Ben's Chili Bowl H Street Grand Opening

Recently, we celebrated the grand opening of the third Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant chain founded in 1958 by Ben Ali. I am inspired by the commitment and hard work of District entrepreneurs like the Ali family, who are such an important part of our community. Ben's has already hired more than 50 District residents, and I thank them for helping create pathways to the middle class.

July 17, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 24

Dear Washingtonians,

Given the recent threat of synthetic drugs to public health and public safety, my Administration took swift action - and sent a clear message that our city will not tolerate any business that sells these illegal drugs.  Last Friday, with the support of the DC Council, I signed into law the “Sale of Synthetic Drugs Emergency Amendment Act of 2015.”  This bold law gives more authority to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to crack down on the possession and sale of synthetic drugs. 

On the street, these drugs are often referred to as synthetic marijuana and packaged as K2, Scooby Snax, Bizzaro, or Spice.  Their potent contents can lead to terrible consequences including seizures, suicidal behavior, violence, criminal behavior and even death.

MPD now has the authority to shut down a first-offender for up to 96 hours, with a $10,000 fine.  They have also been given the authority to shut down repeat offenders for up to 30 days, with a $20,000 fine, while the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs moves to permanently revoke its license. So basically, you don’t get three strikes. Two strikes and you’re out.

Although we have some bad actors, the vast majority of DC businesses are not selling these drugs.  We are encouraging those businesses to show their support by signing a pledge, available at wepledge.dc.gov, and receiving a sticker that let's the community know that their store is free of synthetic drugs.  If you see a store selling drugs, please call 311 immediately.

Together, and with your help, we will continue to make DC a safer place to live, work and play.

Sincerely,

Mayor Bowser

Capital Fringe Festival

On Thursday, July 9th, I kicked off the 10th anniversary of the Capital Fringe Festival. Since 2006, the festival has created an annual, 22-day artistic celebration of non-stop theatre, dance, music, visual art, and everything in between. DC has a long history of fostering artists from all disciplines, and my Administration is committed to keeping the creativity flowing. 

Who Says Girls Can’t Code?

Technology is woven into our everyday lives, yet the industry is largely represented by men. On Friday, July 10th, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and Google hosted a workshop with the goal of closing that gap. The workshop, held at The Arc in Southeast, featured tech professionals at the top of their game who gave our young girls insight about the technology field, while exposing them to hands-on tech projects. With the help of programs like this one, we will shatter that Silicon ceiling. And I'm pleased to report that DC is leading the charge – SmartAsset named us the best city for women in technology. 

Youth Leaders

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Marion S. Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI) Summit. MBYLI is a Department of Employment Services year-round program to train the District's young people in leadership and self-development. For the first time since MBYLI’s creation, the students organized a summit to learn what it takes to become an effective leader in the 21st century. I am so impressed by the initiative and drive of our young people, and can't wait to hear about their continued success. 

DC Central Kitchen 100th Graduating Class

DC Central Kitchen's Culinary Job Training Program recently reached a major milestone, celebrating its 100th graduating class. In 25 years, the program has produced 1,700 graduates, giving them a second chance at a better life. Since the recession of 2008, the program has prepared 600 graduates with a 90 percent job placement rate. Congratulations to DC Central Kitchen. One hundred classes, representing thousands of changed lives. To apply for the training program, you can find more information here.

Beat the Streets

Yesterday, I joined the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) at the Seventh District’s “Beat the Streets” event. Beat the Streets-DC was created to foster a stronger relationship between the community and MPD, in neighborhoods across DC. Members of MPD understand the importance of developing and maintaining positive relationships with the community as they patrol the streets and address crime. 

I invite you to attend any of the upcoming Beat the Streets events. Join us at the one near you!

• 7/22:    5D - Fifth District at 700 24th Street, NE from 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm
• 7/29:    6D - Sixth District at 3700 Hayes Street, NE from 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm
• 8/20:    School Supplies Giveaway at 1230 Sumner Road, SE from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Answering Your Questions

I participated in WTOP's ‘Ask the Mayor’ program to discuss my first six months in office, along with other important issues, such as the new synthetic drug law, Summer Youth Employment Program and Alleypalooza. This was also an excellent opportunity to take questions from many of you about your concerns in the District.  My Administration remains committed to hearing from the community, and I appreciate those of you who called in to express your views. 

End the Awkward Campaign

Yesterday, we commemorated the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act by launching the “End the Awkward: Focus on the Person, Not the Disability” campaign. This effort aimed to promote social inclusion of people with disabilities and encouraged others to take a pledge to raise awareness and better understand disability issues. The campaign, led by the DC Office of Human Rights, included 17 partner organizations and agencies, and is one of several District government events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To learn more, please visit the DC Office of Human Rights ‘End the Awkward’ page here.

Washington Nationals Annual Player Read-In

On Saturday, July 18th at 10:00 a.m., some of our Washington Nationals will participate in the Annual Player Read-In at several of our local DC Public Libraries. They will read aloud with children, answer questions and sign autographs.  

Check out these local libraries where the Nats players will be reading this Saturday:

• Pitcher Aaron Barrett at Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th Street, NW
• Pitcher Stephen Strasburg at Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Road, SE
• Pitcher and Program Ambassador Drew Storen at Tenley Library, 4450 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

If you can’t make it to one of these Read-Ins, you can find more upcoming events for the Summer Reading Program here.

Making Strides to Lower DC’s Carbon Footprint

On Tuesday, I announced a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement for Iberdrola Renewables, LLC to supply 35 percent of the District government’s electricity with wind power. This is the largest wind power deal entered into by an American city and it is projected to save District taxpayers $45 million over the next 20 years. For more information about the agreement, read the press release here.

Starting this week, I’m creating a new section of the newsletter:  “Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week,” to assist DC residents in finding job opportunities. I encourage you to share these postings with family and friends who are looking for work in the District. 

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week : DC Government

Ever think about working for your city?  Apply to become a member of an amazing team of people who are committed to making DC the best city to live, work and play.  DC Government has a host of jobs available, ranging from social worker, to welder, to information technology specialist. You can find job opportunities here: careers.dc.gov.

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to follow our progress. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.