I'd like to thank all the folks at Long View Gallery for opening their space for Tuesday's impressively successful fundraiser. I appreciate everyone on the host committee for their outreach and assistance. And of course, I’d like to thank everyone who made contributions (openly or anonymously). You made a significant dent in my legal expenses which are now rapidly approaching $7k.

I will be the first to admit that there are far better reasons for us all to come together and or spend our money locally: Shaw Main Streets events, local businesses, community meetings, picnics, clean ups and green ups that benefit all of us.

On Monday, more than 50 of us came together to prepare the Common Good City Farm in Ledroit Park for spring planting. The farm benefits some of the neediest people in our local communities. One of the Farm’s founders and its new Acting Farm Director, Liz Falk, is working with us on the Marion Street Garden Project. Updates on that project at the CCCA meeting next week. I hope many local residents will support and take some time to enjoy the new garden in the coming months and years.

I admit that I have a knack for learning lessons the hard way, and the Superior Court case has been an eye-opening education and sometimes disturbing look at our court processes. In the upcoming weeks, the CCCA and the Mt Vernon Sq Neighborhood Association will host DC Superior Court Chief Judge Lee Satterfiield to discuss court processes as they relate to criminal offenders in our communities.

I hope that when my case is over, everyone involved will realize that none of us should ever have to go through anything like this again. I have been informed that some supporters have experienced some odd or offensive reactions from others in the community as a result of their support for me. I am very sorry that has been happening and will avoid publicizing supporters names hence forward.

Best,
MRM