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Monica Cochran, center, covers the eyes of crash victim Veronica Dubose's daughter Ava,3, left,and her son Aaron Cochran, right, while being consoled by her cousin Sherry Pate, far right. The photo was taken when a picture of Cochran's deceased sister was displayed during the second anniversary memorial services for the victims of Metro’s deadliest train accident. (Photo by Khalid Naji-AllahDistrict and Metro officials took time out on June 22 to observe the second anniversary of the horrific Metro rail crash that claimed the lives of nine people and injured about 70 others.
The observance was held at a memorial site in Northeast near the Fort Totten Station, where a wreath was also laid. The worst accident in Metro's 35-year history occurred at the height of rush hour on the Red Line after a train collided into another that had been standing still. The collision was reportedly attributed to failure within the rail's safety system.
As Mayor Vincent Gray and others took turns addressing the crowd, many like Kenneth Hawkins who lost his brother, said they think about their losses every day.
"I live with this every day," Hawkins said. "There's not a day or moment that we don't think about Dennis or something or someone is coming up or approaching us to remind us of Dennis."
Gray said however, that their relatives had not died in vain.
"For those who sacrificed their lives in this accident, I hope their families will take some degree of comfort in knowing that they have preserved the future of this system, because it finally ended what should not have been a debate in the first place -- and that is investing the money that's needed in order to preserve our Metro system as the best in the world," Gray said.
Metro General Manager Richard Sarles, who assumed the post in January, added that the agency shares the families' grief. He said that in honor of those who lost their lives, Metro has rededicated itself to changing its safety culture -- which has included beefed-up training initiatives to effect safer commutes.
Courtesy Photo.
First Lady Michelle Obama wants another four years in the White House so she can continue her global advocacy on behalf of women and young people.
During a recent broadcast interview Mrs. Obama – who is currently touring South Africa with her daughters to promote youth leadership, education and political and cultural exchanges – said her advocacy provides her a personal stake in her husband's re-election and that she eagerly awaits the 2012 campaign.
"I think there's so much more work to do. We've really just begun to lay the foundation," Obama, 47, told ABC News while visiting Cape Town. "I'm passionate about these issues. I want to make sure there's a footing in them in the same way that my husband does . . . so, more time would be helpful."
During her weeklong visit, the first lady met with Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and 92-year-old former South African President Nelson Mandela. Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha also dropped in on a daycare center where they reportedly showed off their dancing skills, and read Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat" to a group of Johannesburg children.
UPPER MARLBORO, MD –Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker recently helped celebrate the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Safe Summer initiative with a "Teen Fest" at Ellen Linson Pool in College Park and orientation for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
"Prince George's County offers many safe and enriching summer programs for our young people," Baker said in a statement. "It gives me great pleasure to help raise awareness of the available opportunities for our youth to work, learn, grow and have fun in a constructive environment during the summer months."
The Safe Summer program is a late night recreation initiative to promote healthy and positive lifestyles through creative engagements and leadership training. Through Aug.13, the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation will be extending operating hours from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight at 22 community facilities to give young people, ages 12-24, free access to their favorite recreational activities.
The county has operated its SYEP since 2004 and this year, more than 2,000 youth – ages 15 to 21 – will be employed. During the June 23 orientation, many participated in a human resources training as well as financial literacy workshops to help manage the money they will earn working for a variety of county public and nonprofit agencies.
More information about summer youth activities, camps, events and amenities can be found at http://www.pgparks.com.
Sixth District County Council member Leslie Johnson faces a June 30 court hearing.(Photo Courtesy of the Prince George's County Council.)Prince George's County Council member Leslie Johnson plans to plead guilty during a June 30 slated for 10 a.m. at the U. S. District Court in Greenbelt.
Johnson, 59, was arrested last November in an FBI sting alongside her husband, former County Executive Jack Johnson, at their Mitchellville, Md., home.
The former administrative judge has been charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence after she followed instructions from her hushand to flush a $100,000 check from a developer down a toilet. At the time of her arrest, Leslie Johnson had also frantically tucked nearly $80,000 in her underwear.
If convicted, the 6th District Council representative could be forced to step down.
Jack Johnson, 63, who pleaded guilty in May to charges in an a pay-to-play scheme that include extortion and evidence tampering, will be sentenced in September.
New York has taken what advocates have called an historic step – after joining the District of Columbia and five states in sanctioning same-sex marriage.
The Senate voted on June 24 to approve the measure by a vote of 33-29, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised to sign it into law. As a result, New York also becomes the largest state to legalize gay marriage
According to the Associated Press (AP), New York lawmakers narrowly voted to legalize the bill, which provides activists a breakthrough victory in the state where the gay rights movement was born.
The AP also reported that gay rights advocates are hoping the vote will "galvanize the movement to help regain momentum," after an almost identical bill was defeated last year in Maryland.
Same-sex couples can begin marrying begin 30 days after Cuomo signs the bill.
Earlier this month, the national average cost of gasoline in some places dipped to below $3.75 a gallon. However, over the next four weeks motorists everywhere could see costs decrease by another 50 cents.
According to a local broadcast report, experts in the industry believe that the release of 30 million gallons of oil from the U. S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve will push gas prices down by the end of July – meaning that in many locations, gas prices could dip below $3.
"This packs a psychological punch that's going to lower pump prices, for sure," industry analyst Jim Ritterbusch of Ritterbusch & Associates, was quoted as saying this weekend in a "USA Today" report "This is a lift for both consumers and the economy."
Reports also state that last month, drivers nationwide spent on average, nearly $400 for gas.
New Identity Boosts Economic Development Efforts, Unifies Citywide Marketing
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Convention and Sports Authority has adopted a new name and visual identity as part of its ongoing campaign to attract more events and provide greater economic benefits for the nation's capital. Now called Events DC, the Authority introduced the brand this morning at a news conference with city, business and community leaders at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority resulted from the merger of the Washington Convention Center Authority and the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission in October 2009. The organization's new brand reflects its broader mission and expanded portfolio of venues.
"Events DC embodies our true identity as one united organization offering customers an extensive array of options for events of all kinds. It underscores our position as the premier source of Washington, DC's event experience," said Events DC President and Chief Executive Officer Gregory A. O'Dell.
At the same time, Events DC complements and reinforces two other brands that are central to the District's meetings and tourism industry: Washington DC and Destination DC, the city's tourism arm. The logos for all three entities feature the bold block letters DC, joined by a central star.
Beginning on June 28, several local organizations will be joining Kenny Barnes Sr., founder and CEO of "Reaching Out To Others Together (ROOT)," for a radio talk show that will not only discuss issues that directly impact the community, but which will also encourage its activism.
"Community in Action," will air from 8 a.m to 9 a.m. every fourth Tuesday on CBS Radio 1580 AM. Among the participating organizations whose leaders will serve as co-hosts with Barnes, are the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation NCBCP), William Kellibrew Foundation (WKF), Black Youth Vote! and the Black Women's Roundtable (BWR).
"This is a perfect union for "Community in Action" to join with the National Coalition and the Kellibrew Foundation to co-host this radio show," Barnes said in a statement announcing the project. "It's truly an honor for me."
The first segment, "Melanie's Corner," will be co-hosted by Melanie Campbell, NCBCP president and CEO. Discussion will center on the 2012 presidential election and what's at stake for African Americans, Black immigrants and other under-served communities.
"As we approach 2012 presidential election, we must engage our community in every possible way," said Campbell. "Now more than ever, it is time to organize and leverage our vote in order for elected officials to be held accountable to the interests impacting our communities' daily lives."
Deven Anderson and William Kellibrew will co-host the second segment. In addition to shedding light on issues affecting black youth, the segment will focus on civic engagement, technology and social innovation.
The final segment, '"Surviving and Thriving," will be co-hosted by Brandon Wallace, WKF executive director and Kellibrew. Discussions will include poverty, domestic violence, sexual assault and children's exposure to violence.
"In order to address the issues we are faced with in our community, we need a collective, coordinated and proactive approach," said Kellibrew, "This is an excellent forum for starting to understand the many issues we grapple with as a society."
Callers can dial in at 301.794.5150. A live online simulcast can be reached at http://washington.cbslocal.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Mayor Vincent C. Gray has focused on his job creation and economic development agenda by providing an update on his strategy for job growth and kicking off the District's renovated Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for 2011.
With the unemployment rate in some parts of the District near 20 percent or higher, Gray has outlined an accelerated jobs-and-economic-development plan that includes workforce development and training, real estate development, new job opportunities, revitalized communities and major investments in neighborhood economic development projects. These efforts will equip unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills and resources they need to find good jobs.
"I strongly believe in a District of Columbia that is a thriving commercial hub -- the ideal environment for people of enterprise to bring their ideas to life -- and a city that acts as a magnet for businesses big and small to hire residents who are being equipped with the necessary skills to become part of our expanding workforce," said Gray.
Gray outlined his economic-development efforts and plans along with other District government officials and local and regional business leaders at The Yards Park, a mixed-use development in Southeast that is one ofseveral formerly stalled development projects around the District that are getting back on track.
The mayor's economic-development team has already implemented several initiatives aimed at workforce development, such as reforming SYEP, creating the new One-Stop Centers in collaboration with the Community College of D.C.,the Ballou High School Automotive Technology Center for educational and job readiness training in the automotive industry, and the revitalization of the District's First Source law and program.
As part of his jobs-and-economic-development emphasis, Gray also helped kick off this year's Summer Youth Employment Program on June 27. He toured two of the work sites – Clyde's Restaurant of Gallery Place and D.C. Central kitchen – where more than 12,000 District youth are working this summer.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill), who has kept a low profile following allegations that he tried to buy the Illinois Senate seat that was vacated when Barack Obama assumed the presidency, could still be investigated.
According to the online political publication, TPMMuckraker, now that former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been convicted on a string of corruption charges, a House Ethics Committee could look into allegations surrounding Jackson.
Late last year, at the request of the Justice Department, the Committee refrained from action in the Jackson matter.
CAMP SPRINGS, MD – In an effort to minimize the impact on low income seniors, the Prince George's County Department of Family Services is providing an additional $50,000 in support of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). The SCSEP is a job and training program for older adults age 55 or older who are unemployed and meet income eligibility guidelines.
During the FY 2011 federal budget cycle, SCSEP realized a 45 percent budget cut [set for] July 1, 2011. SCSEP's funder, Senior Service America (SSA), informed the Department of Family Services Aging Services Division that due to this budget cut, the county's participant hours will be reduced by 40 percent.
"I hope others follow Prince George's example to invest in this proven program," said Tony Sarmiento, SSA executive director. "In other parts of Maryland, as well as other states, the 45 percent cut in federal funding has meant an equal cut in the number of hours that low-income seniors can be paid serving their community." Sarmiento added that in Prince George's County, seniors will be able to continue to work 16 hours per week at the minimum wage. They will be helping other older adults at senior centers throughout the county, or helping their neighbors in a variety of agencies including Habitat for Humanity, CASA of Maryland, and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Association, he said.
Prince George's County is committed to provide $50,000 in funding to supplement SCSEP. These dollars will help to minimize the impact of reduced income for some disadvantaged older adults in the community by supplementing the grant dollars so that the participants will feel less of an impact.
"Creating and finding jobs for all of our residents is a top priority of my administration," said Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker. "The Senior Community Service Employment Program is critical in assisting older unemployed adults to get training and find work. In the wake of the federal cuts to this program, it is crucial that the county minimize this impact by contributing $50,000 in supplemental funding."
The Senior Community Service Employment Program places low-income older adults, age 55 and older in community service positions that provide them with valuable training and work experience, and eventually allow them to transition to permanent employment. Through the SCSEP, older adults receive community service assignments with local nonprofits and governmental agencies that serve as host agencies. Participants gain confidence, enhance their income, learn valuable employment skills, support their communities and eventually transition to permanent employment
"Mr. Baker's decision will save money for the county and help keep low-income seniors healthy, engaged, and contributing to their community," said Sarmiento. "Senior Service America is proud to partner with the Baker administration."
WASHINGTON, DC -- Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Deputy Mayor for Education De'Shawn Wright have announced the winners of the 2011 "Race to the Top" Charter School Teacher Pipelines grant competition – an Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) initiative designed to increase the number of highly effective teachers in the District's charter classrooms.
Each program – the Urban Teacher Center/Charter School Collaborative Teacher Pipeline project developed by Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy and the Capital Teacher Residency program led by KIPP DC and E.L. Haynes Public Charter School – will receive a $1 million grant.
"One of the most important things we can do to reform our schools is to recruit and retain the most effective workforce in the nation. This program brings us much closer to that goal," Gray said.
These awards will help the District of Columbia recruit, train and support a cadre of new, highly effective teachers that will serve in the DC public education system. Both winners will receive $1 million to implement teacher residency programs that provide extra support for prospective teachers and leadership opportunities for highly effective teachers to serve as resident mentors.
These programs will ultimately draw over 90 new teaching residents to DC schools, all of whom will undergo an intensive year of training while working towards earning a DC teaching certificate.
Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy and the Urban Teacher Center will lead a collaborative to prepare thirty-five highly effective teachers for placement at Cesar Chavez PCS, Center City PCS, Friendship PCS, Mundo Verde PCS and the DCPS Wheatley Education Campus. This is a new, four-year program that will prepare participants for the classroom and for ongoing leadership in DC schools. Upon program completion, participants will receive a dual K-8 general and special education master's degree and license.
The Capital Teaching Residency program will prepare teachers to serve at KIPP DC, E.L. Haynes PCS, Center City PCS, DC Bilingual PCS and Septima Clark PCS. This program has demonstrated great success since it began in 2009 with twenty-one teaching residents, and OSSE is thrilled to support its growth to fifty-six residents in the 2011-12 school year.
About Race to the Top
In 2010, DC was awarded a $75 million Race to the Top grant. Race to the Top is a U.S. Department of Education program to support states that demonstrate transformative plans for education reform in four areas: transitioning to enhanced standards, enhancing the access and use of data, improving teacher and principal effectiveness and turning around the lowest achieving schools.
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