Ojo Latino is a series by Néstor Sánchez Cordero. Néstor writes, “This year, despite the rain, the race truly rocked!!!”.

Three more photos after the jump. Plus a bonus slide show from PoPville Flickr user Sanjay Suchak (more…)

Danny Harris is a DC-based photographer, DJ, and collector of stories. In September, he launched People’s District, a blog that tells a people’s history of DC by sharing the stories and images of its residents. Every day, People’s District presents a different Washingtonian sharing his or her insights on everything from Go Go music to homelessness to fashion to politics. You can read his previous columns here.

“I was born in Falls Church, then moved all over the country and then overseas and came back here for law school. I grew up around motorcycles. My Mom owns a Harley and I spent a lot of time around motorcycle clubs. When I was 16, I was living in Germany as an exchange student and went to Italy on a field trip. I was at the Spanish Steps in Rome and there was an attractive woman sitting on a Vespa. She is sort of a blur, but I remember the scooter. I guess that’s a bad sign! It was an early 1960’s burgundy Vespa with eight-inch wheels. It had a leopard print seat cover. From that point on, I wanted to get a Vespa.

“When I was in law school, I decided that DC would be a great place to have a scooter and I tracked down my first project, a 1985 Vespa. Within four months, I had six Vespas. Within a few years, I had 22. I would restore them and sell them to help pay for law school. I really love things with two wheels, that’s why I opened Modern Classics. The most important thing about Modern Classics is that we’re four people who are really passionate about scooters and motorcycles. We are the only full-service shop in Washington, DC so you can buy or fix bikes with us. Might as well keep the business in the city.”

“One of the things that I have noticed about being involved with scooters in DC is that a lot of the Vespa riders here seem to be more educated about scooters than in most other cities. DC is very white collar even though there are those of us, like me, who are blue collar by choice or circumstance. We have a lot of customers from places like The World Bank, people at embassies, and students. But, ridership in this city is really growing. I am constantly amazed by the people coming into my shop these days to buy scooters. I mean, big macho dudes like rugby and football players. You never would have seen that in DC fifteen years ago.

“Still, there’s been lots of times here when I have heard, ‘Get a real bike, you fag.’ But, I can tell you that if I take my motorcycle and go park it somewhere versus taking my Vespa out, the women love the Vespas. It draws a crowd. That’s not why I ride in DC, but it helps. Women tend to view it as metrosexual and guys who are insecure view it as homosexual. Sure, a Vespa doesn’t have the same testosterone level as a burly guy on a Harley, but some of us have to overcompensate and some of us under-compensate. But, I still think that it is really acceptable for anyone to ride a scooter in DC and people won’t judge you.”

Modern Classics is located at 955 V St. NE. Read more about motorcycles in DC from Kim at People’s District.

photo(2), originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

You may recognize this photo from Monday but a few readers have suggested it be used as a caption contest. So thanks again to the reader for sending this great shot. Your caption in the comments section and winner selected Friday.

Ed. Note: I received the new PoP t-shirts and coolest pet t-shirts today! There is an added benefit to winning one before the PoP 3 year anniversary party, Nov. 5th at Wonderland but more on that Thursday…

Light_pole, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

“Dear PoP,

My husband and I recently moved to near NE / H street and are working to improve our home. One obstacle we’ve run into is the light pole in the back alley. It currently sits in the middle of the property line, preventing full access to the backyard. Here is a picture. We cannot fully open the gate or park our car because of the limited width of the lot that the light pole creates.

I’ve contacted DC’s Dept. of Transportation, specifically someone in infrastructure project management. He was a very helpful individual, and moved along our request to have the light pole moved about 8ft (to the end of the property line). Unfortunately, the request was denied by his superiors. That means we’d have to pay the cost of moving the light pole instead of the city. The individual gave me a ballpark figure of around $5000 to move the light pole, and an additional $2800 if the light pole is old and should be replaced. Do you know, or do your readers have knowledge of another avenue that we can pursue? Do you think contacting our Alderman Tommy Wells might resolve this? We simply want the light pole moved about 8ft to the end of the property line, but don’t feel it’s just that we should have to front 100% of the costs; especially if the pole needs to be replaced.

Sincerely,
Chrystina”

Hmm, I can see that would be incredibly frustrating. This is something you should definitely bring to the attention of your Council Member’s office. However, I’m not sure he’ll be able to do anything about it. If the pole sits on city property and you bought the house this way then I’m not sure if the city will be obligated to move it. But I’m just guessing. We have some incredibly knowledgeable readers here so perhaps they’ll be able to give some specific advice. But most definitely approach your constituent services rep. from Wells’ office!

I sometimes forget about the arboretum. These shots from a reader have reminded me that I must go for a visit again soon! You can find info about visiting the arboretum here.

IMG_0336, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I know folks have explained that copper gutters are used from time to time but can someone remind why a whole roof would be done in copper? I can’t remember if it is for more than aesthetics?  It definitely looks great though.

IMG_0299, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Anyone know who the musician is?

IMG_0352, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Here’s another interesting gate that has an unusual sculpture.

IMG_0321, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This house, from Georgetown, looks like it is about 300 years old. But what I’m dying to know is – why does it curve in on the left hand side?

And here’s another interesting white on I’d thought I’d share:

Photo by PoPville Flickr pool user jamietre.

“Dear PoP,

Saw this ad on craigslist.

Urban Sustainable, a new urban gardening retail store opening soon in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, is looking for some part-time help.

Qualified applicants will possess the knowledge of:

Outdoor/Indoor Gardening, Hydroponics, HID Lighting, Nutrients, Composting, Reverse Osmosis, Ventilation Systems, etc.”

Always nice to hear about new retail coming to Mt. Pleasant! Has anyone else heard about this store? I assume it’ll be on Mt. Pleasant Street, yeah? I’ll post more details as they become available. I’m intrigued by the hydroponics…

From an email:

“We will be having two benefit events on Oct 28th at 458 New Jersey Avenue, SE (Capitol Hill) and and 29th at the Big Bear Cafe at 1700 First Street, NW to fund raise for the Center. Please attend one of the events depending on your schedule!! It will feature a short documentary film and a talk by Ebenezer in addition to Liberian music, food and drinks. The tickets are $40 per person and $20 with a student ID and all donations are tax-deductible. Please see www.peaceedu.org for more information.”

I’ve always been a big fan of Wonderland (11th and Kenyon Streets, NW) but I think the real love comes from our shared love of old city signs. (Their cousin Looking Glass Lounge, at Georgia and Princeton, (a PoP advertiser) also has many great signs). Anyway, I’ve been meaning to put the amazing one from above up for a while. It’s is a real sign that Wonderland’s owner Matthew salvaged.

Also of note, which I surprisingly just learned, is that they have the original Nob Hill sign (former occupant of the building) on the ceiling toward the bathrooms and kitchen:

“Dear PoP,

Here are some details on that building you spoke about @ http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2009/09/prime-corner-property-at-9th-and-u-streets-nw-slated-to-become-a-tavern/

From: http://www.anc1b.org/mins.html”

ABRA 082871 – The Brixton – 901 U Street N.W.

Commissioner Raia introduced Mr. Ian Hilton, representing The Brixton.

Mr. Hilton said he handles operations at Restaurant Marvin and the Gibson. He and his brother have been very interested in the building at 901 U Street NW and very saddened by its deteriorating condition. They succeeded in contacting the building owner and are now planning to establish a gastropub in the building. They would have a very substantial food component, similar to Restaurant Marvin. They want to have a roof deck. They have already hired PolySonic, a company that will help them make sure they do not repeat mistakes of the past regarding noise. They propose to have ambient music from speakers, similar to Bouche, and will be very careful about monitoring volume. They are applying for a C-T license but do not yet know the exact percentages. They plan to be very active with the neighborhood and are asking for the Commission’s support. He has been talking with Commissioner Raia for about a month while working on acquiring the building. He said that renovation would take a very long time. The building is in very bad shape. They have some conceptual drawings and must work with Steve Calcott at the Historic Preservation Review Board, which they are happy to do. They want to restore the building and make it a destination on the block.

Commissioner Moss asked if they planned to brew beer on-site.

Mr. Hilton said they would not do that, as it requires very expensive equipment. He said a gastropub is an English pub where food is a major component. The closes example he could think of was Commonwealth on Irving Street in Columbia Heights. The name Brixton comes from a neighborhood in East London, England, very similar to the neighborhood around 9th and U Streets.

Commissioner Smith asked what kind of food would be served.

Mr. Hilton said the menu would include fish and chips. The menu price point will be reasonably low. The kitchen will operate until closing. Burgers, fries and food typical of a London pub will be featured. He added that they would enter into a voluntary agreement.

Chairperson Nadeau asked for questions from the community.

Mr. Tom Matha asked how large would the restaurant be.

Mr. Hilton said he could give the square footage for the building, which is 2,400 square feet on the first floor and 2,400 square feet on the second floor. The roof deck will probably be 1,600 square feet. The basement is unusable at this time, but could be 1,200 square feet, so the total for the building is about 7,000 square feet, of which 1,500 square feet will be for the kitchen and service areas.

Commissioner Raia said that he had been talking with Mr. Hilton and expected to speak with the WNA. Since they are a new restaurant, setting a specific food component in the voluntary agreement is not possible. They will wait six months or a year to see how the business develops before setting the food component of the agreement.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support The Brixton’s application for a C-T license subject to a voluntary agreement, that he be authorized to negotiate the voluntary agreement on behalf of ANC 1B, with a draft to be circulated to all Commissioners for comment, and that Chairperson Nadeau and himself be authorized to sign the agreement.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 9-0.

Sound good?

I’ve never actually been to this annual race on 17th Street, NW but friends have told me it is phenomenal. I’m not sure if it is a rain or shine event – anyone know? Also anyone know what time and where exactly it starts. A bunch of friends are going to some bars along 17th Street to get a good viewing spot. Sadly, I can’t make it tonight – so if anyone goes please take some photos for me! You can email me the photos to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com or upload them to the PoPville flickr pool here.

This beautiful shot was taken by rastapunk8 and titled, “Fall meta picture”.

Submit your photos via email or to the PoPville flickr pool here.