Today, at All Souls Unitarian Church, history was made. Here I am standing next to my Council colleagues as Mayor Adrian Fenty signs into law Bill 18-482, "The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009." 

With this act all District residents regardless of color, race, creed, religion or sexual orientation will have the right to marry the partner of their choosing, male or female, regardless of their own sex. 

It took us many years to get here, but this day finally arrived. And we were extremely priviledged that the Mayor chose to sign the Marriage Equality Bill at All Souls Unitarian at 16th and Harvard Streets in the heart of Ward 1!

Rev Hardies of All Souls played a key role in the victory on marriage equality. So this is very fitting, but more fitting considering the churches history of civil rights advocacy and activism dating back to the 1940s.
 

Dear Friends,
 
After the D.C. Council's vote on Tuesday, December 14, to rescind $83 million in Parks and Recreation Contracts many of you called and wrote to me asking what that meant for Justice Park, Park View and LeDroit Park.
 
I am happy to report that these parks construction projects are already "back on track."  The Deputy Mayor for Economic Development has assured me that the $750K Justice Park project and the $1.2 million Park View project will be overseen by Allen Lew − Executive Director of the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization − and will move forward.  This is excellent news given the great speed and success with which Mr. Lew has handled school renovations and constructions.
 
The final project, the LeDroit Park (former Gage school transformation) will remain in the Deputy Mayor's portfolio and the contract for the reconstruction will be re-bid and move forward.
 
Bests Jim

This year at Christmas, more than in previous years, I felt it was so important to give. This recession is one of the worst in history. This year we wanted to make sure that we gave gifts in abundance so that residents could regift to their families.

We gave out more than 400 gifts to children and seniors with grandchildren, in addition to Target-red Recorders and little bullseye Target dogs. And so much more.

Thanks to our Good Neighbohors and Business partners:

Target; Bruce Klores (Washington Lawyers Committee); Joe Ruffin; Geoff Griffis; Heller's Bakery; Addie Green (Islander Restaurant); Chris Donatelli (Donatelli Development/ Donatelli and Klein Inc.); City Year; Constantine Stavropoulos and Joycelyn Finnegan (Tryst); Sheldon Scott (Marvin); Chris Mellgren (Dunkin Donuts); Kamal Ali (Ben's Chili Bowl); Michael Sussman (Washington Wizards); Gregory McCarthy (Washington Nationals).

This was the best party yet.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!