Tips for reducing the risk of assaults

Four new businesses open or opening in Adams Morgan

Day of the Dead Celebrations at El Tamarindo and Casa Oaxaca

Decorative lights are still available

Notice of public hearing on ABRA Civil Penalty Schedule - October 31

ANC1C sponsored recycling day - Nov. 3

Save the Date - Nov. 29 - Securing Access to Capital Workshop

Tips for reducing the risk of assaults

Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier recently held a forum on security and crime prevention where she discussed a recent increase in reported sexual assaults across the District of Columbia. This is becoming a problem especially for young women in their early 20s.

Representatives from area colleges mentioned that students are reporting sexual assaults the day after going out in DC.  The students are sometimes afraid to call the police because they have also used illegal drugs and they are worried about being prosecuted. The rape advocates, sexual victim MPD detectives & the Chief of Police said that is NOT true, they are only interested in going after the sexual offenders.

The other theme at the forum was the installation of CCTV.  Businesses with a nightclub license in DC are required to have them. FBI agents present at the meeting and representatives from insurance companies said CCTV is the very best way for a owner to protect themselves against negligence.

Many of our businesses have CCTV, however the notion that the video could lead to getting a business in trouble is false. The cameras are now seen as a way to protect the business owners.

Here is a list of tips to reduce the likeihood of sexual assaults occuring:

1) Establishment personnel should offer to call a taxi for a vulnerable or impaired person or otherwise watch as patrons leave to see if they seem to be able to navigate safely. Security personnel at the door or maintaining order outside are well positions ed should observe when patrons leave. Note that predators may seek to get victims drunk or drugged, encourage them to get some air, and then pull up in a car or hail a cab and take them away.

2) If establishment personnel sense that something is awry when a patron leaves with a person suspected of being a potential predator, they should make it clear that they have noted the departure, communicating the fact that the potential predator has been seen and the situation noted. For example, commenting on an item of clothing, or asking if they need any help getting a cab. If possible, it would be a good idea to take note of the circumstances, the description of the parties, or any other information that could become relevant at a later time.

3) For prevention of assaults on the premises, maintain CCTV outside restroom doors and consider employing a restroom attendant. Ensure that restrooms are used by the appropriate gender. Consider camera placement that captures patrons leaving the establishment. Monitor the cameras throughout the nights and near closing time. Ensure that storage areas and other restricted areas are kept locked and secured. Closed dark areas represent a potential danger.

4) Support staff, including porters, bar backs, bus boys, and kitchen staff should receive sexual assault training that will help them be aware of patron behavior and possible dangers of sexual assault, especially as these employees work in or pass through areas which are dark or restricted. As part of their training, they should be instructed to immediately report any suspicious or problematic behavior to a supervisor or manager.

5) Perhaps most important, management and employees should trust their instincts regarding possible predatory behavior they may observe. If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. Again, if possible, it would be a good idea to take notes of the observation, for later reference if needed.

If an assault occurs in the restrooms, immediately restrict access to the bathroom and don't have trash receptacles or other items removed or disturbed.

Four new businesses open or opening in Adams Morgan!

Super Cleaners Dry Cleaners is now open at 2206 18th Street, NW
Farms pr. Mr. Jung, Mr. Kim and Janet Kim are available to help you with all your garment needs at 202-332-0465.

The Press, dry cleaner and laundry, is now open in the former Urban Sustainable space at 1787 Columbia Road, NW. From their website it looks like they have another location on Capitol Hill and will do dry cleaning, laundry, shoe repair, sewing and alterations. Their phone number will be: (202) 939-2777 and the hours: Mon-Thu 7 am - 8 pm, Fri 7 am - 7 pm,Sat 8 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 4 pm www.thepressdc.com

Maga Design Group has announced they will be moving into the former Design Within Reach building at 1838 Columbia Road, NW. http://magadesign.com/

Cafe Arte will be opening this weekend in the lower level of 1824 Columbia Rd, NW where Pitazzi used to be. They are having an open house at 7:30 pm on Saturday October 20th. Stop by and welcome them to Adams Morgan!

http://cafeartedc.com

Day of the Dead celebrations at El Tamarindo and Casa Oaxaca!

For centuries, Mexico has celebrated Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It is a celebration honoring the lives of those who have passed from this world. Family and friends gather at cemeteries and decorate altars with flowers, portraits and "ofrendas" that once brought joy to the lives of their deceased.

El Tamarindo invites families to join them for a festive night of arts and crafts honoring Dia de Los Muertos. Enjoy traditional treats, sugar skull decorating, skeleton mask making and other fun activities for kids (ages 5-13).

When: October 29, 2012 @ 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: El Tamarindo
1785 Florida Ave. NW Washington DC 20009
Spaces are limited so please call or e-mail your reservation.
202.328.3660
ana@eltamarindodc.com

Casa Oaxaca at 2106 18th Street, NW invites you to Celebrate life on November 2nd! http://www.oaxacaindc.com/

From October 27th to November 2th join Casa Oaxaca and experience the most celebrated and nationalized holiday throughout Mexico: Dia de Los Muertos.

Celebrated by the Aztecs (Mexico City), Purepechas (Michoacan), Zapotecs (Oaxaca), Mayans (Yucatan) and every ancient culture in Mexico, El Día de los Muertos is a festivity that treasures the memories we share with our loved ones who have passed. This holiday was adapted by the Catholic Spaniards who, amazed and bewildered by the ritual, tried to eradicate it. “Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.”

We'll live this day as it is done in Oaxaca, come see the Altar de Muertos while you enjoy our unique selection of Moles: Coloradito, Amarillito, Blanco, Verde, Poblano and Negro. Also, special features include Pumpkin Spice Enchiladas, Pumpkin Latte with Mezcal and our new selection of Fall Cocktails.

Don't miss the chance to enjoy an authentic Mexican experience.
Reservations are available at: http://www.oaxacaindc.com/reservations.html

Altar de Muertos
Altars are made for the souls of the loved ones who have passed on. Though each altar is unique to each person, the premise is to honor the loved ones and welcome them back to this earth. Altars contain many different items such as marigolds, food, Mezcal & Tequila, pictures of the ones who are gone, sugar skulls, chocolate, incense, etc. Starting October 23rd, come see Casa Oaxaca's own Altar located at the front window and every corner of our restaurant. Be part of this great tradition and bring any object you would like to offer.

ALSO become Frida Kahlo to Win a Dinner for Two at Casa Oaxaca

1. Dress up like Frida, upload your picture to their Facebook page
2. Tell your friends to "like" your post on Facebook - starting Oct. 23rd to Nov 1st. The more likes you have the better your chances are of winning!
3. Finalists will be voted at the restaurant Friday Nov 2nd. Get More chances to win if you come at the restaurant wearing your costume.
4. Check back on their Facebook page . You might be the winner of a Dinner for Two. A four course meal made specially for you by the Head Chef, Alfio Blangiardo.

Notice of public hearing on ABRA Civil Penalty Schedule - October 31

The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) Control Board will be having a public hearing on October 31 form 1:30 to 3:30 pm at 2000 14th Street, NW in the board hearing room in the 4th floor south, Washington, DC 20009.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive comment on a proposed rule making that amends the existing ABRA Civil Penalty Schedule set forth in section 800 of Title 23 of the DC Municipal Regulations.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify should contact Martha Jenkins at 202-442-4456 or by email at: martha.jenkins@dc.gov

Email contacts should include full name, title and affiliation, if applicable, of the person(s) testifying. Testimony will be limited to 5 minutes and witnesses should bring 7 copies of their written testimony to the hearing.

If you are unable to testify and wish to comment, written statements are encouraged, and will be made part of the official record. Written statements must be submitted to the Office of the General Counsel, ABRA, 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, DC 20009.

ANC1C sponsored recycling day on November 3

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C is sponsoring another community recycling day on November 3, 2012 from 10 am to 1 PM at the Marie Reed Learning Center (please use 18th Street entrance at Wyoming Avenue).

Please bring all your unwanted household electronic, hazardous and paper waste. They will have a mobile shredding unit on site for personal documents.

Please see the ANC1C website: www.anc1c.org for a list of the acceptable items they can receive.

Save the Date: November 29 for Securing Access to Capital Workshop

Councilmember Michael A. Brown is hosting a workshop on Thursday November 29th from 9 am to noon at the DC Economic Partnership Offices at 1495 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004.

This workshop is designed for DC's small and local businesses to get more information on venture capital funds, DC government's financial and tax incentives, SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program and the Certified Capital Company Program (CAPCO).

Please RSVP by November 26th by calling 202-724-8198 or emailing Drew Hubbard at dhubbard@dccouncil.us .