Barbara recently left her beloved high-rise Van Ness apartment after more than four decades, but through her writings, she has left us with a wealth of information on rent control (really, DC's rent-stabilization program), issues including mold in apartments and security deposits, and renters' rights. 

Our apartments coverage continues. We've heard a great deal in the past few months about increases in police calls from some of the local high-rises, to the point where MPD referred three of them to the Office of the Attorney General's nuisance properties division for possible penalties. The tenants association at one of those buildings says management is ignoring structural problems, too. Safety and sanitation concerns led Connecticut House residents to form a tenants association.

And we wonder: How widespread are these issues? How do renters, who are the majority of DC residents, feel about their landlords and their residences? 

We have launched this survey so you can tell us all about your high-rise life. We hope to hear from renters in all eight wards.

DC Attorney General Karl Racine has taken on renters' rights issues during his two terms in office. His successor will, too. A former attorney in the OAG's office tells us why the upcoming primary and general elections matter.

This month, ten years ago, a group of your neighbors launched this newsmagazine to chronicle neighborhood happenings, history and people. We have had the most amazing time getting to know this place, and all of you, a little better.

On Saturday, April 23rd, we will be celebrating the occasion at two of our neighborhood favorite spots, and we hope you will join us. 

You'll find the details here, but in short: 

• At 4 p.m., we'll be touring the Broad Branch Stream daylighting project. 
• From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., come to a pizza party in Comet Ping Pong's parking lot tent (and please register here - space is limited).
• And at 8:30 p.m., FHC co-founder Marlene Berlin will lead us on a listening tour of the Linnean and Broad Branch frog ponds. 

We have been grateful for your support over the years, starting in 2012 as a project of the Forest Hills Neighborhood Alliance, and since early 2021, as an editorially-independent program of Van Ness Main Street. 

ANC 3F meets Tuesday, April 19th, on an agenda that includes a Soapstone sewer project update from DC Water, and news on two brand new eateries seeking support in their quest for licenses and permits.

On Saturday, April 23rd, DDOT is hosting a public meeting on the Van Ness Commercial Corridor Project, which includes stormwater control, traffic safety, and aesthetic improvements to the streetscape. DDOT will be outside the UDC Student Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to present its conceptual plan and get community feedback. 

Saturday, May 7th is Van Ness Main Street's first-ever spring pop-up market, featuring around 40 Made in DC artists and artisans. 

Also on our community calendar: Help plant pollinator-friendly flowers along Connecticut Avenue this weekend. Plus: Attend Van Ness Main Street's annual meeting on May 6th. Twice-monthly milling demonstrations resume at Peirce Mill. And from UDC's jazz program on April 25th, a tribute concert for the late educator and bandleader Howard “Kingfish” Franklin, Jr.