The Ward 5 Report Dear Resident, Over three years ago I had the distinct honor and pleasure of beginning my role as Councilmember in service to you. At my side then was one of the most respected women in Ward 5, Jeannette Mobley. Jeannette, who now serves as my Chief of Staff, promised me a year, or maybe two, just long enough for me to "get my feet wet." Now the time has come, and Jeannette has decided to retire. Though Jeannette certainly can never be replaced, I am confident my staff will do its best to continue the work that Jeannette has started. In the meantime, I would like to invite you to bid a fond farewell to Jeannette this Friday, July 31, 6:30 pm at Busboys and Poets 625 Monroe St., NE. Legislative & Committee UpdatesPublic Roundtable on "The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Final Report"On Tuesday, July 14, the Committee on the Judiciary held a public roundtable to consider the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing Final Report. The roundtable included a robust discussion of best practices and policy recommendations for improving policing and promoting crime reduction while building public trust. Councilmember McDuffie will continue the discussion with residents at his Public Safety Summit on July 30 at 1100 Florida Ave, NE, New Samaritan Baptist Church. Please come to discuss your concerns regarding crime and other public safety related issues. Synthetic DrugsSynthetic drugs are becoming increasingly prevalent in the District, and in recent weeks, have resulted in a large number of overdoses. This type of drug is often referred to as “synthetic marijuana,” but in reality, it more closely resembles a hallucinogen. The effects are perilous, not only to the user, but to the surrounding community as well. This is due to the unpredictable and dangerous behavior one may exhibit when high on synthetics. The existing law was not keeping up with the drugs’ changing composition, and it was not adequately penalizing those who sold it. The recently enacted Sale of Synthetic Drugs Emergency Amendment Act of 2015 goes after those who would endanger our residents by enabling the District government to suspend or revoke the business license of any business engaged in the buying or selling of a synthetic drug. To this end, MPD is also now authorized to shut down any such business for up to 96 hours for investigation. Councilmember McDuffie will continue to work with Mayor Bowser, Attorney General Racine, the US Attorney’s Office, MPD, and importantly, all of the agencies in the Human Services cluster, to put an end to the use of synthetic drugs. Protecting Air QualityWard 5 is home to a significant number of auto body paint spray booths. These businesses, in numerous instances, operate without the proper buffers, and given their proximity to residences, negatively impact the quality of air, water and soil for many residents. On Tuesday, June 30, Councilmember McDuffie moved emergency legislation to place a moratorium on the issuance of construction, operation and renewal permits for auto paint spray booths. The measure will go into effect immediately and provide much needed relief while the permanent version of this bill makes its way through the legislative process. In addition to submitting letters and testifying in opposition to the issuance of paint spray booth permits, the Councilmember has authored two bills to hold producers of air toxins accountable. The “Air Quality Amendment Act of 2014” improves the District’s response to air quality complaints, develops criteria for determining when emissions interfere with residents’ quality of life, and raises penalties for violations. The “Solid Waste Facility Permit Amendment Act of 2014,” requires the District Department of the Environment and Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs to conduct quarterly inspections of each solid waste facility and ensures that the facilities close at 7:00 PM (3 hours earlier than before). Expanding Language Access On Wednesday, July 1, the Committee on the Judiciary held a joint hearing with the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Education on Bill 21-0066, the “Language Access for Education Amendment Act of 2015”. The bill would expand the Language Access Act by requiring the District government to provide training for staff, teachers, and counselors; have at least one English as a Second Language certified member on staff at a school if the percentage of English language learners is ten percent or higher; require that covered agencies designate an employee whose primary role is language access coordinator; and provide relief for violations. The bill would ensure that limited or non-English proficient District residents have improved access to city services and documents. Fire Chief and Administrative Chief Judge NominationsOn Wednesday, July 1, the Judiciary Committee voted to send seven confirmation resolutions to the full Council. Of note, the Committee recommended confirmation of Gregory Dean as the new Chief of the Fire and Emergency Services Department and Eugene Adams as the new Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings. All of the nominees were confirmed unanimously by the Council on July 14. Considering Elections and Government EthicsOn Wednesday, July 8, the Committee on the Judiciary held a public hearing on Bill 21-0028, the "Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015", Bill 21-0124, the "Ethics Reform Amendment Act of 2015", and Bill 21-0250, the "Comprehensive Code of Conduct of the District of Columbia Establishment and BEGA Amendment Act of 2015". The first bill would allow lawful permanent residents to vote in local District elections, and the latter two would make a number of changes to the District’s government ethics laws. Announcements from the D.C. GovernmentDC Free Summer Meals ProgramFrom June through August, DC Kids and Teens under 18 years of age can eat free. Several sites across the city will serve meals including schools, churches, and community organizations. Sites in Ward 5 are: Arboretum Community Center, Brentwood Rec. Center, Edgewood Rec. Center, Harry Thomas Rec. Center, Joseph Cole Rec. Center, Lamond Riggs Neighborhood Library, Langdon Park Rec. Center, North Michigan Park Rec. Center, Trinidad Rec. Center, Turkey Thicket Rec. Center. For additional information, please call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or text FOOD to 877-877. You can also visit www.dcsummermeals.dc.gov. DDOE's RiverSmart Homes ProgramThe District Department of Environment’s RiverSmart Homes program offers various services for homeowners to reduce storm water pollution entering D.C.’s local streams and waterways. Not only will these RiverSmart Home installations help homeowners reduce levels of storm water pollution from local waterways but they will also beautify their properties. As a homeowner, installing any of the services such as rain barrels, shade trees, rain gardens, pervious pavers, and BayScaping will add beauty to your landscape, reduce water related maintenance, and save money on heating and cooling bills. As a DC resident, take advantage of these available incentive programs and help make the District a more environmentally friendly city! For more information on how to sign up, please call (202) 535-2252 or visit http://ddoe.dc.gov/node/18652. Bridging the Gap: High School to CollegeThe District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will be hosting a series of workshops that will cover topics students may face in their first year of college. Topics include: Establishing an Academic Routine for Success, Campus Support Services, Student and Wellness, and Understanding Financial Aid. For a list of locations and to register, please call 202-481-3485 or visit http://osse.dc.gov/page/summer-transition-program. Kenyan in the Community
On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Councilmember McDuffie joined Mayor Bowser for the announcement of the first-ever AlleyPalooza to improve 64 alleys across the city in just two months. You can stay up to speed by checking out the following map or by calling the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) at 202-673-6813. 
Councilmember McDuffie was named Father of the Year by the 100 Fathers Inc. Community Bulletin Board
THE BEACH: Ward 5 Day at the National Building MuseumCouncilmember McDuffie invites the Ward 5 Community to the National Building Museum for its popular Summer Block Party. This summer, the Museum is partnering with Snarkitecture, a Brooklyn-based design firm, to bring the beach indoors. Ward 5 residents can visit this exhibit for free admission on August 11, 2015 from 9am-11am. The National Building Museum is located at 401 F St NW. Please bring a copy of your ID to confirm your address. For additional questions, please call 202-724-8028. National Night OutThe Metropolitan Police Department's 5th District presents National Night Out 2015. This event focuses on Police and Community Partnerships and will be held on August 4, 2015 from 6pm-9pm. This year's location is Starburst Plaza - Bladensburg Road NE at Benning Road NE and Maryland Avenue NE. For more information, please call Fayette Vaughn- Lee, MPD 5D Office of Community Outreach at 202-497-0814. Stay Connected For more information, please visit http://www.kenyanmcduffie.com or contact our office at (202) 724-8028. Follow Councilmember McDuffie at twitter.com/CM_McDuffie and/or facebook.com/KenyanRMcDuffie. | 
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