The District of Columbia's Smoke-free Workplaces Law took effect Tuesday, April 4, 2006, which means that smoking will be prohibited in indoor public places such as restaurant dining areas, offices and apartment lobbies. The smoking ban will extend to bar areas of restaurants, taverns, nightclubs and brew pubs on January 1, 2007.

“The public needs to be aware of the April 4 implementation date of this critical new law, so I encourage all city businesses to update their workplace smoking policies to reflect the new law,” said Mayor Anthony A. Williams in a statement from his office, “’No smoking’ signs should be posted at entrances to businesses and in prominent places, and employers should talk with customers and employees about the law and how to comply.”

The District Department of Health will be able inspect all businesses and enclosed public places to that are currently covered by the Smoke-free Workplaces Law. Fines can be levied against establishments in violation of the Smoke-free Workplaces Law. 

After April 4, 2006, the only businesses in the District where smoking will be allowed:

• Cigar Bars
• Hookah Cafes
• Restaurants
• Taverns
• Brew Pubs
• Similar establishments where at least 10% of business is generated by over-the-counter tobacco sales.

In a letter to constituents released on February 23, 2006, Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1 - D) announced his decision to seek reelection to the Ward 1 seat and forgo a run at the open seat of Council Chairman.

Councilmember Graham will be seeking a third term as the Councilmember from Ward 1, his complete letter is below.

My dear friends:

I have decided to seek reelection to the DC Council from Ward One, the most diverse area in the District of Columbia.

Representing the residents of Ward One and serving all of DC is a great honor. I look forward to the months ahead and, as always, the lively and productive discussion of issues that campaigns inspire.

John Tsombikos, the BORF graffiti vandal, was sentenced by Judge Lynn Leibovitz.  Tsombikos had previously pled guilty to one count of Felony Destruction of Property after being caught by Metropolitan Police Department PSA 305 officers spray painting a building owned by Howard University Hospital. 

Judge Leibovitz sentenced Tsombikos to 18 months incarceration, suspended as to all but 1 month, and placed Tsombikos on 3 years probation. Conditions of his probation include 200 hours of community service, 80 of which must be spent cleaning graffiti; $12,000 in restitution, the first $2,300 of which is to be paid to Howard University, and the remainder to be paid to the DC government; and $100 to be paid to DC Superior Court's victims' fund. 

Our neighbors on W Street, the residents of Capitol Manor, recently had the incredible story of their struggles and their ultimate successes told by The Washington Post.  Over three days in December The Washington Post shared the details of our neighbors’ efforts over the last four years.

The goal of the residents of Capitol Manor was a simple one – purchase their building and renovate it to keep it from being sold and developed by a private developer – to create a home for each resident to not only live in, but to call their own.