Photo by Philliefan99
Good morning DCist, it’s Groundhog Day, not that it matters since it’s kind of springtime already. Good morning DCist, it’s Groundhog Day, not that it matters since it’s kind of springtime already.
Envy With Green: While their home countries are busy solving, or not solving, an all-consuming currency fiasco, European diplomats in Washington are busy trying to best each other over just how eco-friendly they can make their embassies, the City Paper’s Lydia DePillis writes. A group called the the D.C. Greening Embassies Forum, with a boost from Mayor Vince Gray’s administration, enjoys making LEED certification something of a race. To wit: Finland was the first to gold-level certification—take that, Netherlands!
Union Boss: The Post profiles Jaime Contreras, the chairman the Capital Area District of 32BJ, a service employees’ union associated with the Service Employees International Union. But Contreras, 37, isn’t just a labor leader, he’s also become one of the area’s most outspoken voices for the rights of those who came to the U.S. illegally, having done so himself at age 13. He’s argued for wage increases for low-income workers, and is a lead proponent of Maryland’s version of the Dream Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges.
Hero Driver: Metro released video footage of a December 29 bus crash in Rockville that left one dead and 10 injured, and it shows that the driver of that bus made critical moves that stopped that accident from being much worse, WRC reports. The driver, Lennitta Bryant, was seriously injured in the collision, but Metro officials say her quick reaction to the swerving pick-up truck that caused the incident saved lives.
Briefly Noted: Porno Dan’s adventures in Utah … Occupy D.C. not going anywhere any time soon … Bikeshare to the burbs … It’s easy for underaged kids to get boozy … Shove it, New York: Rosslyn-based TBD does Washington boosterism.
This Day in DCist: In 2011, Councilmember Yvette Alexander’s (D-Ward 7) phone bills were piling up, and Gilbert Arenas returned to the Verizon Center. In 2010, no one was in the mood for more winter after Snowmageddon, and a pastor testifying before the elections board said some really dumb things.
