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THE NEWS:

Four years ago, D.C. launched a program that funds private security cameras for residents through rebates and vouchers. The idea was to deter crime and help police. So far, the program has funded nearly 18,000 cameras.

A DCistinvestigation of the program reveals that participation is extremely uneven. The neighborhoods that received the majority of the funds are increasingly affluent and white. These gentrifying neighborhoods include Hill East, Petworth, and H Street. 

What’s more is areas that experience the most violence are not participating as much in the program. In 2019, over 60 percent of D.C.’s homicides occurred east of the Anacostia River, but only 15 percent of rebates and vouchers for security cameras were issued there. Police Service Areas in some of the safest and most expensive neighborhoods in the District, like Friendship Heights and Georgetown, asked for and received more city dollars for cameras than all PSAs east of the river but one. 

What’s with the disparity? Well, there are a lot of factors at play per DCist. Awareness of the program is one. But also heightened security is generally more attractive to newcomers in gentrifying neighborhoods and to homeowners. Security cameras are less attractive to people who are over-surveilled to begin with and distrust police based on past experiences.  

On an unrelated note, City Paper is writing about the novel coronavirus for this week’s issue. We want to know what’s been cancelled or closed due to COVID-19—from schools to restaurants to festivals to sports events. We also want to know what will stay open and what resources are available for people, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Let me know by replying to this newsletter or emailing me directly. —Amanda Michelle Gomez (tips? Email agomez@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

CITY DESK LINKS, by Amanda Michelle Gomez:

  • COVID-19 updates:

    • D.C. has tested 23 residents for the novel coronavirus so far. Five people have tested positive. [Twitter]

    • Georgetown Day School is closed on Tuesday because it is linked to a church where the rector tested positive for COVID-19. [WUSA9]

    • Metro is on high alert. Sick people are asked to avoid public transit. [Post]

  • Three unsolved hit-and-runs in Prince George’s County. [WTOP]

  • The backstory of Iran’s D.C. embassy. [WAMU]

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Mitch Ryals (tips? mryals@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • Jack Evansgets reported for parking in a bike lane. [Twitter]

  • Officials disagree over bus service expansion in DMV. [Post]

  • D.C. ethics board’s investigation of Evans is expected to end soon (video at 32:40). [BEGA, Twitter]

  • Here are the rules for sports betting in Virginia. [WBJ]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Laura Hayes (tips? lhayes@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • A second restaurant, Ali Pacha, pulls out of Latin market La Cosecha. [WCP]

  • Swizzler is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Navy Yard serving better-for-you burgers and hot dogs. [WCP]

  • Where you find ram-don from the movie Parasite in D.C. [WCP]

  • This local friar won a national baking contest. [Washingtonian]

  • What you need to know about dining during the Coronavirus outbreak. [Post]

ARTS LINKS, by Kayla Randall (tips? krandall@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Washington National Opera’s Samson and Delilah hits all the right notes. [WCP]

  • Meet Dan the Bird Man, D.C.’s rock star wildlife biologist. [Washingtonian]

  • Playwright Dani Stoller talks about her Signature Theatre hit Easy Women Smoking Loose Cigarettes. [DC Metro Theater Arts]

SPORTS LINKS, by Kelyn Soong (tips? ksoong@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Longtime sportswriter Don Markus looks back at memorable moments from his 35 years on the Maryland men’s basketball beat, which only ended recently when he took a buyout at the Baltimore Sun. [WCP]

  • The Mystics couldn’t host a championship parade after winning the WNBA title because several players had to play overseas. On May 12, they’ll finally get one through the streets of D.C. [WTOP]

  • In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, four major American sports leagues—the NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS—have decided to limit access to locker rooms and clubhouses to only “essential employees of teams and team facilities” starting today. [ESPN]

  • Josh Norman is going to the Bills on a one-year deal. [ESPN]

  • Washington Spirit player Cheyna Matthews has decided to take a leave of absence to spend more time with family. Team officials will honor her contract and provide paid leave—a move that has been applauded by fellow players and fans. [Black & Red United]

CITY LIGHTS, by Emma Sarappo (Love this section? Get the full To Do This Week newsletter here. Tips? esarappo@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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