March 2, 2022

Ward 3 Update:

Dear Neighbors,

The District's public vaccination data portal touts that 73.1% of District residents are estimated to be fully vaccinated, however; when looking at the Ward-level data, not a single Ward is listed at above 61% fully vaccinated. In fact, all but two Wards are below 60%. This data discrepancy was previously noted to me by both my staff and a Ward 3 neighbor, and we finally have some clarity on this matter from DC Health:

• Evidently, the Ward-level and neighborhood-level vaccination maps represents an incomplete data set. Vaccination data is reported to DC Health from a number of sources, including vaccine providers in other jurisdictions, and the agency often receives incomplete forms, illegible handwritten forms, forms without a resident's address or demographic data, etc.
• Therefore, there has always been a significant pool of vaccination records that are incomplete to the extent that DC Health isn't able to paint a fully accurate picture of the Ward and neighborhood-level vaccination rates
• According to the agency, the reported Ward-level rates are likely underestimates, and the District-level rate is more reliable

If we are to move forward without the assurance of mask wearing or vaccination requirements in indoor congregate settings, what I see as valuable community protections that have contributed to our decreasing case numbers, then DC Health must be clear and upfront in reporting our vaccination rates and positive case numbers. To anyone accessing the data portal, the absence of proper context or even a disclaimer about the inconsistencies presented undermines the claim that D.C. is above the 70% fully vaccinated threshold. Residents need accurate data in order to make the best safety decisions for themselves and their families, and DC Health told me that they will look for ways to properly update the website.

Regards,

Mary

A Quick Update on Visitor Parking Passes

Ward 3 Quick Reads

Saving DC Heritage Trees - Area developers are brazenly cutting down the District's heritage trees –with full knowledge that it is illegal– with the expectation that they will absorb the cost of the fine. Yesterday, the Council voted in support of Councilmember Cheh's legislation to immediately grant the Urban Forestry Division with stop work authority in order to intervene in illegal removals and save heritage trees in real time.

• To read more on this threat to old growth trees in the District, click: here.

Pre-2012 Metro Cards Have Expired - Metro’s oldest SmarTrip cards, those purchased before 2012, will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of March 1st. Any remaining balance on residents' old cards will not be lost and can be transferred to a new card at any time.

• Visit Metro’s Card Replacement page for step-by-step instructions on how to receive a replacement card and transfer your current balance. SmarTrip cards purchased before 2012 can be identified by the serial number on the back. All newer cards start with “0167” and no further action is needed. SmarTrip cards that start with any other serial number need to be replaced (as pictured see below)

The Melvin Hazen Park & Trail Renamed - In an acknowledgement of Melvin Hazen's role in the dismantling of Reno City in the 1930s and 40s and the largescale displacement of African American residents from what is now Fort Reno Park, the National Park Service has officially renamed the Melvin C. Hazen Park & Trail to Reservation 630.

• For the history on this renaming effort, please see The Forest Hill Connection and The Washington Post

Return of the Walk to End Homelessness - Friendship Place has announced the return of the in-person Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness! The event will be held on April 30th on the National Mall. To sign-up as an individual, start a walking team, or to join an existing team, please go to Friendship Walks.

Legislative Spotlight - The Healthy Hospitals Act

Councilmember Cheh has re-introduced the Healthy Hospitals Act to jump start the transition toward healthier and more nutritious meal options for patients, guests, and staff at District hospitals.

The legislation, which is based on a 2017 resolution by the American Medical Association, would require that:

• Meals include a variety of healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars
• Vegetarian and 100% plant-based options be made available
• Healthy beverages are prioritized over sugar-sweetened drinks, thereby ensuring that sodas and sugary drinks are not the default drink option available
• Eliminates the availability of processed meats classified as carcinogenics
• Requires that water always be made available at no charge

“Healthcare providers have long advised us that nutrition is essential to health, yet go into any hospital and you will see sugary drinks, processed meats, and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat —the very same foods we know are making us sick." - Councilmember Cheh

In Solidarity with the Ukrainian People

Standing with Ukraine - Pictured Above: (left and right) The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and the John A. Wilson Building illuminated in blue and yellow and (center) the flag of Ukraine installed along Pennsylvania Ave NW, all in in support of the Ukrainian people. Councilmember Cheh has circulated a Sense of the Council Resolution to her colleagues to formally denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to call on Congress to formally condemn the Russian invasion and to continue and expand immediate, aggressive sanctions until all Russian military forces withdraw from Ukraine.

Growing Momentum for Councilmember Cheh's "No Senior Hungry Act"

From WUSA9 - Proposed legislation could end food insecurity for seniors in DC

A Safety Update on the Days Inn

Safety Update - Police have made an arrest in the homicide that occurred on January 27th at the Days Inn in the Forest Hills neighborhood. 18 year-old Gerald Thomas, a Maryland resident, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed in the shooting death of 20 year-old Dasha Cleary, also of Maryland.

The Attorney General's Office is investigating the Days Inn as a nuisance property, which, if conclusive, will provide the Attorney General with the ability to pursue improvements to the site through litigation.

In addition, the Second District Police Department has assigned an officer to patrol this stretch of Connecticut Avenue (from Cleveland Park up through Forest Hills) daily to provide increased visibility and serve as a crime deterrent along the corridor.

Mark Your Calendar - Streetscape Updates Coming to Cleveland Park

Councilmember Cheh Joins Fox5 to Discuss Dangerous Driving

From Fox 5 - Leaders call out lack of action against reckless drivers

Cars with dozens of unpaid traffic tickets remain on the streets of D.C. One resident says he gets multiple tickets a day at his address in the name of someone who hasn't lived there for years.

Garrett Hennigan is looking for answers. He posted to Twitter showing the endless stream of citations that come in the mail for a man who used to live at his address more than seven years ago. The former resident allegedly has a car registered in Virginia.

Councilmember Mary Cheh has been fighting for change. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are eligible for booting, according to Cheh. In his tweets, Henningan says this person has a laundry list of tickets totaling nearly $30 thousand dollars worth of fines.

Help Contain Bird Flu by Reporting Sick Animals

From WUSA9 - See an unusual number of dead birds? Report to local animal agencies to help contain bird flu

Ending this Update on a Happy Note:

Help Beautify the Van Ness Main Street

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to reach us via email or phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.

FOLLOW MARY