for each; it's a 24-page, color-illustrated annual summary, with long narratives on a myriad of issues. Somebody at Casey Trees has been doing a lot of homework!)

To see the reports of the previous three years -- which are: "C" from 2010, B- from 2009, and B from 2008), click here: http://caseytrees.org/resources/treereportcard/. It does appear that DC's trees are going downhill! Time for some tree administration reform, perhaps?

DC DPW's In-home Concierge Trash & Recycling Collection Service

Originally reported on the Cleveland Park Listserv:

I thought DC residents would be interested in hearing about this new service from the Department of Public Works. I'm looking forward to not having to deal with gathering the trash and recycling in my home every week. I hope they keep this service. Here's more information about it from DPW.

Bill Adler

All Life Is Local
The Cleveland Park Listserv

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DC DPW's In-home Concierge Trash & Recycling Collection Service

As part of its continuing program to provide beyond-excellent service to District of Columbia residents, the Department of Public Works is pleased to announce in-home trash collection. For residents who don't have the time or desire to bring their trash out for weekly or bi-weekly collection, DPW will do it for you.

We know that taking out the trash is a chore. Otherwise, why would parents give an allowance to their kids? We know that you'd rather be talking a walk on a warm spring night than taking out the trash. We know that in the dead of winter, sorting recycling from household rubbish can't compare to reading a good book in bed.

Here's how the Department of Public Works Trash and Recycling Concierge Service works:

1. The fee is $25 per week for houses, and $15 per week for apartments. The fee includes both trash and recycling collection.
2. You need to be home during a two hour window between 7pm and 9pm on the night before your scheduled trash pickup. If you're going to be away, log in to your DPW Concierge Account and let us know at least 48 hours in advance.
3. Trash will be collected from up to 5 containers per household.
4. DPW will provide you with RFID (radio frequency identification) stickers to affix to your trash cans so that we can locate the trash cans when we arrive in your home. Using handheld receivers, DPW's Trash Collection Agents will swiftly find and remove your trash, without your having to point out each trash and recycling receptacle.
5. If you own an aggressive dog or cat please have your pet leashed on locked in a room.
6. There is a $5 surcharge per diaper can.

DPW's Concierge Trash Collection Agents are gloved and wear sanitary, earth-tone uniforms that go with the decor of any home. DPW's Trash Collection Agents will not use their cell phones while in your home. If your trashcan uses a standard white or gray plastic liner, we will replace it with a stylish magenta liner
embossed with DPW's logo. As professional trash collectors, we will handle the job faster than you can, too. And remember, tipping isn't permitted!

This first-in-the-nation program is part of the "DC Is a Great City" Initiative. For more information and to sign up for DPW's Trash and Recycling Concierge Service visit http://tinyurl.com/cmqa52t .  

The Cleveland Park Historical Society Wants Your Input

We would like to encourage all Cleveland Parkers, whether currently members of the Cleveland Park Historical Society or not, to participate in the neighborhood survey, which was recently posted on our companion listserv, www.cleveland-park.com. 




Dear Cleveland Park Neighbors,

As Cleveland Park marks 25 years as a National Register Historic District, the Cleveland Park Historical Society is meeting to consider its mission, priorities, and future programming. Would you take a brief survey and let us know how we can best serve the neighborhood?

Click here to take the survey: http://svy.mk/yRGNc7

Thank you for your input!

Carin Ruff
Project Coordinator, Cleveland Park Historical Society
staff @ clevelandparkhistoricalsociety [dot] org
http://clevelandparkhistoricalsociety.org

After you have taken the survey, be sure to visit the CPHS Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ClevelandParkHistory, where you will find a link to view the survey results. Once you are there, you can read the submitted comments by clicking on the "show replies" link at the end of the polling results for each question. These comments reveal a huge range of opinion, interests, and attitudes toward the neighborhood, and what CPHS can and should be doing to preserve and protect it. You can also get to the results directly at: http://svy.mk/xBbQQy.

--Peggy Robin & Bill Adler
All Life Is Local & The Cleveland Park Listserv

What Bugs You About DC Taxicabs?

Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells have introduced a bill to overhaul the District's taxis, the D.C. Taxicab Commission Service Improvement Amendment Act, http://bit.ly/uH00nE (PDF). Among the proposed changes are a uniform color for taxis, all taxis must have GPS, and taxis must accept credit cards.

What bothers you about DC taxis? What would you like to see changed or improved the most? The Cleveland Park Listserv is running a poll on this subject. You have to be a listserv member to vote, but you can join by clicking on the blue "Join This Group" button at www.cleveland-park.com. You do not have to live in Cleveland Park to become a member of the listserv.

Once you are subscribed --and have also registered your subscribed email address with Yahoo, which gives you full access to all the web features of the group-- you can vote in the poll at http://yhoo.it/saZBiB or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cleveland-park/polls.

There's more information about how the Cleveland Park Listserv works on the FAQ page.

The Secret Halloween Tax Nobody Talks About

by Bill Adler

A flat tax. The 9-9-9 tax thingy. The Bush era tax cuts. Middle class tax cuts.  Talk of taxes is flying fast and furious around the nation. But today I want to write about a tax that's often overlooked, but is as unfair and inequitable as any tax: Parents who take a percentage of their kids' Halloween candy.

Despite my very liberal tendencies in every other sphere of life, economics and politics, I've been guilty of this excess, too. 

I've justified this behavior in different ways, but I realize now, after listening to heated debates over taxes by members of Congress, candidates for President, and even the DC City Council's agonizing over the municipal bond tax, that my justifications are morally bankrupt. 

I was wrong to take what was probably 10 percent of someone else's candy every Halloween.

I justified this tax because I felt that I earned it through the annual October 31st 5pm emergency trip to Strosnider's hardware store for some obscure part for a fairy or puppy costume. I thought that my exhibiting boundless patience in the face of, "That's the wrong color sock! I need a green one!" was reason enough to claim a few handfuls of Kit Kats and candy corn. I thought that 10 percent was fair given how our bedroom was turned into a sewing studio every Halloween eve. 

I even tried to justify my candy tax as a societal benefit. Taxes are, after all, not just about raising revenue, but are used to cut consumption of sinful or dangerous projects. I thought that by taking every 10th candy, I was saving my kids from a visit to the dentist. That's a noble goal, isn't it?  But I was lying to myself and to my daughters: The candy tax did nothing to protect their teeth.

The Halloween tax is often taken in secret, without full disclosure. The tax dad cometh, but he slyly hopes that his kids don't notice that the volume of sweets diminishes day by day. I was prepared to tell the big lie if my daughters noticed: The Tooth Fairy took the candy because she needed it when she ran out of quarters. 

I realized that I was completely wrong about the candy tax when I took a cold, hard, look at my actions: My tax only claimed Kit Kats, candy corn, Nestle's Crunch, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and peanut M&Ms. I never took gum, cherry flavored lollipops or red hot jawbreakers. I only taxed the good stuff.  Can you imagine if the government didn't just tax a percentage, but made you fork over your bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, too?  

I feel shameful. I feel guilty. But having tasted the sweetness of this particular tax, I'm afraid that I won't be able to stop.

--

Bill Adler is the co-publisher of the Cleveland Park Listserv, www.cleveland-park.com. If you're feeling a void in your life, you can follow him on Twitter at @billadler. 

Some Recent Crime Notes from MPD-2D

Here's an account of some of the crimes that occurred in the Second District of the Metropolitan Police Department last week, taken from the "Watch Commander's Report" filed by Victor Baschnewitz:

Car Window Smashed With Rock

Between Friday, October 14, 2011, 11:45 p.m. and Saturday, October 15, 2011, 1:30 a.m. a Destruction of Property offense occurred in the 1800 block of New Hampshire Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that while their vehicle sat parked and unoccupied in the area, an unknown suspect(s) smashed the passenger window with a rock. The window frame was also damaged. There is no lookout for this offense.

---

Taxi Driver Stiffed on Fare

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:00 a.m. a Theft/Two of Services offense occurred in the 2200 block of Wisconsin Ave., N.W. (PSA 204) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that after transporting a fare to their location, they were unable to pay for his services. The MPD was summoned and subsequently arrested the suspect. This is a closed case.

---

Barefoot Woman and Her Male Frriend Punched in the Face by Unknown Assailant

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:30 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 1600 block of U St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victims reported that while walking in the area, they were approached by an unknown subject who told one of them she should have her shoes on. The female victim told the subject her feet were hurting. The male victim said his friend was fine after which the subject approached him and punched him in the face with a closed fist. The suspect then walked over to the female victim and punched her in the face. The suspect was last seen running from the scene, in the 1600 block of U St., N.W.

The suspect is described as a Black/Male, 25-30 years of age, 5'4"-5'-6", with short black hair, a medium complexion and a medium build. He was last seen wearing blue shorts.

---

Robber Takes Advantage of Man Who Passed Out, Empties His Pockets

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 4:55 a.m. a Robbery Force and Violence offense occurred in the 1800 block of M St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that while asleep on the ground (passed out) he was picked up from the sidewalk by a subject who then went through his pockets. A witness engaged the suspect who stated he was trying to help the victim. The witnessed challenged the suspect's claim after which the suspect fled west on M St., N.W. Stolen were US Currency, a cell phone, and various credit/debit cards.

The suspect is described as a Black/Male, 40-43 years of age, 5'6"-5'7", 130-140 lbs. with brown eyes, a dark complexion and a stocky build. He was last seen wearing blue pants, and a gray hat and jacket.

Scary Crime of the Week: Ninja Muggers in Friendship Heights

Lt. Victor Braschnewitz of the Second District MPD reported the crime below, which occurred on Friday night:

The victim reported that at approximately 10:00 p.m., while walking home in the area of the 5300 block of Belt Road, NW, he was approached by two unknown subjects who were wearing all black clothing and full ski masks. The first suspect brandished a black handgun and ordered the victim to get on the ground. He then told the second suspect to search the victim. The second suspect removed a cell phone, cash and other personal items from the victim, after which both suspects were observed fleeing eastbound from the 5300 block of Belt Road, NW. The suspects were described as two males of unknown ethnicity, 5/9", 150 lbs. wearing all black clothing and ski masks.

Remember the "Trash Slide" This Week

Monday, October 10,  is Columbus Day, one of those holidays that you may completely forget about, if you are not one of the lucky ones who get that day off from work. So it's easy to forget the "trash slide" and put your trash and recycling out on the wrong day.

Here are some reminders from DPW about the holiday schedule:

The Ft. Totten Transfer Station  at 4900 John F. McCormack Road, NE will be closed Monday, October 11, to residential customers and will reopen Tuesday, October 11.  The next monthly household hazardous waste/e-cycling/shredding drop-off day is Saturday, November 5, from 8 am to 3 pm. This service is provided the first Saturday of the month, except holidays. Residents may bring unwanted toxic items, such as pesticides, batteries and motor oil. Electronics, including televisions, computers and cell phones, also will be accepted. Residents may bring up to five boxes of personal paper documents and credit cards to be shredded for free. For a complete list of items, go to http://www.dpw.dc.gov/ and click on Household Hazardous Waste / E-Cycling / Shredding. Compost also is available to residents on Saturdays only.

Parking enforcement, including ticket writing for residential parking, expired meters, street sweeping and rush-hour violations, will be suspended. DPW will enforce parking restrictions at bus stops near Metro stations where WMATA is performing track work. DPW also will suspend towing abandoned vehicles. Enforcement will resume Tuesday, October 11.

Other services suspended for Columbus Day include scheduled street and alley cleaning and nuisance abatement. All services will resume Tuesday, October 11.

Crime Watch Notes of the Week: Rebuffed Angry Guy, Peeved Party-Goer; Face Slapping in the Bathroom

As we do periodically, we read over the crime reports from our own Second District Police Watch Commander's Report, and have picked out a few crimes that stand out from the usual run of break-ins and other bad deeds. 
---

On Friday, September 30, 2011, at 8:45 p.m. an Assault w/a Deadly Weapon (other) offense occurred in the 2100 block of Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (PSA 207) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The reporting person stated that an unknown subject made verbal advances on an unknown female subject and when he was refused he struck the victim on the head with a drinking glass. The suspect left the scene however he was stopped a short distance away by the MPD and identified. He was subsequently arrested and charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

---

On Friday, September 30, 2011, at 10:20 p.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 1600 block of Conn. Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that an unknown subject became belligerent when he was refused entry to a private gathering. He was asked leave repeatedly and ultimately became physically aggressive, striking the victim and others who attempted to intervene. The suspect was restrained until the MPD arrived and arrested him. This is a closed case.

---

On Saturday, October 01, 2011, at 2:00 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 3800 block of Reservoir Rd., N.W. (PSA 206) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim, an employee, was attempting to help a patient to the restroom when he suddenly became aggressive and slapped her face repeatedly. The suspect was retrained and arrested. This is a closed case.

DPW to Post "TicPix" Online

We saw a press release from DPW on Thursday announcing that in some cases images of parking tickets would be posted on DPW's web site within 72 hours after the ticket has been written. DPW is also letting motorists register their email addresses so that they will receive email alerts if they've received a ticket on
a car they've registered.

This is uncomfortably close to the April Fool's joke we posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv on April 1, 2009: "DC to Get First in the Nation Paperless Parking System"

The "uncomfortable" part is that recently on the listserv we've had a number of complaints from people who never received a paper ticket but were notified about an unpaid fine, which included penalties for non-payment. (List members can read the messages in the thread "Visitor Parking Pass Missing Ticket Again" on September 27 and 28.) The April Fool's column was about a DPW plan to make you check the web site
periodically to see if there were any tickets you had to pay.

No, DPW is not going paperless, but they do expect you to pay up, whether you got the initial paper or not. They'd like you to sign up for email alerts so that whenever there is a paper ticket written, it will arrive in your inbox electronically, even if you never saw it on your car. And as proof that it was
really there, you'll be able to see a photo online.

But do take note of the long, long list of exceptions to the photo imaging.

An excerpt of DPW's announcement is below. DPW issued 1.5 million parking tickets last year.

--------------

DPW Announces Parking "Ticpix" Now Available On Web Site

Go to dpw.dc.gov  and click on TicPix to see images of the parking ticket and violation. [The direct link to this page is http://bit.ly/qmsCSd.]

Cleveland Park Day Is On Today!

Just in case you were worried that the sudden arrival of November weather on October 1st would affect Cleveland Park Day, here's your reassurance from the organizers that all is on and it will all be fun -- if you dress warmly.

Celebrate 100 years of Cleveland Park, CPCA and John Eaton. Celebrate the arrival of Autumn, season colored leaves, Halloween, and harvest bounty. 

At 1pm, we open the moonbounces, dunk tank, cookie decorating, history exhibits, pottery painting, face painting, free food and drink, and more. 

At 2pm, Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Mary Cheh and Principal Dale Martin of John Eaton will be speaking in the Park and Shop. 

At 3pm, free ice cream! The Friends of the Library will begin their annual Ice Cream Social at the library. 

All day, we'll have fitness and dance activities in the Park and Shop, the Hook and Ladder engine from the Fire Department, free food from local restaurants, and t-shirts designed by one of our own John Eaton students. President and Mrs. Cleveland will be welcoming guests, along with our beloved local clowns and McGruff the Crime Dog. 

The celebration wraps up at 5pm. Dress warmly.

This Week's Crime Notes: Two Crimes of Opportunity

Every so often we post crime reports from the MPD's Second District. Usually, we pick out crimes that are unusual in some way or have suspect lookouts or alerts to the public. In the case of the two crimes below, the victims presented such an opportunity to thieves that we have to wonder, "Who doesn't know not to leave a purse hanging on the back of a chair in a restaurant, or a car running unattended on a public street?"

Case #1:

The victim reported that while inside an establishment, she left her purse on the back of her chair during which time an unknown suspect(s) stole it and made good their escape. Surveillance video is being examined which shows two suspects involved in this theft.

The suspects are described as:
#1-Black/Male, 30-40 years of age, 5'9"-6'0", 170-180 lbs. with short black hair, a medium complexion and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue pants.
#2-Black/Male, 30-40 years of age, 6'0"-6'2", 200-220 lbs. with a dark complexion and a stocky build. He also was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue pants.

Case #2:

Between Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 12:01 a.m. and 12:20 a.m. a Theft/One Stolen Auto offense occurred in the 3200 block of N St., N.W. (PSA 206) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that he left his vehicle running, unlocked and unattended in front of a location. When he returned, his vehicle had been stolen by an unknown suspect(s).

The Trouble with Pay-Station and Pay-by-Phone Parking

As soon as DPW started pulling up the old parking meters and replacing them with "pay stations" that require the driver to walk up the block to buy time, I started worrying if people could get ticketed in the time it took them to return to their cars with the paid receipt. But it never occurred to me that this could happen, even with an individual meter, if you step 20 feet away to get out of the rain while you make a "pay-by-phone" cell phone call.  Here's the story from a very unhappy poster on the Chevy Chase Community Listserv.

I was at Dupont and was running late for an appointment. I was calling in my minutes on the parking meter, I was doing this from inside my car. I ended up hitting a wrong button on my phone and realized I was being transferred to a person...no biggie. As I said, I was running late, so I got out and went to stand by the building entrance because it was raining. No sooner did I reach the building and turn around did I see a ticket writer.

I tried repeatedly to call out to her...ma'am, ms, ms, as I'm making my way back to her (this was approx 20 feet). In that time she did not acknowledge me at all (mind, I'm still on the phone with the meter people). I finally reach the ticket writer and see why she didn't hear me: She had earphones on and was listening to her music obviously loud enough to not hear me approaching her yelling, "ma'am, ms". So, I reach her, tap her shoulder and tell her that I am
currently calling in the time. By this time the lady on the phone is with me. The ticket lady says she can't stop because she has already put the info in and I should not have left the side of my car. But it is raining, I said. A gentleman even stopped and saw the gross injustice here and looked at what she had put into her little machine and said 'you can wipe this out'. She was pretty rude and pulled her name tag up towards my face so I could get a better view.

I went ahead and paid for 90 minutes. [The poster ended with a long paragraph wondering whether it would be worthwhile to contest the $25 ticket, and concluded that she probably would just pay it.]

Crimes of the Week: More Bad Behavior at Restaurants, Boys in a Fistfight

This is another in our series of excerpts from the Metropolitan Police Department's daily crime reports. Last week's highlights (or lowlights, to put it more accurately) included a suspect lookout for two women who threatened a waitress at a local restaurant, an incident which began after the waitress asked them about the very small tip they were leaving. This week it's an arrest report of a man who actually threatened to kill not one but two restaurant employees. It sounds like it's getting dangerous to wait tables these days...

On Monday, September 19, 2011, at 6:23 p.m. a Felony Threats offense occurred in the 1400 block of U St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The witness reported that a subject became belligerent after being asked to leave the establishment. He threatened to return and kill two of the employees. The MPD was summoned and responded to the scene. The suspect was detained, subsequently arrested and charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

---------

And now for the fistfight started by a teenage boy:

On 9/16/11, there was a verbal argument reported between two juveniles at Wisconsin and M Street. The argument turned into a physical altercation. The suspect struck the complainant with a closed fist and kicked him, causing cuts and bruises to the complainant. The suspect fled the scene; he is described as a 15-17 year old black male, approximately 5'6" in height, 150-160 lbs., with medium dreads.

Reported by Officer Abigail J. Hughes
DC Metropolitan Police Department

abigail.hughes @ dc.gov

Strange Crimes of the Week: Stroller Snatching; Waitress Threatening; Raccoon Screechings

Photo by Taga

Here's an exchange between a Glover Park resident, reporting on stroller thefts from front porches in his neighborhood, and MPD Police Office Michael Reese, who notes that "thieves will take anything that can be sold for a very small or large profit." True enough -- but with certain high-end strollers going for $800 or more retail, we're wondering whether the thieves are picking and choosing, or are still willing to take anything they can get that's left in plain view.

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Be sure to secure your stroller and be on the lookout for anyone you don't recognize either checking out or taking a stroller. Two strollers on our block were stolen last night. See below.

---a Glover Park resident

 We had a black Baby Jogger Summit XC stroller stolen from our front porch last night. I understand that our neighbors also had their blue Bob Revolution double stroller taken at the same time.

I'm curious if anyone else had something stolen from their porch yesterday. I imagine these folks were riding around in a van or something larger since these are biggish strollers.

I filed a police report and will also remind folks to please call 911 if you see anything suspicious like strollers being loaded up into vans in the middle of the night. It's probably not your neighbors getting ready for vacation ;)

12 Years of the Giant Debate Summed Up in One DCUrbanMom Thread

Just in case you have not been following the debate about the Giant's proposed redevelopment at Wisconsin Avenue and Newark Street, you can get up to speed with about ten or so minutes of reading the back-and-forth arguments on a recent thread on the popular local parenting blog, DC Urban Mom.

You can get started on the thread by clicking here.

One early poster gives a helpful chronology, although it contains a few arguable assertions about why certain snafus occurred along the years.

Follow-up posters nicely take up all sides of the issue, from "Just build it already--and while you're at it, replace all the boring old low-scale shops in Cleveland Park with projects of similar density," to "I like it the way it is, and anyone who wants a bigger shopping center can move to Bethesda." And between these two extremes, there are multiple posts for just about every point along the continuum.

Thrown into the mix is a sub-debate about the nature of Cleveland Park itself: Is it a vibrant "village in the city"? Or one big old folks home? Is it an attractive place for young families? Or are they leaving it in droves to get away from the fuddy-duddies who can't stand change?

Like most threads on DC Urban Mom, at some point the debate gets a bit bogged down on whether a previous poster has said something outrageous, or is mocking the sort of people who would say something outrageous -- but you can skim past all that to find a lot of meaty argument here -- about a dozen years' worth (since Giant unveiled its first big redevelopment proposal back in 1999.

Our main worry is that at this rate there could well be another twelve years of contention, which would put the groundbreaking at about this time in the year 2023!