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It’s been one of those periods when national politics has overwhelmed local everything in the District. First the city hosted Donald Trump’s inauguration, then nearly half a million people assembled for the Women’s March on Washington.
The nation may forget there’s a daily rhythm to life in D.C., but those who live here don’t. And they don’t take cover when the national events deluge their day-to-day existence either.
Readers responded with fear and anger to arts editor Matt Cohen’s piece about a spate of alt-right threats to the city’s underground music scene. Citing a violence-endorsing comment reported in Cohen’s story, City Paper commenter ZeigerArts wrote: “Is this America? Free expression granted to everyone? … All in Congress and Senate should look at this really hard because this thinking aims to hurt free citizens.” On Twitter, Moriah Costa wrote, “My fondest memories in D.C. are from the city’s DIY movement. I would hate to see them disappear.” But Ominous Pie cried foul, tweeting “Another #PizzaGate hit piece, claiming all investigators are ‘Alt-Right.’”
Speaking of pizza, four City Paper staffers collaborated on a list of women-owned D.C. restaurants for the benefit of Women’s March participants looking to eat in the spirit of the day. Both locals and visitors expressed their appreciation. The National Museum of Women in the Arts tweeted a link to the piece with the comment, “Don’t forget to eat!” Perhaps even more heartening, readers were quick to point out well-loved, women-owned eateries that weren’t on the list. “You should add @purplepatchdc!” @colleen_eliza wrote on Instagram. “Definitely would love to be added. Woman/Filipino/Marine Corps Veteran Owned & Operated,” @purplepatchdc replied. City Paper had a limited amount of space for the print feature, but we were thrilled to see local customers and restaurateurs alike share their enthusiasm.
Finally, after both the Obama family and Ivanka Trump moved to Kalorama, reporter Andrew Giambrone wrote a piece entitled “Is Kalorama the New Georgetown?” City Paper readers, well equipped to deal with both politicians and yes-and-no questions, were quick to respond: “NO,” Curmudgeon Cat wrote. “Yes. Yes it is,” tweeted Norris Agnew. We’ll call it a draw—for now.