I. Presentation by Ted Loza, Volunteer with Fiesta DC Latin Festival
a. Ted also works in Jim Graham’s office, as Chief of Staff
b. Fiesta DC started in late 1960’s/early 1970’s; event didn’t exist between 2000-2003, but has been restarted
c. www.fiestadc.org, info@fiestadc.org
d. Mission of event is to contribute to the preservation, diffusion, and promotion of Latino culture and heritage in the DC Metro Area
e. 40,000 people expected
f. Event will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2009, from 11am-7pm
g. Will be held all along 14th St in Columbia Heights, from Spring Rd to Irving St
h. Numerous events leading up to the big day – see www.fiestadc.org for more info
i. Currently has support from numerous other community organizations, including the ANC and NCHCA
j. Rod Leiva, President, and Roland Roebuck, Vice President, also discussed the event.
k. This will be a family friendly event
i. No alcohol will be served
ii. All music will be family friendly
l. Trash will be handled by a 3rd party, in conjunction with DPW; inspection of area to follow event to ensure proper clean up
m. Private undercover security/MPD will be present at all times
n. Various food vendors will be present, all approved by Dept of Health
o. 14th St will be completely closed from Spring to Irving; DDOT will alter traffic patterns on side streets as needed
p. Parade of Nations – 400 person parade celebrating various countries
i. No 18 wheelers in parade
ii. Golf cart sized vehicles only
iii. Parade route will be marked weeks in advance
q. FiestaDC is recruiting youth to help with festival
II. Presentation from Sergio Herrera, Columbia Heights Day
a. Contact columbiaheightsday@gmail.com with questions, ideas, donations.
b. Columbia Heights Day will be Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 10am-6pm
c. Focus of event will be on Columbia Heights businesses
d. Two stages of music – various genres, including folk, latin, etc.
e. Event will cost nearly $15K, looking for donations
f. This year’s festivities include a petting zoo, carnival games, eating contest, etc.
g. Kenyon Street will be closed from 11th to 13th during the event
h. Various local restaurants/bars will have specials day of the event.
i. Last year’s event had about 1200 people – hoping for 2000 this year.
j. Current sponsors include DCUSA, Wonderland, Chantal Real Estate
k. If you would like to volunteer, contact columbiaheightsday@gmail.com
III. Presentation from Hector Gomez, of Tivoli North Business Association (TNBA)
a. Hector@tivolinorth.com
b. TNBA is focusing on businesses from Monroe to Shepherd St.
c. Includes an overlap of Ward 1 and Ward 4 – working to increase collaboration, despite being in separate wards.
d. 3rd Saturday of every month, there are neighborhood cleanups, next one is July 18th (coordinated with NCHCA)
e. Littering campaign being started in schools – teaching youth not to litter
f. 911 calling campaign being considered – to promote safety
g. Tree box care campaign being started in conjunction with DC Cares; evaluating an option to have local businesses sponsor tree boxes
h. July 28th – there will be a meeting with Mayor Fenty to discuss next steps in these campaigns; location TBD