Breakfast links: Slug in the gut for Virginians

WMATA power in play

Two weeks ago, we reported that the McDonnell Administration was trying to take two of Virginia’s WMATA Board seats away from the NoVA counties. Now they intend to withhold funding to match the federal capital contributions unless they get their way. (Lisa Rein/Anita Kumar/Post)

Slugged

DC police are ticketing “sluggers” who pick up carpoolers on 14th Street in the evening rush. Sluggers will ask the DC Council to set up a legal pick-up and drop-off area. nevermindtheend suggested Capital Bikeshare stations at those spots. (WTOP)

WMATA not protecting women enough?

11th grader Brittnie Smith writes about the inadequacy of Metro’s response to verbal and physical sexual harassment. (DC Women’s Issues Examiner via Hollaback DC)

Dump the pump

Today is Dump the Pump Day, a day to try getting to work via transit. The DC Circulator is free all day, and Metro has a contest to guess the day’s ridership.

Wolf Trap park and ride?

A Dr. Gridlock reader makes the case for a Wolf Trap Silver Line station: besides concerts, the huge parking lot that’s almost vacant could be a park and ride the rest of the time. (Post)

Room on 14th

Room and Board is now open at 14th and T, NW, and Richard Layman explains why Room and Board should succeed while West Elm failed downtown, and how this is good for 14th Street‘s long-term future. (RPUS)

How public is public space?

DC’s unusual system where much of the space between the sidewalk and buildings is “public space” creates some complications when it comes to abortion clinics. A clinic wanted to put up a fence with “private property — no trespassing” signs, and MPD argued that the land is “private property.” (Amanda Hess/The Sexist, Eric Fidler)  (Tip: Eric Fidler)

And…

A class-action lawsuit against Montgomery County speed cameras has been dismissed (Hayley Peterson/Examiner) … Farmers should stop opposing curbs on chemicals that pollute the Chesapeake (Bob McCartney/Post) … Another good article on the East Falls Church debate includes mention of VDOT’s objections to the plan. (Nicholas Benton/FC News-Press, Michael P.)