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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration and had the chance to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for with gratitude, love, and kindness. I am grateful for being part of a resilient community. Last week’s horrific shooting of two National Guard troops was a tragedy for the District and for the country. These Guards are public servants and this violence has no place in our country. I am praying for the loved ones of Spec. Sarah Beckstrom who was killed, and for Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who is fighting for his life from this attack.
This Wednesday, the Committee on the Facilities is holding a hearing on my legislation, Expanding Community Access to Safe and Clean Recreational Space Act of 2025. This bill is all about expanding access to safe recreational spaces for young people on evenings and weekends. It would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to establish a program in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to expand community access to recreational facilities in every ward on evenings and weekends, outside of the hours in which the facilities are in active use by the schools and student activities.
Then this Thursday, December 4th, I am holding a public safety hearing to discuss the state of public safety in the District as we see continued federal presence in our city. It will also include discussion on the following bills:
This includes discussion of a permanent version of the juvenile curfew among other measures. Last month, the Council passed my emergency legislation that extended the ability to give MPD the authority to declare earlier juvenile curfew zones in areas where there is information about planned fights or harmful behaviors. This is a critical preventative tool to respond to the limited instances of harmful activity. People who wish to sign up to testify can click here.
Finally, as today marks World AIDS Day, we must raise awareness about the spread of AIDS and HIV and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS. We must provide access to preventative care and treatment for DC residents. This is why I introduced the “Removing Barriers and Reducing Stigma to Encourage HIV Prevention Amendment Act of 2025.” This measure encourages use of the HIV prevention medication commonly called PrEP, and helps reduces the stigma associated with HIV by prohibiting insurers from factoring the use of PrEP in decisions related to the issuance of disability, life, or long-term care insurance policies.
Yours in service,
Brooke
In the Community
Over the last two weeks, Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto have met with residents, advocacy groups, and local and federal partners across the District, including:
- Delivering Thanksgiving meals with Food & Friends to DC residents with serious medical conditions
- Joining the congregation at the Jerusalem Baptist Church to celebrate 155 years
- Speaking at a Downtown Developer Roundtable to discuss efforts to continue to revitalize our Downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors
- Joining a conference with the DC Policy Center and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for a discussion on attendance in DC schools and efforts to reduce truancy
- Attending ANC meeting for 2A
In the News
READ THE WASHINGTON INFORMER: “With Prosper DC Plan, Pinto Seeks More for D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation”
“On Monday, Ward 2 Councilmember Pinto introduced the Prosper DC Plan— a package that includes nearly two dozen pieces of legislation aimed at addressing District residents’ financial woes via: economic opportunity; youth development; business incentives; and affordable, healthy and accessible housing.
In the realm of youth development, at least one of the 23 bills in the Prosper DC Plan focuses on what Pinto calls the dearth in year-round programming. If passed, that bill, titled the Teen Center Establishment Amendment Act of 2025, would require the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to launch and operate at least four comprehensive teen centers in each quadrant of the District.
“There’s been a lot of great progress over the last couple of years, but I do think it is a gap that we don’t have standalone teen centers,” Pinto told The Informer. “It’s something that we need to have a hearing on and we need to continue making the case and then funding these standalone centers.”
WATCH WUSA9: “House passes two bills aimed at overhauling DC's justice system”
“Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto is among the D.C. officials who oppose this bill.
"It's not a solution that we need for a problem right now. We don't have this challenge in the District. We solved that gap in secure D.C. years ago," said Pinto, who chairs the Council's Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. [She] is referring to a proposal that currently allows judges to hold people accused of certain violent crimes in custody as they await trial.”
WATCH DC NEWS NOW: “DC advocates, leaders push back on House effort to reinstate cash bail system”
“Someone’s ability to pay has no bearing on if they’re a public safety risk to our city,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto.
Pinto said the House bill is not only an infringement on Home Rule, but is the wrong policy.
“They want to be partners with us on public safety; we welcome that partnership,” she said. “Appoint judges to our bench that has a 21% vacancy, charge ankle monitors that are running out of battery and not handling their court supervision appropriately. Those are things a federal government can do to help with public safety.”
Announcements
WINTER READY DC
The DC Public Service Commission is hosting free weatherization giveaway events this December to help residents prepare for the cold season.
At select dates and times in December, residents can visit neighborhood libraries to pick up free weatherization supplies, including:
- Double draft stops
- Window insulation kits
- Rubber seals
- Other energy-saving resources
Events will take place at specific library locations. Residents can RSVP and see the full schedule at DCPSC.org/WinterReadyDC.
SNOW TEAM ON STANDBY
The District Snow Team is on standby for a possible wintry mix of sleet and rain in the District that is predicted to begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The Snow Team will be on standby beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1 to address any potentially icy conditions.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential wintry mix of sleet and rain between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, before transitioning to rain throughout the day. While ground temperatures will remain above freezing, reducing the likelihood of ice covering roads and walkways, pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists should be cautious while traveling on potentially slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.