D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams unveiled a new “key to the city” at his weekly press conference yesterday. The key is designed by a local architect and sculptor John Dreyfuss, and Mayor Williams proclaimed Feb. 9, 2005, as “John Dreyfuss Day” as a token of gratitude. The Examiner reported today in a piece not online that Dreyfuss explained his design, which features eight slots representing the city’s eight wards, this way: “No matter how sophisticated the city becomes, unless all eight wards work together, the key doesn’t open.” Dreyfuss said the key cost about $10,000 to design and manufacture, but he donated his services to the city.

We can’t seem to locate an online list of recipients, however Google did yield some results. Last May, D.C. presented the key to Jack Valenti, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, and declared May 12, 2004 “Jack Valenti Day.” In 2002, actress Cicely Tyson received the key during an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.

In August, we reported that Kathie Lee got the key to Bowie, Md.