Dear Neighbor,
Today the Council wrapped up its final legislative session of the year. We finalized our redistricting map decisions, advanced period equity for our DCPS students, and voted on additional protections for record sealing of evictions. I am hopeful that everyone will have a nourishing, healthy, and safe holiday season – even if it looks different this year again!
The spread of COVID-19 has been top of mind as case rates spike. I encourage you to get vaccinated, boosted, and continue to wear a mask! This is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones. DC Health has so many resources to help you do just that. You can find information about vaccines and where to get tested at coronavirus.dc.gov. You can learn more about updated COVID-19 guidelines including the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate here.
Everyday there are drop-in sites around the city where the whole family can go together to get vaccinated. My team recently went to the DC Health pop-up clinic at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library downtown to get boosted and the process was easy (and fun!) going together.
As we gather during this holiday season, let’s remember the best gift we can give each other is getting the shot, keeping ourselves and our neighbors healthy, and being kind to one another.
Yours in Service,
Brooke.
This fall, Councilmember Pinto and her team were excited to connect with neighbors in their communities and at other public events.
A few of Team Pinto’s highlights from these events included:
- Tree lighting at City Center
- Vaccine clinic at Edlavitch Jewish Community Center for 5-12 year olds receiving their second covid vaccine shot.
- Fire at 16th and U Street. Team Pinto was on the scene to lend support.
- Swearing-in of the newest Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Jeff Rueckgauer. Councilmember Pinto was honored to administer the oath at the ceremony.
- Holiday celebration at Stead Park where Councilmember Pinto read Twas the Night before Christmas to the kids.
- Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor Chinese-American World Ward II veterans.
- Sierra Club DC virtual holiday party to discuss environmental and sustainability accomplishments over the last year and goals for the future.
- Community Office hours in Foggy Bottom/West End.
- Holiday Market at the Woman’s National Democratic Club.
- The Georgetowner spoke with Councilmember Pinto regarding priorities for 2022.
- Great Streets grant program kick-off including new Ward 2 site eligibility Councilmember Pinto worked to include through legislation and the budget process.
- DC Health vaccine pop-up at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library where Team Pinto got booster shots.
- Press conference with the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development to discuss Councilmember Pinto's legislation to spur residential development and economic recovery downtown.
- DC Chamber of Commerce annual breakfast.
- The Mayor’s 23rd Annual Senior Holiday Celebration.
Legislative Updates and Council News
FUN for All Act: Councilmember Pinto introduced the “Fairness in Use and Negotiation for All Recreational Property Act of 2021.” The purpose of the FUN for All Act is to ensure that all residents have fair access to District owned recreational property. The FUN for All Act requires meaningful public engagement and Council oversight of all exclusive use or license agreements for District-owned recreational property that cover a period of one year or more.
Expanding Student Access to Period Products Act: Earlier this year, Councilmember Pinto introduced legislation to require the provision of free period products in District public, public charter, and private schools and post-secondary institutions, as well as to require comprehensive menstrual health education. Councilmember Pinto secured funding for this legislation in this year’s budget and today the Council took the first of two important votes on the bill this month. The bill is expected to pass and be implemented in the new year. You can read the report from the Council Office of Racial Equity on how this legislation advances racial equity.
Vote on Jamal Khashoggi Way: The Council passed legislation to designate New Hampshire Ave. as “Jamal Khashoggi Way” outside of the Saudi Arabian Embassy. This bill introduced by Councilmember Pinto honors the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi who stood for the freedoms we hold dear as Americans.
Transportation and School Safety: Councilmember Pinto co-introduced two important bills to improve pedestrian safety and to ensure our kids can get to and from school safely. The Walk Without Worry Amendment Act will standardize the design of raised crosswalks and the Safe Routes to School Act to require safety improvements around schools.
Redistricting: The Council voted on the final redistricting map finalizing the Ward redistricting process. This spring, the Council will work with Advisory Neighborhood Commission Taskforces to finalize the new boundaries for the ANCs. Councilmember Pinto is grateful for all the Ward 2 neighbors who have participated in the redistricting process.
Roundtable on Teacher Retention in the District’s Public Schools: The Committee of the Whole hosted a Public Oversight Hearing to review information on teacher and principal turnover and discuss methods and strategies for retention. Councilmember Pinto is committed to supporting our teachers, students and their familied during this challenging time.
Discussion with DDOT Director: Councilmember Pinto recently spoke with District Department of Transportation Director Everett Lott about important projects and updates in Ward 2. You can read about the updates in this tweet thread.
Announcements
We’re Hiring! Councilmember Pinto’s office is seeking a Communications Director to join our team! You can find more information about the position here.
Leaf Collection Schedule: The final leaf pick-up for Ward 2 will be this coming week. Learn more here :
Residents are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Please click here to view the information presented at the District’s comprehensive website for the coronavirus vaccine and pandemic recovery.
