I counted at least 12 Kpop Demon Hunters on Halloween, how about you?
OK, yes, there were a LOT of little Huntrices running around! I know at least a few of them brought home an awful lot of candy...I love Halloween in the neighborhood!
A few other signs of fall - street sweeping is over! While this program is important for keeping our streets and waterways clean, it is nice not to have to move our cars every week, isn't it? And it means that DPW is ready to start leaf collection. Make sure you know your section and how to properly rake your leaves at dpw.dc.gov/leaf.
Another sign of fall is many alcohol and entertainment licenses get renewed. In Single Member District 4D04, both the establishments on the 4800 block of Georgia Ave - Epic Restaurant and Lounge and Marte Bar & Lounge - have their licenses up for renewal. We will be speaking briefly about both at our next ANC meeting next Wednesday, and invite public comment if you would like to share. Both compliments and complaints are welcome! If you can't make it but would like to share an observation, please email me at 4d04@anc.dc.gov.
Also at the meeting, we will discuss and vote on a series of updates to the ANC 4D grants program that our new Grants Committee is proposing. As vice-chair of the committee and the primary Commissioner serving on the committee, I have helped develop this package of changes and am pleased with where we've landed. The committee is proposing to set quarterly deadlines, make grants up to $2,000, only fund an organization once in a 12-month period, and prioritize more smaller grants spread all around the ANC. We also will charge the committee with publicizing the program and helping potential grantees learn how to apply. Other administrative changes will help ensure clear communication, transparency, and equity for applicants, committee members, and commissioners. We have benefited greatly from the expertise of committee Chair Angela Page and committee members Doris Warrell, Michelle Jean-Baptiste, and Alex Langlinais. Thank you neighbors for your ideas and hard work!
Finally, while there is a lot of exciting news right now, our neighborhood continues to experience the ongoing whiplash of federal government polarization. Whether it's furloughed fed workers, SNAP expiration, MPD and federal police collaboration on federal enforcement priorities, or ICE making our neighbors scared to leave the house, it's been a challenging season. Watching our neighborhood pull together to support Ward 4 Mutual Aid, Halloween costume swaps, grocery deliveries, and keeping an eye on ICE has all been heartening. This is our home, and we take care of each other. If you need help finding resources, please reach out to me and I'll connect you.
Finally, I want to share that I testified before the DC Council Public Works & Operations Committee on Potential Human Rights Violations during Federal Occupation on behalf of myself as an individual, but sharing stories of what I have seen in our neighborhood. Part of my testimony was quoted in The Washington Post (gift article link):
Petworth resident Eliza Cava quoted an undocumented neighbor who had lived in the city for nearly two decades: “Every time I go outside the house, my throat gets tight,” the neighbor told Cava. “I feel like I can’t talk.”
I am grateful these friends allowed me to share their stories anonymously. Our neighbors are decent people, human beings, and in many cases fleeing persecution or gang violence to come here and try to make a better life for themselves and their children. Nobody should have to live in such fear.
November 19th ANC meeting is last one of 2025
I hope you can make the ANC meeting next week, as it will be our last one for the year. ANC 4D is not holding a public meeting in December, and I may take a break from the newsletter as well. Happy holidays, and may you enjoy meaningful and recharging times with friends and family.
Thank you,
Commissioner Eliza Cava
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Government News You Can Use
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Re-opens November 20th
The Emergency rental assistance program is opening back up on November 20, at 9 a.m. Residents may schedule an appointment to apply for ERAP by calling 202-507-6666 or by visiting the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center. Applications are by appointment only. As before, there will be pauses to process the applications in hand so getting an early appointment is the best option to ensure funding.
For details about what is needed for the appointment see https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/ERAPShutdown.aspx
Petworth Library Closing for Renovations December 12
Petworth Library Upgrades Begin Next Month
Starting on Friday, December 12th, DC Public Library will begin its renovations of the Petworth Library! This project is part of the $1.5 million we secured in the DC budget to bring a new teen center, upgraded windows and flooring, and better meet the needs of our community. To make way for construction, the last full day of library service will be Thursday, December 11th, with an expected reopening date next summer.
As construction begins, I recognize the inconvenience neighbors who regularly use the library will face while it is closed. During the closure, DCPL is encouraging neighbors to use the Mt. Pleasant Library (3160 16th St. NW) as an interim space where all library services will be available. Eligible residents can also make use of DCPL's Library by Mail service to check out books, DVDs, and magazines through the USPS.
Trash & Recycling Updates, Street Sweeping and Leaf Collection, and Neighborhood Cleanups
Leaf Collection Season is Here!
- Locate your section and keep up to date on DPW's progress via the leaf collection tracker at dpw.dc.gov/leaf.
- To ensure proper collection, make sure to have your leaves raked to your curbside or tree box at least 24 hours before collection is scheduled to begin in your section.
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
The Annual Pumpkin Toss: It's nearly that time again! Gather your old Halloween Pumpkins after the holiday and join us for a Pumpkin Toss @ Mount Pleasant Farmers Market and @ Monroe Street Farmers Market, on three Saturdays, Nov 8, 15 & 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. You can also cut up your pumpkins into 3-inch chunks and either put it in your compost pickup bucket or bring it to the compost bin in front of the Petworth library
MySchoolDC Enrollment
The 2026–27 My School DC lottery is coming up soon! Make sure you’re ready — check out these 8 important dates to keep your application on track.
December 6, 2025: EdFEST (Grades 9-12)
December 15, 2025: Lottery application opens
December 13, 2025: EdFEST (PK3 - Grade 8)
February 2, 2026: Application deadline (Grades 9-12)
March 2, 2026: Application deadline (PK3 - Grade 8)
March 27, 2026: Lottery results are available
April 25, 2026: Enrollment Saturday
May 1, 2026 Enrollment deadline for matched students
Get involved in DC 2050, the District's next comprehensive plan!
In-person workshop this weekend
We'll discuss current land use policies, our place types approach for DC 2050, the District's growth needs, and possible ways we can grow. Drop in for the open house portion or join breakout room discussions.
Saturday, November 15, 11am-1pm
Office of Planning (899 North Capitol St. NE), 1st floor event space
Registration is preferred for planning purposes, but not required. To request ADA or language accommodations, please note this in the registration form. If you're unable to attend in person, look out for a self-guided online participation option - details to come.
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