Neil Godleski was the Catholic University student murdered at Sherman Circle Aug. 22. From MPD:

“On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, and arrest was made of a juvenile male who was charged with First Degree Felony Murder while Armed pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him as an adult for the shooting death of Neil Godleski.

Thanks to the members of the Homicide Branch for their tireless work on this case and thanks to the community for your support.”

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.

Ed. Note: The following may be B.J.’s personal experiences but I’d like to remind all that this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Just the other day I was hanging out on the stoop with some neighbors. On the stoop were – my neighbors, 25 year residents of the neighborhood (black), me (white) and two other neighbors (Latino). And we were one happy family drinking and laughing and having a good time. But I recognize that we all have our own experiences and it is important that we each listen to what the other is saying.

“Man, I can talk about Washington all day. I have lived in this city my whole life. I have seen this place change in a way that I don’t like. Let me talk at you for a minute about it. My neighborhood used to be all black. A white person would never, and I mean never, come passing through.

“For 30 years or better, we lived how we lived. We hung out on the stoop because we couldn’t afford air conditioning. We had cookouts in the backyard with music. We dealt with problems our own way and didn’t need no police. We lived in neighborhoods where you knew everyone on the block, and could rely on them. Then, the white people started moving in.

“I am not trying to sound racist, but everything changed after that. When the neighborhood started to become more white, things became less neighborly. White people mostly stayed in their houses and didn’t do much to meet the neighbors. That doesn’t create a neighborhood, it creates nothing but a series of houses next to each other. Maybe they stay in because they are scared. Thing is, if they are so scared, why’d they buy the damn house to begin with?

“Now, when we hang out on the stoop, the cops roll up on us and give us a hard time. Come on man, the police didn’t even show up when I got shot four times around the block from my house when I was 17. I learned not to need them then, and I sure as hell don’t need them now. Now, they roll up in two cars over a noise complaint. Are you kidding me? That ain’t right.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

“Dear PoP,

Just got back from what I thought was Pfeiffer’s only to see a new sign above the shop and in the door for “Old School” Hardware. I have noticed an increase in stock the last few times I have been in there and of course the new fancy credit card machine. Thankfully, the same friendly and VERY helpful people seem to be there. Wondering if your readers have any more info…”

The store’s new Web site, Old School Hardware says:

“Phrases like “Bon Voyage”, “Winning Lottery Ticket”, and “Yes, I would really like to go out on a date with you,” evoke a certain amount of excitement and spark one’s imagination.

We think “Hardware Store” fits into this category quite well.

Our store has the products you need to do everything from your “Honey Do” list to your home renovation project. With a little bit of planning, we can bring in almost any product that you might need.

Please let us know what we can do for you and thank you for shopping with us.

-Katie & Phil”

We’d be hearing for years that Pfeiffer’s, located at 3219 Mt. Pleasant Street NW, would be selling. Glad to see they stayed a hardware store. I once wondered if neighborhood hardware stores were doomed. But with the survival of Pfeiffer’s (with their new name) plus Fragers and others – DC’s hardware store’s seem to be holding tight.

Thanks to the reader for sending all the info. Anyone notice any differences at the new Pfeiffer’s – Old School Hardware?

Well, these are some pretty freaking awesome beards. Anyone recognize where they’re from? The one below is from outside DC proper.

Phenomenal bonus mustache wig after the jump. (more…)

Not sure if the photo does it justice but the leaded glass in this door looked phenomenal. And nearby I really liked the style of this transom. Both are from Mt. Pleasant.

This house on Hopkins St, just off P St, NW in Dupont has one of the coolest turrets.

Plus there’s a wild sculpture out front that I’ve been looking forward to re-PoP:

Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

From Cultural Tourism DC:

WalkingTown DC/BikingTown DC
Fall Edition, September 25 & 26
See what everyone is walking about!

Experience Washington, DC
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC celebrate the arts, culture and heritage of Washington’s diverse neighborhoods by featuring more than 100 free guided walking and biking tours.

Visit a new neighborhood or rediscover a familiar place. From the Mall to Mount Pleasant, both well-known and unfamiliar places are ready to be explored.

Exercise Body and Mind
Tours are led by historians, community leaders, business owners, artists, licensed tour guides, enthusiasts, and docents, who all donate their time and expertise for this event. Tours are offered at varying lengths and fitness levels, so it is easy to find a tour that is right for you. Several tours are wheelchair accessible.

Be Prepared! Read Tips for Tours for everything you need to know about WalkingTown and BikingTown DC.

All tours are free and open to the public. Many tours are walk-up but the majority require online reservations.

Stay Up-to-Date! Click here to get updates on tour information.

Anyone go last year? Recommend any specific tours?

I’ve been meaning to post this for a while but kept forgetting. Well, I don’t think this’ll be too big a surprise to folks as their hours seemed to be rather irregular. When I spoke to the owners back in April ’09 they were super nice and my hopes were high. The space inside wasn’t overly luxuriant but it was quite comfortable. Not really sure what went wrong because I know many neighbors who were excited to patronize the spot but became frustrated by the irregular hours. What is interesting to note is that there is a new construction permit in the front window so perhaps it’ll get fixed up and become a proper restaurant with proper hours. I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.

Well, this is certainly a bit disappointing. I won’t say I had super high hopes for this building but I def. had medium hopes…

What do you guys think – anyway it can be salvaged? I wonder how they were able to get the curb cut?

If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos or news please shoot me an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title or upload to the PoPville flickr pool.

“I won’t challenge the status of the king or queen of U St, but I think Boris here is at the very least the undisputed king of Bates St., perhaps stretching his kingdom all the way from 3rd St, nw to North Cap.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user brandita1973

“Mandy – Doing what she does best! The most chillax tuxedo cat in Petworth.”

And we got some good news from the National Zoo this morning:

” The birth of three more lion cubs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo this morning has contributed to the growth of the Zoo’s lion pride over the past three weeks and has brought the total number of cubs to seven so far. The Zoo’s six-year-old lion Nababiep gave birth to the three newest cubs three weeks after her sister, five-year-old Shera, gave birth to four cubs. Because it is not uncommon for intervals between births to be several hours long, keepers are continuing to monitor Nababiep today for additional cubs.

Luke, the Zoo’s four-year-old male lion, is father to all seven cubs and is the most genetically valuable lion in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for African lions (Panthera leo). An SSP matches individual animals across the country for breeding in order to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and self-sustaining population.”

This rental is located at 737 Longfellow St, NW:

View Larger Map

The Craigslist ad says:

“Your new address is 737 Longfellow St NW! This apartment is in a small well managed building. Bright apartment with plenty of windows and airflow. This apartment home has easy access to metro bus lines that run all over the city. It is close to Walter Reed, Howard U and Hospital, Silver Spring, Columbia Heights, and much more. Close proximity to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other shopping conveniences. Please contact UIP Leasing to set an appointment to view this fantastic apartment.”

Does $895 sound reasonable for this 1 bed/1 bath? I chose this one (though it is a bit further north then requested) because I though it might work for the following reader who asks:

“I’m looking for a new place to live in Petworth within the rhombus defined by:

Between and Taylor and Farragut
Between Georgia and New Hampshire

Can’t afford more than $900/month incl. utilities and I come with a quiet/tidy/peaceful/herbivorous 5-year old son.

We’re game for apartments—semi-slummy to well manicured, group homes, communes, or (like our current place) rooms in someone’s house.”

Anyone have suggestions for this reader?

Well back in April ’08 people liked El Limeno. But when I tweeted about this I got two identical responses from folks – “That does explain how they stayed in business.” I am a bit surprised because whenever I’ve spoken about them in the past they’ve had a lot of supporters. On Facebook a reader writes, “I am more pissed about the fact that my favorite pupusas are likely no longer available. ”

Following is the full press release from MPD:

As a result of a recent quadruple shooting in the area of 2nd Upshur nearly two months ago the Fourth District Vice Unit began a narcotics investigation in the area. The investigation was headed by Vice Officer Edelen of the Fourth District Vice Office. Officer Edelen was able to gain information from confidential informants about a business in the area that was selling cocaine from within. Officer Edelen formulated a plan to attempt and address this problem. Officer Edelen employed the use of an undercover police officer who was able to infiltrate the business and befriend the owners. As a result the Vice Unit was able to purchase on numerous occasions various amounts of cocaine from one of the owners of the business and an employee. The investigation was brought to a conclusion late last night when the vice unit made three arrests and executed a search warrant at the location of the Limeno Bar and Restaurant. The unit seized a substantial amount of cocaine, U.S. Currency and assets including two vehicles.

Commander Missouri has been working tirelessly all day with additional D.C. Government agencies to ensure that the location does not reopen, to include A.B.R.A., Office of Attorney General, and D.C.R.A. Officers Edelen’s tireless work on this case and that of the undercover police officer along with the rest of the Fourth District Vice Unit proved extremely valuable. The Fourth District Detectives Office also assisted and worked side by side with us in this investigation.

“Dear PoP,

I was hoping you could ask a question of your readers. As PoPville tends to include somewhat outdoorsy people, what are their favorite camping areas in the 2 hour away range? My friends and I are planning a trip and are looking for a real campground and not some KOA setup but something pretty rustic. I’ve been to Elizabeths furnace in the GW forest but was hoping to try somewhere new out.”

With the leaves getting ready to change this should be a particular nice time of year for camping. Anyone have specific Shenandoah recs? Other good spots within 2 hours of DC?

Photo by PoPville flickr user JRoseC

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

‘Fig, pistachio and dried fruit tartelettes’ by PoPville flickr user theraspberryexpress

Jessica Bonness runs JGB Interiors and will answer PoP reader questions about decorating and design. If you have a question send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com and write ‘design question’ in the title.

“I have a design question! We live in a Wardman style row home with a large bay window in the living room. I love the light the bay window provides but we are having trouble figuring out how to arrange the furniture. In addition to the bay window which takes up one wall, we have an oversize opening to the hallway on another wall, the same opening to the dining room on a third wall and a large fireplace on the forth wall. We must keep the 52 inch tv in the room, which is currently in a corner across from the bay window. We have the sofa in the bay window right now but it doesn’t give us enough seating to entertain. (And only allows for one person to stretch out to watch tv!) Do you have any suggestions about what furniture would be better or how to best arrange the furniture when there is no wall space? Thanks!”"

Jessica responds:

You could do a couple of things to maximize your seating with this wall-less floor plan.

First, you could get a modified sectional sofa. Not necessarily a huge 7-piece monstrosity, but more like a sofa with a chaise built in. Lots of retailers have “apartment sized” furniture – Crate and Barrel has some great options, like the City 2-Piece Armless Sectional – and the sectionals in this category would be a good fit without taking up too much space in the room.

If you’re keeping your furniture, I’d probably put your existing sofa in the middle of the room and place some armchairs or a bench opposite it. If you can fit two more small chairs next to each other in that bay window, you can define the area with a small rug and create a place to read a book or sit while you’re not watching television. You might even have room for a tiny table or a cube.

Continues after the jump. (more…)