From NBC:

Sorry to post such a crazy story before Thanksgiving but this is insane. Thanks to Nichole for sending. From NBC Washington:

“A man suspected in the death of a 9-year-old boy was found dead in the DC Jail Wednesday afternoon.

Josue Pena, 26, was charged with first-degree murder last week. He was accused of the shooting death of 9-year-old Oscar Fuentes.

Pena reportedly was found hanged in his cell Wednesday.”

This fantastic shot was taken by hohandy.

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

Have a great long weekend everyone!

This home is located at 1113 Lamont Street, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“You Can Expect End unit Federal, 6bdrms/4.5bths, Renovated, Chef’s Kit, Granite/SS/Lrg Cabinets, Scrn’d & Open Porches, Gated Prking, Custom Lighting, Hrdwds, High Ceilings, Lrg Wndws, 4 Decorative FP’s, Arch details thru out, Mult exposures, Fnc’d front & back grdns, LL income unit.”

More info and photos found here.

I’m a pretty big fan of this section of Lamont as it is so close to all the goods on 11th and 14th Streets, yet the block seems really quiet. And the house itself is pretty damn sweet as well. This one falls just under the technical $1 million price tag required for house porn but I thought it was worth taking a look. What do you think of the house itself? It’s yours for $985,000.

Photo from PoPville Flickr user Rukasu1

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. DC already feels deserted so I hope those still left at work get to take off soon!

AFP: Can 1300 Christmas trees save a store?
“With the holiday shopping season set to kick off this week, many of the small businesses that create about 65% of all new jobs in the US are struggling to keep their doors open. One garden shop in Washington, D.C. filed for bankruptcy last month when its credit ran out. Now, like many stores, it’s hoping for a boost from Christmas sales to stay alive.”

Thanks to a reader for sending.

“Dear PoP,

Could be a little bit “Hallmarky” – but how about a “What are you Thankful for” feature before Thanksgiving?”

I don’t think it’s too Hallmarky at all and the photo is fantastic as well. I know I often take things for granted and sometimes need to take a step back to appreciate what I have. So I’ll kick it off, I’m really grateful for my very understanding parents and family, some of the nicest neighbors in town, the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees, and some great friends who have become like family to me.

And this is def. gonna sound Hallmarky but I’m really grateful for you guys, your knowledge and support, which has enabled me to achieve my goal of blogging full time this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and/or friends.

So what are you thankful for this year?

Photo by PoPville Flickr user rosiedawn

“Dear PoP,

I was just wondering if you had heard about any volunteer opportunities in the neighborhood on Thanksgiving. I’ve gone through the lists of volunteer opportunities on Washington Post, Washingtonian, Idealist, ServeDC, etc. and all of them are completely booked up with volunteers and aren’t accepting any more people. It’s great that there’s such an outpouring of support this holiday season (and that organizations are only taking on the # of volunteers they can actually use), but I was just wondering if there weren’t some less well-publicized volunteer opps that could still use some helping hands (or cars) this Thanksgiving.

Any suggestions from you or readers would be appreciated!”

“Dear PoP,

On my way to work today, I noticed that the CPK on Conn and N was closed (with paper over the windows). While I understand that CPK isn’t the heart and soul of DC’s gastronomic culture, I still like a good bowl of split pea and some weird pizza every now and then. No one seems to know what happened and I’ve noticed lots of people trying to peak in to see if a fire or something like that occured.

Any news would be greatly appreciated.”

I stopped by the building at 1250 Connecticut Ave., NW and spoke with one of the building’s employees. She told me that CPK did not renew their lease so they have closed up. She wasn’t sure what was going into the space, though she guesses another restaurant, and she wasn’t sure whether or not CPK was going to open up in another location.

I’m just curious – do other folks like CPK?

“Dear PoP,

I saw something yesterday while taking a walk during work that I thought I would pass along. There are several flyers posted in the Dupont area announcing that Rosemary’s Thyme on 18th St is offering a totally free Thanksgiving dinner from 12-2pm Thanksgiving Day. I think this would be a great opportunity for some of us who live comfortable lives to take someone who may not have enough to eat not only for a meal but for some genuine human interaction.”

This is very cool of Rosemary’s Thyme.

I was surprised Som Records didn’t have a Thanksgiving themed album up but this one is pretty sweet too…

I feel like I might’ve shown this one before or its cousin but it’s got such a unique style for a row house. And of course even though it may not be good for the house, I dig the ivy. It’s from Ogden Street west of 14th up in Columbia Heights.

This is sad news. A reader writes:

“Hey there, have you heard anything about rumors of Vegetate (1414 9th Street, NW), the veggie place by 9th and O, closing on Nov. 28? The scuttlebutt is that the landlord is tripling their rent.”

We judged Vegetate back in Dec. ’08 and there were lots of fans. Today the CCCA blog shares a note from the owners:

“We’re writing with some unfortunate news. Vegetate on 9th Street is going to be closing at the end of this month. Our lease is up and we’ve decided to look for a new location.

We will let all of you know once we’ve found a new space. In the meantime, we’ll be doing select catered events.

Thank you for all your support over the years. Those of you in the area, please stop by for one last dinner at Vegetate’s 9th Street home.

Best,
Dominic & Jennifer”

Here’s to hoping they find a new spot soon!

It’s been a while since we’ve looked at the former “Petworth Eyesore” located at the corner of Upshur and New Hampshire. Here’s what it looked like in April 2007 and here’s what it looked like in July of this year. I have to say the difference between July and now is amazing. I’m not saying it’s my favorite renovation but it’s a hell of a lot better than what it was fixing to look like.

This is pretty wild, I saw it at Qualia Coffee and was put in touch with the organizer. He explains Potomacs in an email:

“Briefly, it is a local (complementary/alternative) currency to encourage more business activity while ensuring that profits remain here. It gives small business, individual entrepreneurs an edge over big box and corporate retailers by indicating they belong to and support the community by participating. It also engages residents to get out more in their communities, builds relationships and it makes people think more carefully how and where they spend their money.

Any local business, individual trader or professional in the Greater Washington Area can accept the Potomac simply by accepting it in full or partial payment. Registration is optional but those who register:
* receive an information and signage kit
* are included in our promotions and directory
* access training support

Folks can purchase Potomacs at the rate P1 = $0.95
In person: at Ecolocity meetings, events, Saturdays 2-5 pm at Qualia
By mail: P O Box 3183, Washington DC 20010-0183 enclosing Money Order
By Paypal: GreaterWashingtonExchange@gmail.com
Minimum order online and by mail: P10 plus $2 handling

Residents can also ask for Potomacs as change when they shop at businesses that accept Potomacs:
Ellen’s Nutrition Counseling
www.ellenkittredge.com

Gnosophia Publishers
202 545 0869, www.gnosophia.com

Qualia Coffee
202-248-6423, 3917 Georgia Ave NW
www.freshofftheroast.com/qualia.html

The Potter’s House
202 232 5483, 1658 Columbia Rd NW
www.pottershousedc.org”

This is wild. Do you guys think it’s a good idea?