The Church of Scientology Religious Trust’s building at 16th and P Streets NW is the site of a barricaded celebration of some sort today — one which is blocking a sizable section of one of the District’s major arteries. (Obviously, I wasn’t invited behind the curtain. I mean, you should have seen my last audit: whew!) Police are out in full force around the humongous 50,000-square foot building, and security is tight — a ten-foot tall white temporary barricade is blocking off 16th Street; there are huge draping banners reading “SCIENTOLOGY” and “DIANETICS”, though, in case those walking by on their Saturday jaunts to the 14th and P retail corridor were wondering what the hell was going on with this big white thing in the middle of the street.

By the time yours truly wandered over, protesters had filtered down to but a scant few people — a couple members of Anonymous were loitering around — but police outnumbered protesters by a ratio of at least three to one. So while formal protests are pretty much done, the closure of 16th Street could certainly be problematic for those driving to parties tonight. The line to turn for those going southbound on 16th at R Street was fifteen-deep as we moved on by. It might be common sense, but between this and the closures in Georgetown, you’re better off walking or Metroing to your Halloween celebrations today.