“Dear PoP,

On Thursday the 19th at 2:08 pm my bike was stolen right outside of my Apartment at 1701 Park Road NW. I got the two guys on video and was wondering if I could post the video on your site and ask your readers if any of them know the identity of the two youths. The police essentially told me they will not do anything unless I can call them and tell them that I can see the suspects and they should come get them. Give the video about 10 seconds to start and then you can see the whole thing in real time.”

If anyone thinks they know their identity please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com and I’ll forward your info to the reader.

I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this home on 13th St, NW before but they have an interesting alternative to plywood. Anyone else ever see this type of plywood replacement before?

Thanks to a reader for sending word about this new mural going up in at the Brookland Inn at 3742 12th Street NE.

“Dear PoP,

You had mentioned the River Smart Homes Program here. I thought you might like to see one of the rain gardens that the River Smart Program helps fund and construct. The program had last year installed a rain barrel, which I love. This garden was installed (in Petworth) in July – right before the really bad storms, and worked very well. This garden soaks up a large amount of water from my gutter (after my rain barrel fills), and keeps the water from going in the storm drain that is right next to my house. As I’d prefer that my basement wouldn’t flood, this is a good thing. I’m still re-working the drainage after the garden overflows, but so far its only overflowed once.

The goal of this particular type of garden is to help keep the DC sewer system from overflowing during severe rains. Next up for me – a permeable pathway to help prevent runoff. I no longer qualify for more River Smart help, but I’ll still keep redesigning my backyard. And I want to say online thanks to the program for the help and inspiration.”

I’m digging the double balcony here in north Cleveland Park, plus they’ve got a wild lawn decoration:

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

“Dear PoP,

The farm where my firm gets their CSA shares is partnering with Volt Restaurant of Frederick, MD, to host an heirloom tomato festival at their farm this weekend. Tickets are still available:

Spend a relaxing afternoon in the country, sample over 40 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, wines from top VA & MD wineries, cheese, olive oil imported from Greece and other delicious gourmet items. This event will feature the best restaurants & celebrated chefs from Maryland, DC, and VA. Meet the chefs, play croquet & horseshoes, bring a blanket & stay awhile. This is a child friendly event and will include hay rides, farm tours, music, baby goats for petting and much, much more!

Admission includes all restaurant tomato creations & vendor samples, a huge variety of heirloom tomato samples, wine & cheese tastings, hay rides, and farm tours.”

And if you’re looking to stay in the city and are tired of virtual house tours one reader recommends seeing this one in person at 1500 Vermont Ave, NW. Though if you just want the virtual tour of this million condo, you can see it here.

Photo from www.greenmyrowhome.com

“PLEASE JOIN US FOR A GREEN CONSTRUCTION TOUR

Sunday August 29th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
1877 Ingleside Terrace NW

Balancing the best energy-efficient green building practices is challenging in existing homes, especially historic homes. Come join Historic Mt. Pleasant for a tour of a green home rehab in process. You can see how the homeowners, who are doing much of the work themselves, are reinventing the floorplan while keeping the historical integrity of the home. They will discuss their strategies for reducing energy and water use, improving indoor air quality and making decisions on green materials.

You will see the unique framing, insulation, plumbing, and HVAC of this row house, which will certify Platinum under USGBC’s LEED for Homes program. Get a sneak peak and keep up with progress at www.greenmyrowhome.com.”

“Dear PoP,

Saw this sign on the window of the former Lawson’s, just behind the Krispy Kreme in Dupont Circle. Can it be true?”

It’s true! The old Lawsons is becoming a Panera, right outside the Dupont South Metro stop.

This great building is located on Q St, NW just east of 7th. Work had started a long time ago but then abruptly stopped. Looks like they’re back on track. I had no idea they were putting such a huge addition on the back. Fortunately it looks like they’ve been able to save the facade. It looks like the pop up will blend in rather well. I’ll be sure to update as construction progresses.

From an email:

“Stop by today’s market for some EXCITING new vendors! The immensely popular local entrepreneurs from Pleasant Pops will be at the market offering their delicious line-up of custom-made Popsicles! You may also notice a new delicious aroma when you swing by with the addition an on-site barbecue smoker serving fresh ribs! You may have also noticed that the market recently began selling fresh eggs from Waterview Foods!”

The Petworth Market is located on 9th St, NW off Georgia Ave (between Taylor and Upshur) and runs every Friday from 3-7pm.

“Dear PoP,

A couple of neighbors in Petworth are organizing to maintain the median in New Hampshire Ave (remove weeds) this Saturday from 8:00am to 11:00pm. There was the one event for planting where at least 8 people participated. Now the problem has become weeds. We have been trying to tackle this but between 3 people alone it seems like a loosing battle. Do you think you could post some announcement to see if we can get any other neighbors to help/volunteer this Saturday. We will meet at 8:00am at the 3900 block of New Hampshire.”

This rental is located at 1500 Massachusetts Ave, NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Welcome to 1500 Massachusetts Ave where we are offering a premiere location at an unbelievable value! Come experience Dupont Circle at it’s finest with Metro, shops, restaurants all with in walking distance of your home!”

I’ve known a few folks who lived in this apartment and had positive things to say. Does $1225 sound reasonable for a studio here?

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“Dear PoP,

Can you and/or your loyal readers tell me anything about the safety and quality of life in the Rosedale/Kingman Park area? This neighborhood is south of H Street/Benning Road NE and east of, say, 15th Street. It extends about six blocks to the East, ending at Oklahoma Ave, skirting the western edge of Anacostia Park.

Let me tell you a bit about myself. Having raised my kids, I am newly divorced and will be living alone with my dog. The investment value of the property I buy is extremely important to me; I make a modest living as a writer and editor and am not able to put aside a lot for savings. I hope to live at least 10 years in the house I buy. It must not go down in value, must go up at least apace of inflation, and hopefully more. Hopefully a lot more. I would be open to improving the house to achieve this goal.

But I do have to be able to live there (i.e., no shells) and feel safe. I don’t care about the color or ethnicity of my neighbors, as long as they take care of their kids and take care of their homes. I don’t need or want a huge house (too much maintenance!) but my dog and I do need green space, even a little bit, to feel at home.

That Rosedale area is attractive because of its proximity to H Street (I soooo love SoVa) and the coming light rail. It has two parks. The houses are still reasonable, allowing room for growth in property value.

BUT who lives there? What is it like at night? Much crew activity? Crew-on-crew violence counts as violence in my book. I don’t want bullet holes in my car.

I’m by myself, a single woman. Can I take my dog out in the dark if I need to? Can I ride my bike by myself?

Don’t be afraid to be brutally frank. Won’t you please ask your readers for help?”

For those who live in or nearby – what’s your no holds barred opinion of the area?

Photo by PoPville flickr user kc.corcoran

Submit your photos to the PoPville flickr pool here. Follow PoPville on twitter here.

“Dear PoP,

I am wondering if you or any of the readers can help me with this question. I was surprised to find this wild mushroom growing in my lawn. Can I eat it? Or rather, can I eat it without: a) getting sick; or b) getting stoned out of my mind.”

I really hope you are just messing with me. I don’t know for certain, but of course, never ever eat a mushroom growing on your lawn. Does anyone happen to know what this one is called? And can confirm it is poisonous?

With all this rain these mushrooms and another type are popping up like crazy:

This condo is located at 626 Q St, NW:

View Larger Map

The flier says:

“Tired of cookie-cutter condos lacking charm & character?Try this stylish & charming 2 BR/2.5BA unit in the heart of thriving Shaw area. Occupying 2 lower levels of a completely renovated 1905 rowhouse, w/ beaming H/Ws, granite, SS apps, open floorplan, new windows, baths & much more. Beautiful tree-lined street rich in Victorian architecture Q just 3 blks to Metro”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

What do you think of the condo itself? Do you think the price cut from $414,900 to $399,900 ($68 condo fee) is more realistic?

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

Yesterday word spread very quickly that the Lobster Roll truck was finally hitting the streets. @LobstertruckDC hit Farragut Square yesterday and lines were forming by 11am. They sold out (after an additional resupply) by 3pm. Ah lobster rolls.

The truck itself is also quite cool. It has a built in fountain soda dispenser – first I’ve seen:

Today they’ll be at L’enfant plaza but I also heard some more good news. It looks like the truck is going to try to add some night service in addition to regular lunch stops. When I asked where we might be able to find them at night they mentioned Adams Morgan. Sweet. They also encourage you to recommend locations (both day and night) and you can do so, and follow their locations, on twitter here.

The team was kind enough to pose for a photo after a long day’s work at Farragut Square.