The District's Plan for a Shutdown

EDIT: Ehrm, never mind. For now, I guess.

Right now, we're on the brink of a federal government shutdown, should Congress not pass a FY2011 budget before midnight tonight. Should the government shutdown, it threatens to have a substantial impact on the District, since all money in the District's budget--even though the majority is locally raised--is doled out via an appropriations process.

Putting aside the utter ridiculousness of this entire situation, the District has put together a PowerPoint presentation which outlines the impact the shutdown will have on District government operations. The most significant impacts will be felt in the areas of transportation and parking (no DDOT work, limited parking enforcement, no street sweeping), libraries (all closed), DCRA permitting (shutdown) and the DMV (also shutdown). This is in addition to the vast number of District employees who will be furloughed throughout the duration of the shutdown.

The full PowerPoint can be viewed at this link. And for those of you who might be furloughed next Monday...see you at the bar.

"Change a Lightbulb" in Columbia Heights this Friday

The District is sponsoring a "light bulb exchange" at the rather inconvenient time of 2 PM this Friday. What is this, you ask?

It seems to be part of the District's efforts to do their part to reduce global warming (and save DC residents a few bucks on their electricity bills) by allowing residents to exchange an incandescent light bulb for a compact flourescent. Under the thinking of "every little bit helps" the 14thandYous support this idea. Under the thinking of "what were they thinking?" we wonder how many people will be able to take time off during a workday to head up to Columbia heights and exchange a light bulb?

Our guess: not many. If you're interested, the details are below.

The District Government wants to help you change a light bulb! Join the District Department of the Environment, the Department of Public Works and the Office of Planning for a FREE light bulb exchange.

Bring an old incandescent light bulb, and we will exchange it for a new, energy-efficient compact fluorescent. You'll save money on your electric bill and help the District meet its goals for reducing global warming.

Free Light Bulb Exchange (limit one per resident)

Friday, December 12, 2:00 p.m.

Columbia Heights Civic Plaza (14th Street, Kenyon Street and Park Road, NW)

The light bulb exchange is part of Local Climate Action Week. For more information on climate change, visit http://www.climatecommunities.us/mediaevent.html.