The problem with neighborhood branding is that many neighborhoods are similar: They have trees. They have history. They are close-knit communities.

For that reason, the four design concepts the Office of Planning has offered for a Brookland brand could probably apply to any number of neighborhoods in D.C. (The "small town, big city" trope has in fact already been used by several).

Check out her post to see the other logo options the planning office is considering.

Court documents connected to the plea reveal new details about the harrowing event. Fields, Dayvhonne Sealy, and Akeem Cayo entered 1011 Irving Street NE through an unlocked front door. Sealy and Cay wielded hand guns, while Fields toted an assault rifle. "Once inside the house, Mr. Cayo, Mr. Sealey and the Defendant ordered eight of the victims to lay on the ground and turn over their wallets and cell phones," say papers.

Though the raiding party quickly subdued everyone downstairs, they missed those upstairs, giving two visitors to the house a chance to hide in a closet and call 911. Though the crew eventually found them and put them with the others, the cops were on their way.

"During the course of the incident, the Defendant, Mr. Cayo, and Mr. Sealey alternated the responsibility of watching the victims and searching the house. The person assigned with the duty of watching the victims generally held the assault rifle, while the other two subjects searched the house."

Fields would later tell police that they were looking for the stash of a drug dealer he called "the weed man." Police haven't given any official clues as to whether the weed man exists or who he might be.

"Approximately 15-20 minutes after they entered the house, the suspects saw officers of the Metropolitan Police Department arriving on the scene." Panic set in. The three began running around the house, peeking through windows, trying to figure out if the cops had surrounded them.

As if they were in the middle of some trite action flick, they decided to make a run for it. "The defendant hid the assault rifle in the house, and the three suspects gathered near the front door of the house. After giving a quick countdown, the three suspects opened the front door and ran out of the house."

Fields watched his colleagues get picked off. He followed Cayo down the front steps and "heard gunfire." Cayo collapsed. Fields turned to the right and followed Sealey toward the backyard. "The defendant heard more gunfire, and he dropped to the ground and surrendered himself to the police." Sealey had been fatally shot, too. Calls placed to Fields' lawyer weren't returned.

Charging documents say that Cayo exchanged gunfire with the police after bursting out the front door, implying the three were attempting to shoot their way out. Fields will be sentenced on August 1.

Photo of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located adjacent to the Catholic University of America, by Gore Fiendus (Jerry Frausto) using an Attribution 2.0 Generic Creative Commons license

Save the Newel Post!: Park View D.C. ponders a single-family home renovation that has progressed quite oddly: "According to the permits on the front it still looks like the house is intended to be a single family home with a rental in the basement. I think this is good. On the other hand, I think it’s sad, but not unexpected, that the debris pile in the back yard contains the original hardwood pocket doors, newel post, and stair railing." Commenters are also distressed by the stripping of the home's original features. One says, "It is so sad to see that stuff thrown away. It seems like our neighborhood has extremes – really good renovations that incorporate the charm of our old houses and ones that just destroy it. You wonder if these flippers really know what people want in houses today. It seems like this has the potential to be a disaster. I’m also thinking of the house on Newton across from the school which had such promise and now is looking quite fugly and is now boarded up again," while another ruminates, "I agree, that just hurts. I’ve seen so many houses in our neighborhood now with all the old baseboards, flooring, doors, walls, etc. removed and replaced with cheap junk materials. They don’t have the same craftsmanship or style. And you know that, one of these days, the whole “open floor plan” fad, where the entire downstairs has no walls, will go out of style…"

I Can Haz?: "Any suggestions/advise on what to do when you realize water is entering your basement from the bottom up? At this point its only a small puddle. I told a co-worker about this and all he said was, 'Welcome to DC,'" writes a member of the Brookland email list. But the thread title takes on the parlance of the Internet: It's entitled "Halp! Water in the basement."

Bright Ideas: One member of the Adams Morgan email list asks, "Does anyone have a place they recommend for lamp repair? I have two fairly new lamps that need repairs to the electrical wiring. I called Annapolis Lighting and they said it takes a minimum of two weeks to have a lamp repaired, even if the repair is simple. I was hoping for something more like a few days or a week at longest." But members of the list well-versed in the delicate business of soliciting a lamp repair shop offer other suggestions: "In all of DC, I think there are a total of two places. One is way up Connecticut Avenue. The other is right here in Adams Morgan, the Brass Knob. They charge an arm and a leg. They repaired a lamp of mine, and I'm fairly satisfied, except for the price which was over the top, but I needed it done. I think they are faster than Annapolis," says one. Another adds, "I have had fast, polite, and effective service at Artisan Lamps in Cleveland Park. They've repaired electrical and structural issues for me and they re-wired a lamp to add an additional bulb and a new kind of switch."

Cleveland Park, ISO: Under a thread titled "ISO Occasional Weekend Dog Walker," one member of the Cleveland Park listserv requests, "We're looking for an occasional weekend dog walker for our 70 lb black lab. Can be a neighborhood high schooler or professional. We need a visit this Saturday. Please contact me offlist." There is no mention of what "occasional" might constitute.

No Beer Here: New Columbia Heights ruminates that the empty lot at 14th and W streets NW, which is slated to be redeveloped as condos, would make an excellent beer garden: "That said, wouldn't it make an awesome place for a beer garden? You could keep the small building as the kitchen and maybe a bar, like Standard down at 14th and S, and make the rest outdoor tables and umbrellas. But unfortunately, it looks like that isn't going to happen. It's currently owned by local developer Douglas Jemal (oddly, the LLC he set up for it is called Jemal's Hookers LLC) and they're looking for retail tenants already." Commenters dissent, however; one writes, "With Bicycle Stations around the corner having moved out, it would be a great place for a bike shop. Beer garden next to a school? No thanks. That's the last thing we need," while another offers, "The perfect place for a beer garden would be 14th and Clifton (where the Duron paint store is)."

Why Choose? Ward 3 DC synthesizes the lengthy debate that has been occurring on the Tenleytown email list regarding possible streetcar alignments for upper Northwest. The armchair urban planners on the email list have argued vigorously for and against the District Department of Transportation's proposed Wisconsin Avenue NW line, and an ANC commissioner has suggested that Connecticut Avenue NW be considered instead. But as the blog points out, "Both streets had streetcar lines in previous eras (see map for post consolidation era layout). Connecticut Avenue was developed by the Chevy Chase Land Company, and the development patterns on that road were created specifically for the Streetcar. Ms. Sherman is correct that connecting downtown to Chevy Chase Circle and beyond by Streetcar is a good idea. However, this should not be done instead of Wisconsin Avenue, but in addition. Connecting Rosslyn and Georgetown to Tenleytown, Friendship Heights, and extending up to NIH and Rockville was part of a system in the 20th Century. Similarly, connecting downtown to Chevy Chase and Chevy Chase Lake and beyond via Connecticut Avenue is a good idea. There is no reason why these shouldn’t be part of the long term plans for the region." If only DDOT had access to unlimited funds and faced no opposition!

Catch Me If You'd Like: The Palisades email list is in surprisingly strong support of more oversight from speed cameras on MacArthur Boulevard NW—to catch the non-neighbors unawares. One member writes, "Where we are on MacArthur the drivers have long since memorized where the camera is.  Locals are rarely caught and as soon as they have glided past the camera they hit the accelerator.  Woe betide the dog walker crossing at that point. In my daughter's neighborhood in Baltimore, and others around it, they use a  moveable camera installation.  No car.  It's some sort of a box on a concrete  pad, and it can be transported from neighborhood to neighborhood without  notice.  Seems to work well indeed." Other list members rally; one writes, "A movable speed camera! Now, that is a terrific idea! Can we get it implemented here on this avenue that has become a freeway?" while another suggests something similar might also have a place on Arizona Avenue NW.

Brookland, ISO: A member of the Brookland email list asks, "Does anyone know where I can rent an IBM typewriter for one day?  Alternatively, I have an old one that needs some work." At present, a response has yet to be elicited from the electronic, web-based group.

The Adams Morgan Bogeyman Succeeded: Unsurprisingly, ANC 2B voted against the liquor license application for a restaurant in the old post office building on 14th and T streets NW. Borderstan reports that a large mix of supporters and opponents turned out to the meeting, and that "the now famous fliers distributed on Tuesday — warning that T Street was going to become like Adams Morgan — were the work of the partner of the ANC Commissioner for Single Member District 2B09, Ramon Estrada. Roughly half the attendees left the meeting room after the presentation." One ANC 2B  commissioner comments on the post, writing "As one of the Commissioners that voted to support the protest, I appreciate this fair write up of the meeting last night. My vote was not because I object to this project; I think it is a great opportunity and will ultimately be successful. Rather, because of the location next to an apartment building. These residents deserve an opportunity to have issues such as noise and parking address. The VA process will allow this. The application actually does a great job adhering to our new public space guidelines, so that will likely not be controversial."

If You Can't Run With the Big Dogs: Penn Quarter Living writes about the challenges of small gun owners in D.C. (who go elsewhere—to Virginia—to play with their toys): "We know we’re in the minority as a shooter with our one complaint about these ranges, but here it goes:  as a person shooting a 22 rifle it can be a little distracting to stand next to people firing 50 caliber BMG’s, shotguns, and other high powered firearms.  We’re not suggesting these popular guns shouldn’t be allowed, but do wish there were a better way of assigning booths by caliber of firearm, rather than the seemingly random way they do now.  You can come out of the ranges feeling shell shocked after standing next to a shooter packing the same firepower as your average Call of Duty character." One commenter continues the gun chat, writing "Anything higher and a 22 is just friggin loud. Regarding carry across lines, as I remember, your purpose has to be for legit reasons like practice or sport. And logically it has to be unloaded, but if you took a DC approved firearms class this would have been covered. Other places don’t have the same hangups as DC does about guns, so the MD friends who introduced us to shooting, while we were vacationing in VA, had us drive over to WV to a free range. That’s about 3 states there. Anyway, when we got to the open air range in WV there was a guy there with a banana clipped gun and a pistol. Whenever he shot off that AK-47 looking thing I ducked, even though I was behind him. Scary, friggin, loud. Then I was given ear protection and all was well."

Performing for Parking: In response to a Greater Greater Washington post about performance parking and Circulator fares proposed by Councilmember Tommy Wells, his constituents in ANC 6A are highly supportive—and have a few more suggestions to add. On the ANC's email list, one member writes, "I would also like to see something done to residents that have 2, 3 and 4 vehicles and trying to park them all on the same one-way street taking parking spaces from other residents. You can only drive 1 vehicle at a time so they shouldn't be allowed to park all of them on their street. Also, something needs to be done with the folks who doesn't have a residential parking sticker or a visitor parking pass and on the 1500 Block of Queen Street NE, more people are parking and leaving their vehicles because they know they are not getting a ticket." Another adds, "The 2001 H Street Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan group was the first in the city to suggest graduated rates for parking permit fees. Since the spaces are worth a couple thousand dollars/year, it seems reasonable to charge more.  Toronto charges from $18-$50/month + tax. I've been writing about this for 5-6 years. This is one of the many subsidies of automobile use that most motor vehicle owners take for granted and believe is an entitlement—and then turn around and complain about 'subsidies' to transit and other forms of mobility."

No Longer Angry Birds: One member of the Brookland email list inquires, "Over the past week we have found several dead birds in our yard. Is anyone else encountering an excessive amount of dead birds?" They're not alone: Another adds, "I have recently seen a few dead birds around the neighborhood lately. Hopefully 5 years from now we won't find out that the air and water that we (along with the birds) breathe and drink is actually poisonous and toxic, not sure if you remember last year when hundreds of dead birds were found out West somewhere. The issue certainly deserves some research."

We Won't Go: JDLand continues with diligent updates on Near Southeast's fight to stay in Ward 6. A band of concerned residents has been laying it on thick, asking elected officials to leave them out of the redistricting process. From JDLand's extensive coverage: "...The ANC quickly voted unanimously to support the resolution to keep all of 6D in Ward 6. Near Southeast commissioner David Garber has been tweeting his visit to the Wilson Building today to deliver the resolution and a 200-plus-signature petition, saying that Jim Graham told him that Near Southeast is 'not in play' and that Mary Cheh's office assured him that 'she supports keeping Near Southeast in Ward 6.' (Cheh had made this known last week, when she told Tommy Wells to make the calls from concerned Near Southeast residents stop.)"

Angry Neighbors: A screed on The Hill is Home entitled "Don't Call My Neighborhood Ghetto!" has inspired fits of comments on just how visitors to Capitol Hill should be treated. The post details an encounter with a rude visitor with Maryland license plates (in a BMW, no less), and though commenters agree that "ghetto" shouldn't be used to describe Capitol Hill, there is dissent on the behavior of the author of the post. One commenter says, "This writing is tinged with the very resentment that is poisoning parts of Capitol Hill. The neighborhood is changing and screaming out of your window at drunk idiots in BMWs isn’t going to solve anything. Everyone on the Hill seems to have earned a masters degree in complaining but failed their course on problem solving. Rather than airing your displeasure and chastizing someone for using the word ghetto, perhaps youshould be happy that the girl was leaving the neighborhood rather than coming home to the neighborhood. It was rude of her to say, but I really don’t see the point in writing about it. It accomplishes nothing and just makes you sound, well, angry."

An Englishman in LeDroit Park, Update: Left for LeDroit covers Prince Charles' visit to the neighborhood with a slideshow of photographs. The prince appeared to enjoy himself.

Brookland, ISO: "I'm trying to find three white mens' lab coats (L or XL), preferably used. Anyone have any suggestions for where I might find them? I've just checked out five different large thrift stores and didn't find any," writes one member of the Brookland email list. Another has an almost, but not quite, useful suggestion: "Try the Thrift Store on South Dakota Ave NE..near the NY Ave ramp....i took a white lab coat there on Saturday (5/7)...the size, I believe, was XL." (Word to the wise: When Washington City Paper bought lab coats for a video, we found some at Jimmie Muscatello's Uniform Center on Rhode Island Avenue NE.)

#four26dc: Happy voting to those who head out to the polls and cast a ballot for the At-Large D.C. Council election today. Bryan Weaver, who snagged the City Paper endorsement, also has the favor of at least one local blog. New Columbia Heights is "leaning Weaver," describing him as "an energetic, involved [former] ANC commissioner who gave Jim Graham a good run in the last election." Commenters on the blog are presently split between Weaver and lone Republican Patrick Mara, whom one prefers because "Weaver doesn't have the people skills for the job...I ran into Mara on the street and he asked questions gallore."

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: People's District profiles Kent Boese, whose meticulous and extensive Park View D.C. blog is a excellent community resource. On why he's insistent that Park View be acknowledged as the distinct neighborhood that it is, Boese has this to say: “Park View is a smaller neighborhood that, unfortunately, tends to get misrepresented or lost  a lot. I have a tendency to go off on this, but we are not Petworth or Columbia Heights or Pleasant Plains. We are our own neighborhood with our own history. I recognize that it is a little thing that may not matter to most people, but we are all defined by where we live. We live in Park View. The good and bad that happens here, occurs in Park View and not Petworth or Columbia Heights or Pleasant Plains. Because of this identity issue, our community has two choices. We can fight for our identity and make sure that others are aware of who we are. Or, we can give up and let this place get carved up by the surrounding neighborhoods. I think that it is important to fight to preserve our history and identity."

How Does Your Garden Grow?: "We have 6-7 plastic grocery bags with large clumps of Shasta Daisies ready to be planted — they have been "over-thriving" in our southern exposure yard. Ready to be placed in the ground," offers a member of the Burleith email list. Fortunately, Burleith is far enough removed from Cleveland Park that the lilac thief probably won't make a sojourn to snatch those Shastas.

Dog Problems: For those seeking gourmet cat food, a Tenleytown email list member has the hookup: "my incredibly picky cat's loss is your cat's gain... variety of brands from basic – MeowMix, Giant to high end – Newman's Own, Blue Buffalo, Iams... all purchased within the last couple months." But if one is of the canine persuasian, the Brookland email list has something for you, too: "We have a 42 inch round dog bed from Costco that has never been used, free for the taking. Tan color, cedar filled."

For the Birds, III: Last week in Brookland, it was hummingbirds. This week, the neighborhood email list is chattering about robins—and, more specifically, how to kindly relocate them, without displacing them entirely. (Perhaps a metaphor for D.C.'s demographic growing pains can be found amongst its fauna.) Writes one member, "So, we had two robin families nest in our yard last year. They were a joy to watch. This year, they have decided to nest directly outside our french doors going onto the deck on top of flood lights. It's just a lousy place for them and I fear that they will get quite edgy once the eggs are there with all the in and out from the door. I've already pulled the hay down once, but it's back again. Any nice way to make that spot not so attractive to them? Would hate for them to go away completely, but it's just the worst spot for them and us." Insofar, neighbors only have words of support: "We had a similar siuation with birds nesting in our porch at the tops of brick columns. 'Cute' was our initial reaction, too, until the poop started dripping down the columns... : ( It was really hard to clean off, too."

All Clear for Capitalism: JDLand reports that the Historic Preservation Review Board has recommended that the Market Deli in Near Southeast not be designated historic by the board, or by the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination of the building, aided by ANC 6D07 commissioner David Garber, was not favorably received by the neighborhood, and commenters have cheered the HPRB's decision. One snarks, "So....anyone have any guesses or rumors as to which 'landmark' will be next in line to try and be saved? Will it be the former theater (taxi repair shop on Half St) or the transfer station/stacks?" More congratulatory is another, who says, "Well this is a pleasant surprise. I thought there was a good chance that HPRB was going to support the designation based on some past decisions (ie the old, dilapidated wood shack in perpetual existence at 12th & E SE – sorry I mean 'shotgun' house). Thank goodness the Capitol Hill Restoration Society has no interest in our neighborhood." And, finally: "I fully support the destruction of the Market Deli to advance the bottom line of real estate and surrounding property value."

Beware the Umbrellas: A thread on the Palisades email list is rife with warnings of a potential door-to-door scam. Writes one member, "I had 2 young women soliciting saying they were from UVA doing a communications gig and turns out it is magazines they are selling. Very pushy. They don't want you to buy magazines for them but for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed. Very suspect." Another describes potential tactics of the alleged scammers, adding, "Same here – the two guys who came to my door claimed they'd send the magazines to Veterans' hospitals and gave me a grimy list of hospitals. Set off my suspicions too. They also asked for an umbrella – the police officer who attended later said he'd seen around five people gathered together nearby, whom he thought responsible for the door knocking, all already had umbrellas – he thought the request for an umbrella was simply to get the front door open further to check out the place."

Cleveland Park Problems: Writes one member of the Cleveland Park email list, "Our water has had a smell like burning plastic since yesterday. It is removed by our Brita filter, but still worrisome. Is anyone else experiencing this?" Another adds, "Yes, we smell it too. Our showers stink." No answer to this mystery has been established.

Bon Voyage, Burro: FoBoBlo reports that The Burro, Foggy Bottom's only non-chain Mexican restaurant, will be closing its doors today. Apparently, "a handwritten sign posted on their door makes the sad announcement.  I spoke with the cashier inside, who told me that once they’re gone, the place will be empty. He cited too much competition and changes to GWU food services as reasons why they’re calling it quits." Given the dead zone of quick, affordable, but still enjoyable restaurants in Foggy Bottom, it's hard to blame the commenter who writes, "i’m heart-broken. incolsolable."

Weed 'Em Out: "What I’ve learned since having my own yard to tend to is that April showers bring a massive invasion of weeds that can grow as tall as me in the blink of an eye.  And in front of each of our houses, at the edge of the sidewalk, is a lovely box of dirt that, while on city property, is the homeowner’s responsibility to care for.  Meaning you need to tame those unruly weeds.  So do you do it?" asks the Hill is Home. A poll reveals that most Hill dwellers are apathetic toward their tree boxes, but feel a deep sense of responsibility stemming from them nonetheless. Currently, about 39% of those polled say, "I don't love it, but it needs to be done."

Multibottle Graveyard: A commenter on New Columbia Heights has suggested formal rules to create a "street booze" game, following up on the blog's tendency to post shots of empty liquor and beer bottles. As follows: "My roommates and I have started a game that you can play while commuting to/from the CH metro: 1 point for every street booze-related mixer or insinuating drinking (arizona tall boy fruit punch cans, black liquor bags, etc), 2 points for beer(40's, cans, bottles, 30 rack boxes, bottle caps, etc), 3 points for liquor (plastic vodka bottles, occasional patron bottle), and 4 points for witnessing someone in the act of street boozing, not on private property. So far I've gotten up to 14 points in 3 blocks. Try to beat me!" One commenter suggests, "anyone who walks on the north side of Harvard Street, 700 Block, automatically will win. it's a real multibottle graveyard in front of one of the houses. fancy, expensive booze too!" But remember, the real winners are the ones that actually pick up and properly dispose of the trash.

Brookland, ISO: On the Brookland Kids email list, a parent is "ISO wallet friendly puppeteer." The query, in detail, says: "A friend of mine has a soon to be 5 year old girl with a budding interest in puppet shows.  Friend wanted to hire puppeteer for birthday party but the $300 pricetag she's encountered so far is not leaving her with a smile. Does anyone know of puppet people who have lower prices? She is open to amateurs, high school/college student, etc. as long as they are entertaining enough for the kiddies."

For the Birds, II: Brookland is all about bird-watching these days. After a discussion over the weekend on what plants might best attract hummingbirds, a member of the neighborhood email list notes, "We have a bunch of brown headed cowbirds in our backyard. This is the first time we have had them." Brown-headed cowbirds are unremarkable-looking (despite their very silly name), but according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they're quite the moochers: "Females forgo building nests and instead put all their energy into producing eggs, sometimes more than three dozen a summer. These they lay in the nests of other birds, abandoning their young to foster parents, usually at the expense of at least some of the host’s own chicks." That's not very neighborly.

Public Service Announcement: New Columbia Heights reminds readers that Columbia Heights' newest (and perhaps only) sports bar, Lou's City Bar, didn't actually replace Commonwealth Gastropub. The most notable dish at Jamie Leeds'—of Hank's Oyster Bar fame—restaurant seemed to be the Scotch eggs; inevitably, New Columbia Heights' post has tipped off a wishlist from commenters of what they'd like to see in the neighborhood. Two suggestions include "a Kebab/Mediterranean joint like the ones they have in Adams Morgan. On a day when I don't feel like making the trek– a Shwarma King or Astor Mediterranean close by would be heaven" and "a cupcake joint with a liquor license."

In Brightwood, Business is Booming: There's been lots of movement on and nearby upper Georgia Avenue recently. Last week, The Brightwoodian noted that Baltimore-based Red Tree would be opening a D.C. shop, Trohv. Over the the past week, Washington Deli has had its soft opening and should move to regular hours soon. There's a general consensus that Washington Deli's pizza and subs—which include vegan options—will be good for the neighborhood. Writes one commenter, "SO GLAD they've finally opened! I've been a fan of their vegan sandwiches and slices at the downtown location for some time–nice to have them in the neighborhood!" A new Brightwood blog, Almost Undefined, gives it a thumbs-up, too.

Best in the Business: Speaking of local businesses, there's quite an ode to Cathedral Pharmacy on the Cleveland Park email list. After Walgreen's and CVS both failed to secure a particular skin care product for a neighborhood resident, Cathedral Pharmacy was able to do so—by the next day—with little trouble. This prompted the resident to write, "The chains offer certain useful services; I do give them my business. For me, however, independents remain the leaders in what can only be referred to as good customer service when it comes to the diversity products they offer and the willingness to take the extra step for (even infrequent, such as me) customers. Our community has a few independent retailers –such as Cathedral Pharmacy– who go out of their way to serve this neighborhood. If we hope to keep them here, and to benefit from the services they offer, we need to remember that they count on us, and patronize their stores." As budgets for Main Street improvement programs get slashed, that's probably a good thing to remember.

More Like Bladensburg Parkway: Frozen Tropics reports that Denny's will open its second D.C. location at 17th Street NE and Bladensburg Road (its first is on Benning Road in Deanwood). Commenters aren't completely convinced that the chain should be welcomed with open arms. "I would only ever go to this Denny's if the Capitol City Diner was closed, like on a late weeknight. It's good to see some jobs coming to this area, but I hope it doesn't crush the existing diner, which is THE GREATEST," writes one. "Yea. Sort of conflicted by this. On one hand it's great that this area can attract a national chain, but I'm all about supporting local businesses," agrees another Capital City Diner fan. But a vocal supporter of Denny's expansion plan says, "yeah, if you're a 20something urban cool kid, this kind of sucks. but if you are a vested resident of this city interested in our economic revitalization, this is great news! people saying, oh i would rather go to the capitol city diner never say the same thing when a new bar opens. you don't have to personally go there to reap the benefits. it's more options people! it's more activity. Denny's will attract families and non- bar crowds. things like this may also help KEEP families from moving. this is amazing to see bladensburg avenue popping!" Unfortunately, in their enthusiasm for neighborhood growth, the commenter wrote Bladensburg Avenue... not Road.

For the Birds: "Has anyone had any luck with humming birds in brookland ?" writes one member of the neighborhood email list. Responses indicate that Brookland is indeed a safe space for hummingbirds, and several list members offered suggestions of the best plant to lure the speedy avians: pineapple salvia, "which has  beautiful electric green leaves and tubular red flowers, perfect for  hummingbirds" and "Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) bushes" are the most outstanding. For those seeking diversity in their fauna, another member adds, "I've had really good luck with goldfinches (black thistle seed, once I had thirteen) and  woodpeckers (suet)."

Not In My Former Grocery Store: The Tenleytown email list is discussing extensively the forthcoming closure of Superfresh. Most are upset that the neighborhood will be losing a standby for grocery shopping ("speaking with staff at SuperFresh they will be open for another 60 days - that sucks," "That is just awful! They have been a wonderful store and I have been going there since I was three now I am 45!"), but one list member advises, "lets hope another store takes over and AU doesn't change its mind about moving the law school and creates a third campus on the site."

When the Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Disappear'd: In a thread on the Cleveland Park email list titled "Lilac thief on the prowl?" a member writes, "I just looked out the window in the 3100 block of 34th Street and saw a man  walking briskly southward carrying a large bunch of lilacs. They weren't wrapped  but loose. I believe I have seen this same man in past years walking away from  the Cathedral Close bearing large branches of flowering shrubs. I am sorry if  your shrub has been stripped." It wasn't an isolated incident. Other members quickly chimed in. One said, "This is probably the same individual who comes into the Newark Street Community Garden and helps himself to everyone's peonies," while another careful observer notes: "If this man is about 60 years old, of short stature, Caucasian, and with wavy, salt-and-pepper hair, I believe I have seen him in past years helping himself to big armfuls of hydrangeas in the summer, from multiple homes. Each time I've seen him, he's walking away from the denuded bushes very quickly."

Hell No: "We came. We protested. We chanted. What started out as 2, became 3, which eventually became 10 and then multiplied into 20. Ward 7 needs a lot of things. Another liquor store is most definitely NOT one of them," writes Fairfax Village-based Life in the Village. The potential liquor store in question is Uncle Lee's Seafood, in Deanwood, which has applied for a Class A liquor license—much to the chagrin of nearby communities, who feel that there's a saturation of liquor stores in the area already.

A Time for Apathy: Last week, an open letter to Councilmember Jack Evans was circulated on the Dupont Forum email list. It addressed a potential conflict of interest between Evans' government job and private work for Patton Boggs: "...The Examiner newspaper reported on July 1, 2009 that Mr. Evans had recused himself from a key vote on the public subsidy for the convention center hotel because his law firm, Patton Boggs, represents Marriott. This, of course, is the law firm from which Mr. Evans has received $240,000 annually as compensation for unspecified services for the last several years..." Though one list member was disappointed the posting didn't generate much discussion—"I'm surprised this post didn't garner any comments, because this looks bigger than the rest of the city scandals put together. It's certainly bigger in what it costs the taxpayers by more than a hundred-fold"—another noted, "you should not be too surprised...we're all just kind of fed up with the some of the current crop of elected officials and actions they have taken in their own self-interest at the expense of taxpayers. Sad."

Desperately Seeking: The Brookland email list is deep in discussion of the proposed taxi medallion legislation, which would require licensed cabs to buy a pricey medallion to be licensed. A member of the list claims to be a taxi driver and dispatcher and insists that the legislation, while flawed, is a good thing because "Currently, there are 8,250 licenced vehicles. That is too many. You can see the swarms of cabs in certain areas at certain times." However, other list members don't feel that that's the case: "If there are too many taxis, why is it so hard to get one to respond to a call to pick up at home? What is the best solution to getting enough coverage for underserved areas that don't have enough street-hailing business for taxis to be cruising around?"

Pick It Up! Park View D.C. and nearby neighbors are fed up with the amount of trash in their streets. Writes Park View D.C., "I’ve long been mystified by the amount of clamshell food containers, empty liquor bottles, and general trash that can be found on our neighborhood’s streets. Often times you can find a crack bag or empty condom wrapper in the parkway in front of an otherwise well maintained row of homes." A vivid description, no? A new blog, The Park View Beautification Crew, has sprung up to address the problem.

Hug a Grad Student Today: Of much discussion on the Brookland email list has been what to do with the Colonel Brooks Tavern, a neighborhood institution that some feel should stay, and some feel should go. While the conversation began with whether or not the structure should be designated historic—thus preventing the construction of a new mixed-use development on the same site—it's now moved into even more onerous territory: Whether or not the new development could turn into a ghetto of Catholic University students. Brookland residents have been duking out an argument more typically found in Georgetown or Tenleytown. One participant reminds anti-student campaigners that all are not of the same stripe: "I'm continually frustrated by this group's readiness to lump 'CUA students' under one banner. I'm a graduate student in the final stages of my doctoral degree, and my life could not be more different than the lives of the undergraduates that I teach! Grad students are NOT undergrads!"

I See London: A Tenleytown emailer asks, "We've been considering putting up a clothesline in our backyard and hanging clothes to dry there. However, we've literally never seen any hanging clothes in any AU Park back yards. Is there any rule against it?" There was surprisingly little NIMBYism in response, with several people encouraging the use of clotheslines. Wrote one individual, "The only problem I have had is my son expressing his displeasure of me hanging up his underwear for all to see (usually I hang the lingerie in the basement on drying racks.  I don't know what I was doing on that day)."

Forums for Everyone: There are a bevy of candidate forums coming up in the next few weeks as the April 26 election for the at-large D.C. Council seat approaches. Borderstan's got details on tonight's, at Church of the Holy City at 16th and Corcoran NW, which will be moderated by their contributor Tom Hay; 14th & You has some additional commentary. And, from Congress Heights on the Rise are details on April 2's forum on youth issues, sponsored by YouthPAC and DC Students Speak. A "non-political" profile of candidate Bryan Weaver, who will be in attendance at both forums, can be found on Borderstan.

Where Are You, Strasburg? The Hill is Home waxes poetic on America's pastime, as specific to D.C.: "What you’ve heard is true. I’m in love with a loser. In the spring he comes along and promises me a season filled with food, drinks and fun, but by September our relationship has soured—I’m sad and frustrated, but still the supportive optimist. Yep, I’m one a few thousand Nats fans." The season opener is March 31, but dedicated fans will likely be at NatsFest, the team's fan appreciation event, tomorrow evening.

After the proceeding, a court worker explained to an assembled group of Fields' friends and family that the suspect had been wondering who had shown up for his preliminary hearing for a crime where the Gaithersburg resident stands accused of breaking into a Brookland residence of six Catholic University students last month. That incident resulted in a shootout with police that left two alleged cohorts dead on Irving Street NE. An aunt made a list for the court worker to take back to her nephew. It was long: Fields' people had filled two rows.

The defendant likely needed the moral support. Judge Kimberly Knowles had just informed him that he wouldn't be moving out of the sometimes chaotic D.C. Jail.

On Feb. 13, prosecutors and police say that Fields, Davon Sealy, and Akeem Jamaal Cavo burst into the off-campus house and pointed guns at the occupants and their friends, ordering them to the floor. After a 911 call was placed, the three suspects were surrounded by Metropolitan Police Department officers. Sealy and Cavo were shot and killed by police during their attempt to escape. Fields was captured. He told cops he and his group had charged into the house looking to rob the "Weedman." It remains unclear whether the occupants of the house were linked to any drug activity.

Fields' lawyer, James Whitehead, argued that his client only had "a minimal criminal history" and that he should be transferred to the District's medium-security Correctional Treatment Facility, where he could more easily accommodate visitors. But the judge said that facility had "limited spots" so Fields will remain at the D.C. Jail.

Messages to Whitehead weren't returned. The case is scheduled to resume April 7.

Photo by walknboston via Flickr/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

Passion Play: The National Museum of Crime and Punishment has drawn the ire of Hollaback DC, which says the museum's "Crimes of Passion" exhibit mocks domestic violence victims. Attendees of the exhibit are handcuffed to their partners as they tour the museum; a few special posters accompany existing exhibits showcasing dashing romantics like Bonnie and Clyde and St. Valentine. Although the museum's website now has information on domestic violence, Hollaback DC, which shines a light on street harassment, isn't mollified. The blog would prefer that the exhibit not return next year. -2

Pay to Play: Former Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson was indicted on extortion, bribery, and conspiracy charges. Alleged shady dealings between Johnson and a slew of unnamed political players resulted in a county housing department that aggressively exercised its power and legislation that favored developers. While it's not a pretty picture, Johnson's indictment sets the stage for current County Executive Rushern Baker to pursue his goal of a corruption-free Prince George's. +1

Deadly Play:  A burglary in Brookland turned deadly early this morning. Fifth District police officers arrived on the scene and confirmed that a break-in was in process. When the suspects exited the home, they opened fire on the officers surrounding it. One suspect was killed and the other was severely injured; a third suspect is in police custody. The suspects are thought to be connected to other home invasions in the neighborhood. -3

Petal Play: And now, for some lighthearted news: The azaleas are saved! This spring could have been the last for the National Arboretum's Azalea Hill, which ran out of funding (attending to the blooms costs around $110,000 a year). The plants themselves were on the chopping block. Fortunately, a $1 million private donation to the Friends of the National Arboretum has saved the azaleas for years to come. +3

Yesterday's Needle rating: 51 Today's score: -1 Today's Needle rating: 50