once said the great Homer Simpson. Well the Post gives us an update for Ward 4 on the sales of single beers in its district briefing:

“A bill that would ban the sale of single cans and bottles of beer in parts of Northwest Washington got new life yesterday.”

Apparently a federal appellate panel ruled in favor of the DC government against two businesses wishing to sell single beers. The bill was passed by the councilman Fenty in 2004 but never took effect because of the court case, reports Elissa Silverman of the Washington Post.

The ban should affect 73 liquor stores in Ward 4. It is not clear to me when it will be applied. I say the sooner the better!

The envelopes have arrived. Is it good news or bad news? Well the Prince of Petworth has the homestead deduction so it doesn’t really change things too much. That’s right, the 2008 property assesments are in! And they went up although not as insanely as in past years. According to the Washington Post today District assessments for Petworth went up 16.72% from 2007. I thought the market has cooled, no? At least we are not Brentwood which saw a 46.60% increase from 2007. So how did everyone make out?

I sometimes live vicariously through Columbia Heights. Columbia Heights News reports they are getting an upscale wine shop and a fed ex/kinkos. I found this out reading the great food blog metrocurean. The wine store will be called d’vines and will feature over 1000 varieties. Sweet. You can pick up some wine on your way to the bed and breakfast in Petworth! My prediction was pretty damn close.

Good luck. Although it used to be a lot worse. I remember some years ago when I would get into a cab in Adams Morgan and tell them that I was going to Petworth and they would actually laugh at me. Things have gotten much better now. There was a time when cab drivers were terrified of Petworth. Even if they hadn’t driven there before, they told me that Petworth was a “wild west” and they wouldn’t go there. I would usually curl into the fetal position and refuse to exit the cab until they took me. I was stunned at the time and it was quite a pain in the ass having to beg cab drivers for a ride home. I have to say it has gotten a lot better today. Not only do cab drivers not laugh anymore they usually know exactly how to get to my house without any directions. Progress, slowly, slowly but progress indeed.

Now if we could just catch a cab from Petworth…

[Ed. note: disclaimer, I realize not all cab drivers behaved this way, I realize I am generalizing, but for the most part based on my personal experiences it used to be a real pain in the ass catching a cab to Petworth and it is nearly impossible to catch one from Petworth.]

I’m sorry to write about films for just a second but I feel obligated. The Departed was an entertaining film but it reminded me of a film from the late 80s early 90s called “State of Grace” starring Sean Penn. Also a a neighborhood gangster flic about the gangsters being infiltrated by undercover cop of their own. So check out State of Grace. One of the greatest films of this genre of all time. I can’t believe none of the movie buffs have made this comparison before. Kudos to Scorcese but State of Grace is far superior.

This is a problem. I’m sorry to air our dirty laundry. But this is a real problem. In Petworth, I have learned that people are able to park their cars anywhere they like. I know this is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it really pisses me off. This double parking is common along New Hampshire Ave outside Sweet Mango cafe and the little bodega nearby, outside Upshur street and really anytime some of our regal residents want to run into a store. Now correct me if I’m wrong but I was brought up that when you want to run into a store even for just five minutes you park your car in a legal spot. Is that just a New York thing? No, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen people park legally in California too. Now that I think about it, people also park legally in Cleveland Park right here in DC. So what makes us so special in Petworth that we think we can double park in rush hour on a major road just because we need to get a soda? What is this freaking sense of entitlement and where does it come from? It is such a blatant disrepect that it shocks me everytime. I don’t dare honk because, well… I’ve already documented my cowardice. But, I’ll tell you what, I think very bad thoughts about those drivers. I think I’m begining to place too much faith in karma.

Ward 4 candidate Muriel Bowser was going door to door in Petworth. I said hello and she remembered our interview, which shocked me. I’ve got to say she was very friendly. Well, I’m not really sure where I am going with this. Sometimes when you type things you realize that they are not actually all that interesting.

Snowy Grant Circle, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I would lose my blogging license if I didn’t note the fact that we got some snow today. It makes Grant Circle look more beautiful than ever.

Neither rain nor sleet nor snow will stop the deluge of candidates for Ward 4 city council. Earlier today I had the great pleasure of speaking with Mr. Artee Milligan. Mr. Milligan would not let a little snow stop him as he showed up for our meeting prepared for the weather with a yellow stocking cap on his head.

Background

Mr. Milligan grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and graduated from LSU with a degree in accounting. He worked for Exxon Mobile for over 20 years and was known as “the fix it man.” Mr. Milligan is an expert in “process reengineering.” He moved to Ward 4 in 1994 and lives in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. He got interested in the race for city council because he said “I’m going to live and die in ward 4 and I love ward 4 and Washington DC.” Currently, Artee J. Milligan is Executive Director of Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council. He has been in this position for the past 4 years and is very proud of his record of graduating 30 students per year. His organization helps students who drop out of the public school system to achieve their GED and if they desire to attend a community or 4 year college.

Mr. Miligan explained that he feels the pulse of ward 4 residents and he will use his record of success and hard work to make sure that “we are making the community better.”

Development

Speaking of Domku, Mr. Milligan explained that “these are the kinds of places we want in Ward 4.” He continued, “ward 4 is missing the right kind of retail development.” He seeks to encourage development whereby everyone benefits. He hopes that this development will keep tax dollars in DC as well as create jobs for its residents. He cited living in a low density environment as one benefit of living in Ward 4. “We need to manage our density to retain our quality of life,” he explained. He hopes to guide this development as a representative of Ward 4 by providing “extraordinary customer service.” Milligan explained, “I know that residents want clean streets, safe communities and the right kind of development…people won’t have to call me to get these things done because I will already be working on them and they will happen automatically.”

Alley Maintenance

I recounted a story to Mr Milligan about a car that pulled up in my alley blasting music while its passengers relieved themselves against a garage. I asked him what was the appropriate response. Mr. Milligan suggested that I call 311 because long term data would be compiled that could be used by the police later on. The theme of data collection and analysis was one that emerged throughout our discussion. Mr. Milligan was actually quite passionate in his response, insisting that our alleys are not properly maintained and patrolled at present.

Public Schools

Milligan does not support Mayor Fenty’s plan to take over the public school system. He believes that the mayor and council should focus on improving after school programs, improving early childhood development and ensure that test scores and graduation rates improve. Ed. Note: I have to admit, Mr. Milligan cited a number of statistics here to back his claims but quite frankly I couldn’t write them down that fast, but his access to these statistics were quite impressive to a layperson like myself. Milligan believes that Dr. Janney and Robert Bobb should be given the chance to succeed before they are judged. He has a lot of faith in those two gentlemen. If they do not succeed then they should of course be held accountable. Finally, Mr. Milligan was adamant that no vote should take place on Fenty’s plan before a ward 4 representative is elected. Milligan explained that there is just too much at stake in this matter for ward 4 not to be represented.

Crime

Mr. Milligan summed up the solution in one word: jobs. Then another word: opportunity. He cited more statistics here about DC unemployment jumping to 6.3% coinciding with an increase in crime this past January. Quite simply Milligan explained that more jobs equals less crime and more opportunity equals less petty crime. He believes the issue of crime is closely tied to the education system. He explained that the city needs to invest more in technical and vocational training to provide opportunities to its residents. As a councilmember Milligan said he would push for greater funding and explained that “just because a student drops out of the public school system doesn’t mean that the city is no longer responsible for that student.” He told me that 75% of those folks in prison do not have a high school diploma. He believes if we can give these residents opportunities they will then have something at stake in the community and “those with a stake in the community don’t go to jail.”

When asked about community policing Milligan said that he would like to see it on a routine basis and not just as “a flavor of the month” like when a murder is committed. He says that community policing is not a panacea rather it will tax a mix of initiatives to reduce crime.

Homeless Shelter

He believes the Mission Shelter should stay where it is on 14th Street. He believes that the Petworth community does not seek this type of development.

Old Soldiers and Sailors Home

Milligan believes that the local ANCs should help design and shape the development that will occur in the old soldier’s home. He did, however, emphasize the importance of affordable housing which he explained was a quality of life issue. He would like to see affordable housing for our first responders and teachers. He said the development is a good thing when everyone benefits not just the wealthy. With affordable housing providing living accomodations for cops, firefighters and teachers then they will have a greater stake in their job as well. He explained that there was a big difference when people live and work in the same community rather than working in DC and going home to Virginia or Maryland.

Campaign funds

Mr. Milligan was joined by his campaign manager, Devlin Hilman who incidentally was wearing a matching yellow snow cap. Mr. Hilman is a 100% volunteer as is all of his staff. He explained that his volunteer staff is the equivalent of a six figure campaign war chest. However, he explained that this race is all about filling Mayor Fenty’s shoes and that he knows he can get the job done. He does not believe that any campaign should be excluded just because they haven’t raised a certain number of funds. He was very proud of the committed staff that he had assembled. Having said this, Mr. Devlin reminded Mr. Milligan that today was his 51st birthday. To celebrate his 51st birthday he will gladly accept $51 campaign contributions.

For Fun

Last great book read: The Four Agreements about life experiences and being able to accomplish anything you want to. Mr. Milligan did say that he also reads lots of statistic based articles. “An article that has a lot of data really gets my blood flowing because inside the data is the way to make our lives better.” said Milligan.

Musical taste: He likes everything except heavy metal. Last music he listened to was Prince’s new album but he enjoys a wide variety.

Last great movie: Crash

In Sum

I was extremely impressed with Mr. Milligan. He was sharp and he certainly knew his statistics. I’m sorry I couldn’t do justice to all the statistics he cited. Whether we discussed, schools or crime or the homeless shelter, he did not hesitate in responding and provided very clear and consise answers peppered with supporting data. I also liked his comments about development and the importance of not losing our low population density. My only concern is that he came off a little bit like a calculating businessman. He was a little detached from some of the issues where I would have liked to have seen a bit more passion. Nevertheless, even if detached he certainly a
ppeared to know what he was talking about.

To learn more you can visit his website at http://milliganforward4.com/

Keith Portrait of a Petworthian, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Name: Keith

Location: 5th and Quincy

Duration: 2 1/2 years

Backstory: moved from Hampton Roads but originally from Detroit. His friend had a house in Petworth and moved to NY. As Keith was moving to the area for a job he encouraged him to move in and take care of the house. Keith loves the neighborhood and is now looking to buy a house of his own. Although, he fears it may be too expensive to buy in DC. Nevertheless he is looking in Petworth and Takoma.

Favorite haunt: He just found Domku yesterday in the Washington Post. Although he gets a lot of information from his friend in NY who still keeps up to date with Petworth as well as Petworth News. Outside of Petworth, Keith really enjoys Bohemian Caverns and Busboys and Poets in the U Street area.

Job: A buyer for a defense contractor

Best part about living in Petworth: The people tend to be very nice and friendly.

Note about the shirt: This is a Manchester United jersey but Keith actually supports their arch rival Arsenal. Your secret is safe with us!

The ‘Welcome Petworth’ banners are gone. Well, two of the banners are gone. I can’t believe it. If it were one, I’d think ok, maybe it just fell down. But the fact that two are missing leads me to the very ugly conclusion – vandals! How long were they up for before this happened maybe two days tops. Freaking ridiculous. I understand not everyone loves the design of the welcome to Petworth banners but I think they are terrific. I suspect the vandals didn’t tear them down to make an artistic statement. Ms. Carol Herwig deserves a lot of gratitude for getting them up. To be rewarded like this is appalling. Two banners appear to have been ripped down on Taylor and New Hampshire. I really feel like spewing a string of curses towards the culprits but what will that get me. We need to put the banners back up! Every time they tear them down we just need to put them right back up. We can’t let these [insert curse word] win! We need to show greater determination and strength than these hoodlums, and I doubt that will be a problem. Thanks again to Carol Herwig for her efforts. Of course maybe the wind blew them down, is that possible?

Petworth Predators, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This is the brand new Seagrave 2006 recently put into commission by the DCFD. These guys have more Petworth Pride than anyone else I have spoken to by far. These are the unsung heroes who reply to call after call without getting recognized. In fact this vehicle was just returning from a call when I got to the station. They have a badass logo on the side captured in this photo. So thanks to Petworth’s Bravest who are always watching our back.

Seagrave 2006 front, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Notice the ‘Pride of Petworth’ right above the grill.

Congratulations to El Limeno (I still can’t get the damn squiggly line, I have a mac) Domku, and Temperance Hall for getting highlighted in a Post article today: ‘New Restaurants Help Revitalize Petworth Neighborhood’

I couldn’t agree more about El Limeno, really a fantastic joint. I think everyone knows my feelings on Domku and Temperance. So eat and drink often!