Though they left us with a good deal of thunder and lightning, the storms that hit our area yesterday cut a deadly path through other parts of the country, particularly Tennessee. We’re not in the clear yet, though — there is a wind advisory for the District and surrounding areas in effect until 1 p.m. today.
D.C. Smoking Ban Really Goes Into Effect Today: Ahhhh, government efficiency. There has been some confusion to date as to when the District’s smoking ban goes into effect. Everyone thought yesterday (including us), but it’s actually today. The Post is reporting that first past of the ban pertains to the dining areas of restaurants as well as the majority of indoor workplaces. The ban provides exemptions for outdoor areas, hotel rooms, retail tobacco outlets and cigar bars. As for bars, restaurant bar areas and nightclubs, the ban will start in 2007.
D.C. Council Considers Tickets for Trash-Throwing: A bill to give out tickets, similar to the ones given out for traffic violations, is being considered by the D.C. Council for those who toss trash out into the streets. This legislation would complement the harsher penalties for big-time littering such as dumping that have already been adopted by the Council. Council-member Kwame Brown (D-At Large) proposed the idea, and was quoted in the Examiner as saying, “They write tickets for people who jaywalk, but they can’t write tickets for people who throw trash on the ground.” He similarly noted that we all want a clean city, and folks should start doing their part. Keeping hordes of tourists out of the Tidal Basin next Cherry Blossom weekend might be a start.
Metro Fares May Increase on Four Holidays: Cash-strapped Metro is always looking for a way to get a few more bucks, and as a holiday gift to riders, they are considering raising fares on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day. Reason? As noted on WTOP’s website, Metro says rail ridership and bus ridership increase 20 and 40 percent, respectively, on those holidays. Other cost-cutting measures may include cutting little-used bus routes, while expanding service on packed routes. Metro is looking to hold its first hearing on these changes this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Arlington Courthouse.
Briefly Noted: Man who threw package at White House last month is released … Rep. Cynthia McKinney’s tussle with Capitol Police goes to federal prosecutor … Hispanic lawmakers push for a National Latino Museum in the District … Maryland man becomes stuck to restaurant toilet seat
Photo taken by Seamy Underbelly.
