The following stories are brought to you by the fine folks on the News4 assignment desk.
METRO APPROVES HISTORIC FARE HIKE
Metro's board of directors approved a sweeping package of fare increases Thursday, the most expansive in its history, as the agency seeks to close a $189 million gap in its 2011 budget.
The approval came as the board gave the go-ahead for its next budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The fare increases, which begin Sunday, will hit riders on all lines and services, including rail, bus and MetroAccess, the service for disabled riders. In May the board provided guidance to Metro staff that it would approve the plan. Staff had been worried that the agency was running out of time to implement the changes before the new fiscal year starts. (Washington Post)
DC WATER WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLEASE NOT BREAK FIRE HYDRANTS
The new, chattier D.C. Water public relations operation has issued a pre-emptive warning that even though it’s hot outside–so hot–it’s a bad idea to open fire hydrants and let the life-giving water gush out.
“Turning on hydrants without the proper tools can damage the hydrant, its nozzle, and even the underground pipes in the water distribution system,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “There’s a significant danger especially to children, who can be knocked over from the force of the water or endangered from traffic when their water play is in the street.” (Washington City Paper)
FREE EMPANADAS FRIDAY!!!
Yesterday I wrote about a new gourmet empanada spot, Panas that soft opened in Dupont Circle at 2029 P St, NW. Just got an email saying you can sample the goods for free on Friday. They write:
“To mark the opening day owner Federico Garcia Lopez will offer one free empanada from 11 am until 1 pm.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Panas specializes in Latin fusion gourmet empanadas, the crescent-shaped turnovers, stuffed with a variety of well-seasoned meats, vegetables, spices, fruits, and sweets. Signature recipes are inspired by the Latin Fusion cuisine; a culinary concept that combines traditional and modern gastronomic techniques with different ingredients from across the Americas. (Prince of Petworth)
STOLEN LIMO'S GPS LEADS POLICE TO THIEVES
A global positioning system inside her stolen Chevrolet Suburban limousine helped Elsie Belman track down the thieves this past weekend in Alexandria.
Belman runs Elsie Slyman Belman Stretch Limousine Service, which is based in Stafford County but does a lot of its work in the Washington area. She keeps some of her limos in Alexandria for easy access.
Belman purchased a GPS system for each of her limos so she could check on their locations at all times. She can monitor that through a password-protected website called Enterprisegps.com. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)
