“Green” building retrofits or new construction can protect the Asian real estate sector from increasing environmental risks emerging in the region, according to a new report released by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and HSBC’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

The report, Surveying Risk, Building Opportunity, assesses the commercial building sector in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam and the financial impacts it could face from energy insecurity, water scarcity and climate change. The report finds that green building investments can alleviate these risks in addition to achieving a positive return for building owners in a few years.

“The environmental challenges and resource constraints these countries have been experiencing will intensify and can result in increased utility, operating and construction costs for building owners,” said Shally Venugopal, an associate at WRI and lead author of the report. “Incorporating green features into design and construction can save real estate companies money, especially for energy use, and can increase occupancy rates and even rent premiums.”

According to the report, electricity prices are expected to increase as demand continues to rise, particularly in cities with weak electricity infrastructure. Most of the energy used by commercial buildings in the region goes toward air conditioning and lighting. In India, for example, lighting accounts for 60 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings while 32 percent goes toward air conditioning.

The region’s water constraints will also cause utility costs to rise. India, in particular, faces severe water availability and quality constraints in many areas. One estimate by the World Bank suggests that India will exhaust all available freshwater supplies by 2050.

The other focus countries will see localized water scarcity near major cities due to population growth and changing rainfall patterns. In Vietnam, the amount of freshwater consumed has tripled and in Malaysia and India it has doubled in the last two decades. This will not only lead to increasing water costs but will also affect the electricity grid since power generation depends heavily on water resources.

Major Indian cities already see power outages weekly. During peak season, Bangalore loses power an average of 1.5 hours a day while Kanpur loses power an average of 7 hours a day. In addition to losing power, the price of electricity will also increase.

As part of the study, HSBC’s analysts conducted a case study on the Indian real estate sector and the materiality of environmental factors. They found that for a typical commercial building (300,000 square feet) in Mumbai, a 1 percent increase in electricity costs could increase annual operating costs by approximately Rs 2.8 million, or around USD 60,000.

Building owners could protect themselves from energy price hikes by investing in energy efficient lighting, such as targeted task lighting, that could reduce energy demand by 20 to 25 percent. HSBC estimates that a 10 percent increase in energy costs would only increase operating costs in a green building by as little as only half as much compared to a typical building.

As the region sees increased rains, flooding, storms and landslides, weather-related insurance premiums for buildings could also increase. Jakarta, where 40 percent of land is below sea level, is especially vulnerable. Flooding in 2007 caused building insurance premiums to increase by 25 percent in 2008.

Building owners can protect themselves from damage caused by extreme weather events by examining climate risks for prospective sites even before purchasing land. Buildings can be designed to minimize damage from floods and storms by incorporating features such as flood vents and barriers, water-resistant flooring (e.g., tiles versus carpeting), and landscaping and exterior features that incorporate storm water management (e.g. rain gardens).

“Green buildings can protect investors from volatile and increasing power prices,” said Nick Robins, head of HSBC’s Climate Change Centre of Excellence. Roshan Padamadan, a HSBC analyst at the Centre, said “Our analysis shows that the upfront investment can payoff in as little as 3 years.”

Though green buildings are gaining momentum in the region, barriers to growth exist, such as the availability of local green building materials and expertise. The report recommends that governments create appropriate market incentives and institute stricter building codes to enable the green building movement to flourish in South and Southeast Asia.

This is the last report in a three-part series. Weeding Risk, the first report, analyzes environmental trends on the food and beverage sector in South and Southeast Asia. The second report, Over Heating, analyzes the power sector in the region.

Nearly a thousand gas stations have shut down in D-C, Maryland and
Virginia in recent years.

And as Jessica Forres reports... that number is expected to rise.



A chain-link fence surrounds what used to be a gas station in downtown
Bethesda, Maryland. The gas pumps have been ripped out and all that
stands is a boarded-up convenience mart. There's a popular sports bar
next door. Rob Benning is the manager. He says the station has been closed since
January.

IT WAS SURPRISING BECAUSE I THOUGHT, I MEAN I DON’T KNOW HOW MANY
PEOPLE STOPPED IN THERE FOR GAS, MAYBE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM.

Abandoned gas stations line South Capitol Street near the Nationals
Ball Park. Stanley Bradley lives in the neighborhood.

THERE WAS ONE BP UP THERE, THEY SHUT THAT DOWN, THERE WAS TWO EXONS,
ONE BP, ONE SHELL STATION ON M STREET AND UP FURTHER AS YOU GET TO
11TH STREET WAS AN EXON, THEY SHUT IT DOWN.

Jeff Lenard is with the National Association of Convenience Stores.
He says the closings are an acceleration of a national
trend spanning more than a decade.

NUMBER ONE GAS MARGINS ARE VERY THIN, TYPICALLY YOU NEED ABOUT 12
CENTS TO BREAK EVEN SELLING THE GAS PER GALLON. THE MARKUP THE FIRST
HALF OF THE YEAR HAS BEEN ABOUT 10 CENTS PER GALLON AND RETAILERS
HAVE REALLY TAKEN A POUNDING FROM THIS. THE OTHER FACTOR IS THE
LIQUIDITY CRISIS. YOU’RE HAVING BANKS PULLING BACK ON LOANS. LOANS
THAT THEY WERE PERFECTLY WILLING TO MAKE LAST YEAR, THEY’RE NOT
MAKING NOW AND IT’S PUTTING A SQUEEZE ON SOME OF THE SMALLER BUSINESS
THAT DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL. AND PUTTING A REAL SQUEEZE.

More than 30-thousand gas stations have closed in the U.S since 1995.

______________________________

Gas stations continue to disappear from the Washington region.

And as Jessica Forres reports...some local residents are not happy about it.



A chain-link fence surrounds the lot of what used to be a gas station
in Bethesda, Maryland. Rob Benning is the manager of the sports bar
next door. He says the gas station, which closed in January, was there
one day and gone the next…

THERE WAS A BRIGHT LIGHT AND NOW IT’S KIND OF EMPTY OVER THERE. YOU
DON’T GET THE SAME LIKE FOCUS OF LIGHT. SO YOU WALK OUT AND YOU
DEFINITELY MISS IT. IT’S LIKE ONE OF THOSE THINGS, LIKE THE EXONN USED
TO BE THERE.

The scene is much the same on South Capitol Street in D-C., where we
counted three abandoned gas stations. Stanley Bradley lives in the
neighborhood.

WELL IT’S A LITTLE ROUGH FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD. PEOPLE WHO HAVE CARS WE
ALL HAVE TO GO UP TO 11TH AND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT.

Since 2001, more than a thousand gas stations have closed in D-C,
Maryland and Virginia. Jeff Leonard...with the National Association of
Conveniece Stores... says it's a nationwide trend..

I THINK WHAT WE’RE SEEING NOW WITH A NUMBER OF STORES CLOSING IS
REALLY AN ACCELERATION OF WHAT WE’VE SEEN FOR MORE THAN A DECADE…. IN
1995 THERE WERE ABOUT 200-THOUSAND FUELING LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.
TODAY THERE’S ABOUT 160-THOUSAND THAT’S A FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT DROP
AND I THINK THAT DROP HAS BEEN CONTINUED BY THE LIQUIDITY CRISIS THAT
RETAILERS FACE IN GETTING CAPITAL. THE CONTINUING SQUEEZE ON MARGINS
AND IRONICALLY THE COMPETITION FROM BIG BOXES.

He says

Jessica Forres

Concentrating solar thermal (CST), a renewable energy technology that can provide electricity around-the-clock, has the potential to replace traditional fossil fuel-based power sources and become a central part of the U.S. power supply.

“Now, while Congress works on climate and energy legislation, is a good time to focus on CST and what is needed to fully realize the potential of this attractive renewable energy option,” said Britt Staley, the lead author of a new report by the World Resources Institute (WRI). “State and federal support for developing renewable energy sources and increased federal oversight of the transmission grid are needed.”

The authors of Juice from Concentrate argue that CST is different from many renewable energy technologies that provide power intermittently. When combined with thermal storage, CST can generate electricity on demand, not just when the sun is shining. It can also be integrated with other kinds of backup power.

Electricity from other renewable sources can be stored in batteries, but these are inefficient and expensive. CST power can be stored as heat in tanks - like coffee in a thermos - and used to produce electricity when needed. CST’s ability to provide electricity on demand and around-the-clock could enable utilities to meet baseload power instead of relying on coal-fired power plants.

If CST displaced new coal plants built in the United States today until 2030, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 5 billion tons cumulatively - offsetting the annual emissions from electricity consumption of 35 million homes over that period.

“Even though there are 9,000 megawatts on the drawing board worldwide, several barriers exist to solar thermal power development,” Staley said. “Up-front investment for CST is high compared to that associated with coal plants. Federal and state policy support can help bring down costs over time to make CST competitive with coal.”

For instance, a 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for CST projects constructed before 2017 has helped spur investment in the U.S. Generous feed-in-tariffs have supported development in Spain, where electric utilities are obligated to purchase solar thermal power at a fixed, above-wholesale price for the electricity.

Water usage is another barrier highlighted in the report. One CST plant uses roughly the same amount of water per kilowatt hour of output as a coal plant. This can create a problem in arid regions, such as the Southwest U.S., where solar conditions are favorable, but water resources are scarce.

“Alternative cooling systems are available and can reduce water requirements, but these systems can increase project costs,” Staley added. “Creating investment incentives for plants to incorporate these technologies will be important to the long-term sustainability of CST.”

Truly taking advantage of CST’s potential will mean building a more complete infrastructure to bring power from sunny deserts to urban centers. The authors suggest that greater federal oversight of the electricity grid and improved coordination between grid operators are necessary.

More than 25 percent of the Southeast U.S. region’s electric power could come from locally-available renewable energy supplies by 2025, according to findings released today by the World Resources Institute (WRI), Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), and Southface.

State-by-state renewable energy potential, as a percentage of 2006 total electric power salesPrompt policy action to develop these resources can also create tens of thousands of new jobs, attract more regional energy investment, and help protect regional air and water resources.

“The Southeast has a strong portfolio of renewable energy resources that offers several economic and environmental advantages over traditional electric power generation,” said Eliot Metzger, a project manager at WRI and an author of Local Clean Power, the first in a three-part series of reports about energy opportunities in the Southeast United States.

The report estimates that investments in local renewable energy resources - like biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower - can meet more than a quarter of future electricity needs in the region by 2025. That amount would be sufficient to meet national renewable energy targets currently being discussed as part of upcoming federal energy legislation.

The expansion of current renewable power production from its current level of about five percent will be a critical step towards meeting future electricity needs with cleaner supplies and increasing energy independence.

Stephen Smith, executive director at SACE, another research partner, added, “Right now we are depending on other regions of the country, and foreign countries like Columbia and Venezuela, to supply us with coal. Doesn’t it make more sense to be producing cleaner power, closer to home? Our research suggests we certainly have sufficient resources. It’s just a matter of recognizing and capitalizing on these home-grown energy supplies.”

Renewable power potential is well distributed throughout the region, though differences in total electricity sales mean that states like Mississippi and Alabama can meet much more than 25 percent of electricity needs with renewable resources (see table). Some electric power utilities are starting to develop renewable resources in the region, but additional policy action is needed to drive investment and carefully manage the transition to new energy resources.

“A focus on developing our own renewable energy resources will create good-paying jobs that cannot be exported from our region,” said Dennis Creech, executive director at Southface, which was a partner on this research. “However, we need public policy to remove market barriers and encourage these investments in the Southeast.”

“Additional policy action and investment in a clean energy future translates to new growth opportunities - which for us means the creation of more jobs,” noted Tim Blackwell, president of OneWorld Sustainable, a company specializing in efficiency and renewable energy in the Southeast.

The report offers several recommendations for policies that can advance renewable energy development in the region, including: firm targets for renewable power production; flexible incentives to advance local investments in renewable resources; and comprehensive state-level resource assessments, economic analyses, and regulatory guidance to integrate renewable power into the electricity grid.

As American car manufacturers struggle to survive, Ford Motor Company
is producing more sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

But as Jessica Forres reports… convincing local motorists to buy
"green" may not be that easy.



In Virginia, Tom Rolewicz is driving the new Hybrid Fusion. As an
engineer with Ford Motor Company, he’s happy to show off the new
technology...

THERE’S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE CAR.

-IS THAT SURPRISING ?

- YOU KNOW IT’S GRATIFYING I WILL SAY. I MEAN BECAUSE PEOPLE REALLY
DO WANT THE CAR. I THINK PEOPLE WERE MADE VERY AWARE OF THE PRICE OF
FUEL LAST SUMMER.

Jay Ward…a Ford spokesperson…says the hybrid is just the beginning…
electric and fuel efficient vehicles will be on the market within the
next two years...

THIS IS A CHANCE TO REALLY DISTANCE OURSELVES FROM WHAT’S GOING ON AND
REALLY START PUTTING THE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR.

Some salesmen and customers at a Ford dealership in Silver Spring,
Maryland, tell a different story. Salesman Kenneth Mitchell waits
outside for potential buyers...

WE DON’T EVEN HAVE ANY EXPEDITIONS ON THE LOT BECAUSE THEY’RE SOLD OUT
YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WAS WHEN GAS PRICES WENT BACK DOWN THREE OR
FOUR MONTHS AGO, EVERYONE RUSHED IN WITH THEIR LITTLE CAR AND BOUGHT
ALL THE BIG CARS, ALL THE EXPLORERS AND ALL THE EXPEDITIONS.

Inside, Warren Romine wants to buy the Mustang Convertible. He’s
excited about the cars extras, such as blue tooth technology and an
upgraded interior...

-WHAT ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY OF THE CAR? IS THAT A CONCERN FOR YOU?
-WELL IT’S ALWAYS A CONCERN, BUT I’M NOT BUYING A CAR JUST BASED ON
FUEL ECONOMY.

Ford Motor Company says there’s a waiting list to buy the new Hybrid Fusion.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Hypermilers have hit the streets of Northern Virginia...

And as Jessica Forres reports... these fuel concious motorists are
testing how far they can go on a single tank of gas.



Tom Rolewicz... driving a Fusion Hybrid... turns onto the George
Washington Parkway and switches off the air conditioning. It's a
technique motorists can use to save fuel.

IN TRAFFIC IT CAN KNOCK YOUR FUEL ECONOMY DOWN BY TWENTY, TWENTY FIVE PERCENT.

Rolewicz works for Ford Motor Company. He's one of six eco-drivers
taking part in the Ford Fusion Hybrid 1-thousand Mile Challenge. Jay
Ward is a spokesperson for the company. He says they chose Washington
for the weather, terrain...and politics.

WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.
CLEARLY PART OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO SAY HERE IS THAT WE'RE DOING OUR
BIT AND WE'RE WORKING AS FAST AS WE CAN TO BRIGN EXCITING NEW CARS TO
THE MARKET.

The challenge, Ward says, will end when the car runs out of gas.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

A local non-profit is hoping that a little sprucing up in D-C's Adams Morgan neighborhood will help bussiness owners attract more customers.

Jessica Forres reports…



Batuhan Sen stands outside of Meze Restaurant… one of the many independent, restaurants and bars lining 18th street. He’s been there since the restaurant opened eight years ago and this is the first time he’s seen sales decline...15 percent down from a year ago.

WE ARE TRYING TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN. WE ARE TRYING TO REDUCE THE COSTS AND I MYSELF HAVE STARTED BARTENDING DURING THE WEEK.

Sitting outside of the Adams Mill Bar and Grill, Lisa Duperier with Adams Morgan Main Street… a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing the neighborhood…says there’s no question that businesses are cash-strapped. That’s why the group is helping redo their exteriors...

THERE’S A LOT OF COMPETITION FOR DOLLARS NOW AND PATRONS HAVE CHOICES OF WHERE TO GO SO MAKING SURE THAT THE BUSINESS EXTERIORS LOOK INVITING AND INVITE PEOPLE IN SO WHEN THEY ARE WALKING ALONG THE STREET PERHAPS SEEING IT FROM A BUS OR A CAR IF THE EXTERIOR LOOKS MORE INVITING THERE’S A GREATER CHANCE OF PATRONS INSIDE.

Back at Meze, the patio floor has been paint red and the rails black and white. Sen says it's the little things that are important...especially now...

ITS PART OF THE AMBIENCE SO I BELIEVE AS IN TOTAL IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

It's too early to tell if the work is paying off, but Adams Morgan Main Street’s Duperier notes no bussinesses in Adam's Morgan have closed yet.


Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

____

Some businesses in DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood are receiving help from a local non-profit to spruce up their store fronts.

Jessica Forres reports...

Crooked Beat Records on 18th street specializes in vinyl records. Bill Daily is the owner.

WE’VE BEEN AROUND FOR TWELVE YEARS AND WE’VE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON INDEPENDENT LABELS AND STUFF THAT’S REALLY HARD TO FIND. WE KIND OF SHUN THE MAIN STREET STUFF OF WHAT CIRCUIT CITY AND BEST BUY ALL OF THEM DO.

His sales are up but the number of walk-in customers is down.

WE’VE TURNED OUR FOCUS IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS A LOT MORE ONLINE. WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN SELLING ONLINE AND NOW WE’VE PROBABLY DOUBLED OUR EFFORTS ON ONLINE SALES.

Lisa Duperier with Adams Morgan Main Street… a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing the neighborhood… is sitting outside of Adams Mill Bar and Grill. Her group is helping business owners, such as Daily, beautify their store fronts to attract customers.

THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT EVERYONE CAN TELL THERE’S AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AND ADAMS MORGAN IS NO DIFFERENT AND WHAT ADAMS MORGAN MAIN STREET TRIED TO DO IS A QUICK FIX DESIGN FAÇADE SPRUCE UPS THAT MEANS FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU HAVE A BASEMENT ENTRANCE, YOU PAINT THE BASEMENT STAIRS AND YOU TRY TO MAKE THE AREA MORE INVITING.

The group paid a professional to paint the wall outside Daily's store.

HE’S DONE SEVERAL COATS AND IT REALLY STANDS OUT A LOT BETTER AND CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE MADE COMMENTS ARE REALLY IMPRESSED WITH WHAT THE GUY HAS DONE.

They're hoping those comments result in more business. Dupiere notes no businesses inAdams Morgan have closed yet.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 news

Natural-resources extractive companies are profiting financially and socially when they consult with affected communities before and during the construction of projects.

“Rio Tinto and De Beers, for example, have negotiated agreements with communities to avoid harm and provide benefits. In so doing, they have gained local support for projects, and communities have seized opportunities for development,” said Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute (WRI). “But more work needs to be done. Too often, the rhetoric in support of community engagement does not match the practice.”

The report, Breaking Ground: Engaging Communities in Extractive and Infrastructure Projects, takes an in-depth look at international community engagement standards and how they often fall short of providing guidance to companies and communities. The work follows WRI’s 2007 report, Development Without Conflict, and is designed as a user’s guide to help companies and local community liaisons implement successful standards on-the-ground.

“Many national laws and financial institutions’ policies require companies to implement some type of community engagement in extractive and infrastructure projects, but do not necessarily provide guidance on how to do so,” said Kirk Herbertson of WRI, lead author of the report. “When local communities participate in the design and implementation of a project, they are more likely to understand and support the changes brought about by the project.”

In one of the examples from the report, community engagement during the construction of a natural gas project in the Philippines saved a U.S. company millions by allowing the company to complete construction ahead of schedule.

In another example, from Guatemala, a mining company helped rebuild its damaged reputation by inviting local communities to test and monitor water quality, as a way to provide credible assurances that a mine was not polluting their water source.

WRI’s accompanying video documentary on Thailand’s Mae Moh coal power project shows what happens when companies and governments refuse to engage the communities they develop. Hundreds of people filed a lawsuit against the government-controlled Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), alleging the coal mine and power plant poisoned them with toxic sulfur dioxide emissions and mine dust, and damaged their crops.

On Tuesday of this week, which is officially the World Bank’s Extractive Industries Week, a Thai court ruled that EGAT must compensate each of the victims and restore the environmental damage of the coal mine.

Extractive industry experts said at the World Bank conference that they continue to recognize the importance of engaging communities in mining projects, despite the ongoing economic crisis.

Commerical robberies are on the rise in Prince George's County, Maryland.
And as Jessica Forres reports…the police department is advising business owners to take preventive measures.



At Prince George's County's police headquarters, Robert Freeman, who owns a string of barber shops, expresses his concern over the uptick in commercial robberies...

SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE MYSELF WILL BE AFFECTED BECAUSE WE'RE CASH BUSINESSES.

He says break-ins are pretty common... roughly one a year since he started his business more than a decade ago….But last December a thief robbed one of his shops and shot a barber in the foot...

IT MADE ME FEEL TERRIBLE AS A BUSINESS OWNER . I GUESS THAT'S WHY I'M HERE TODAY JUST TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO AND HOW WE CAN PREVENT SOME OF THE THINGS FROM HAPPENING.

Though commercial robberies in the County have been on the decline since 2005, they have spiked in recent months. Captain James Harper says the faltering economy could be to blame. His department is addressing the problem through a number of strategies. One is to work with business owners...

ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS THAT WAS ECHOED HERE TODAY IS IF THEY DO COME INTO YOUR STORE, LET THEM TAKE THE PROPERTY, THE PROPERTY CAN BE REPLACED, YOUR LIFE CANNOT BE REPLACED.

Captain Harper also advises businesses to take note of the robber's appearance...

START DOWN. IF THE PERSON IS WEARING A BLUE HOOD, WITH A BLACK MASK AND A RED JACKET.

Prince George's police say there have been 75 commercial robberies so far this year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

One local non-profit is helping low-income residents of the District file their taxes.

Jessica Forres reports…



At Petey Greene Community Center, James Johson watches an I-R-S certified volunteer prepare his tax return. This is the third year he's taken advantage of the free service provided by Capital Area Asset Builders…a non-profit dedicated to moving people up the economic ladder.

IT'S FAST SO IT'S NOT A BLOWN OUT DRAWN THING ALL DAY SITTING IN LIKE H AND R BLOCK.

Colleen Dailey is the non-profit's Executive Director…

WE WANT TO PROVIDE A FREE AND SAFE SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN LEAST AFFORD TO PAY TO FILE THEIR TAXES

Dailey's group also educates residents about the DC Earned Income Tax Credit… a refund for low wage workers.

IF A WORKER DOESN'T EVEN OWE ANY INCOME TAX , THEY DON'T EARN ENOUGH TO FILE AN INCOME TAX, THEY CAN STILL GET THIS CREDIT

The group will operate 11 tax preparation sites throughout the District until Apri 15th.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood is benefiting from all of the people visiting Washington for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Jessica Forres reports...


Speaking into a mega-phone, Lisa Duperier calls out to pedestrians walking on 18th street...

[GET READY TO SWING OUT THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW… ]

She's the president of Adams Morgan Main Street, a non-profit that promotes and revitalizes the neighborhood....

WHAT WE HAVE IS A LIFE-SIZE CUT OUT OF BARACK OBAMA, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMING BY AND HAVING THEIR PICTURE MADE WITH HIM AND AT DIFFERENT TIMES WE HAVE AN ELEPHANT PINATA, IT'S IN GOOD FUN, OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW.

There's also a "Tell the President" kiosk where anyone can post their ideas for Mr. Obama....

[NAT: HITTING PINATA]

Stacy Moye, a neighborhood resident, takes a swing at the red, white and blue Elephant Pinata...and successfully breaks it open....

[NAT: BREAKING PINATA]

IT WAS VERY CLEANSING, A GREAT IDEA, IT WAS ALL IN GOOD FUN.

Lisa Dupiere's group is promoting Adams Morgan as "Destination Change...."

THAT YOU'RE AWAY FROM WHERE ALL THE STREET CLOSINGS ARE, SO IF YOU WANT TO PICK AND CHOOSE FROM M A VARIETY OF LIVE MUSIC, THERE'S SAMBA FOR OBAMA, THERE'S ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF THINGS OUR BUSINESSES ARE DOING.

Costume contests, pajama brunches and walking tours are just few of the other events planned for this week.

Jessica Forres Wamu 885 News

Businesses in DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood are hoping for an Inauguration Day-inspired economic shot in the arm.

Jessica Forres reports…


Adams Mill Bar and Grill is one many bars and restaurants lining 18th street. Darrell Green is the owner…

WE HAD TO PREPARE BECAUSE THEY AREN'T DOING DELIVERIES OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND SO WE HAD TO PRETTY MUCH OVERSTOCK ON EVERY KIND OF FOOD ITEM AND CLEANING SUPPPLIES, PAPER TOWELS, ALMOST DO A DOUBLE ORDER AND IN ANTICIPATION FOR THE LARGE CROWDS.

And large crowds are expected.

Charles Brazie...with the Adams Morgan Business and Professional Association...says the neighborhood is prepared to handle the throngs...

WE HAVE A VERY LARGE POLICE CONTINGENT THAT WILL BE UP HERE FROM THIRD DISTRICT. THEY ARE ALL ON 12 HOUR SHIFTS SO WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF PERIPHERAL SECURITY AS WELL. WE EXPECT TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT WEEKEND AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT AND OUR BUSINESSES ARE READY FOR IT.

He says about twenty bars and restaurants will have extended hours....staying open an hour later until 4am on Tuesday.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

It's been three months since Congress passed a 700-Billion dollar rescue plan for banks...but as Jessica Forres reports...many local homeowners who are facing foreclosure are NOT receiving the relief they need...



Juliana Anane of Silver Spring, Maryland is seven months behind on her mortgage, so she's attending a workshop at Montgomery College on how she can save her home...

I HAVE A PAYCHECK BUT I MEAN MY HUSBAND DOESN'T HAVE A PAYCHECK. HE DISABLED NOW AND THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE FELL BEHIND BECAUSE HE CANNOT WORK.

In 2003… when she bought the home…the interest rate was 6 percent...but now that the rate has adjusted upward, she says the bank refuses to work with her...

THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT I CANNOT AFFORD THE HOME AND I'M TELLING THEM THAT IF THEY CUT THE INTEREST RATE FROM 9.25 TO WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE THAN I COULD AFFORD MY HOME.

Maryland Congresswoman Donna Edwards hosted the "Save Your Home" workshop where struggling homeowners received counselling. She's frustrated because banks are not providing the help homeowners need....

WELL IT HAS BEEN A REAL CHALLENGE TO PUSH THE BANKS, EVEN THOSE BANKS THAT HAVE RECEIVED FEDERAL MONEY IN THE BAILOUT TO WORK OUT THEIR LOANS. I THINK WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS TO COMPEL OUR TREASURY DEPARTMENTAT THE FEDERAL LEVEL TO USE THE MONEY DIRECTLY FOR HOMEOWNERS.

Representative Edwards says during the third quarter of 2008 half of the 8-thousand foreclosures in Maryland are located in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

____________________________________________________________

Some homeowners in the DC region say the 700-billion dollar rescue plan for banks is not providing the help they need to stave off foreclosure.

Jessica Forres reports…

Joan...not her real name...is attending a free workshop at Montgomery College where struggling homeowners receive counseling on how to avoid foreclosure.
She questions whether it's worth the effort...

IT'S A DISAPPOINTMENT. THE INFORMATION LEVEL IS NOT MATCHING THE PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS AND THE INFORMATION ALL LOOKS LIKE HERE'S THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO AND YOU SOUND REALLY HOPEFUL BUT FOR ME IT'S NOT HOPE.

She's keeping her head above water now..but she fears what could happen...
THEY SAID HOW MANY MONTHS ARE YOU BEHIND. WELL I'M NOT, I'M PAYING IT WELL THEN WE CAN'T HELP YOU. I DON'T WANT TO BE THAT LATE. I KNOW WHAT'S COMING.

Dozens of homeowners showed up for the "Save Your Home" workshop hosted by Congresswoman Donna Edwards who says it's a challenge to convince banks to modify the loans they've made...

I THINK WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS TO COMPEL OUR TREASURY DEPARTMENT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL TO USE THE MONEY DIRECTLY FOR HOMEOWNERS. AND I'M CONVINCED THAT THE INCOMING OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND THE NEW SECRETARY OF TREASURY ARE COMMITTED TO DOING JUST THAT. YOU KNOW A PORTION OF THE 350 BILLION DOLLARS WILL BE USED DIRECTLY FOR HOMEOWNERS.

Representative Edwards says the number of foreclosures in Montgomery and Prince George's counties totaled 4 thousand in the third quarter of 2008.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Christmas may be over but retailers are still trying to lure shoppers with sales and deep discounts.

But as Jessica Forres found out this morning, many shoppers are staying home...



A handful of shoppers are waiting for the stores to open inside Montgomery mall in Bethesda, Maryland.

Sheryl Prieto, sipping a hot, mocha coffee, sits at a table with her aunt Gloria Rose and mother Elizabeth Waaler… Shopping the day after Christmas is their family tradition…But this year they are disappointed, not by the deals, but by the crowds...

WE'RE TRYING TO FIND SOME DEALS BUT I WAS JUST SAYING, IT'S KIND OF DISAPPOINTING I LIKE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE AND THERE'S NO HUSTLE AND BUSTLE AROUND.
- AND THE PARKING LOT WAS SO EMPTY.

Across the Potomac River at Tyson's Corner Center in McClean, Virginia... a similar scene.
Donald Donoho and his daughter Carla Watkins arrived at 6:45am.

THE MALL WASN'T OPEN AND ONLY MACY'S WAS OPEN, THERE WAS NO CROWD EVERYBODY'S SHOPPED OUT.

Joel Bines with Alex Partners, a global consulting firm, says this holiday season, grocery retailers and stores, such as Target and Walmart held up fairly well. .

BUT ONCE YOU START MOVING INTO SPECIALTY CATEGORIES, DEPARTMENT STORES, LUXURY STORES, JEWELRY STORES, TOY STORES. IT MEANS IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY DIFFICULT 2009 FOR THEM FINANCIALLY AND UNLESS THE RETAILERS ARE IN A VERY STRONG POSITION IN 2009, THEYA RE GOING TO HAVE REAL LIQUIDITY CHALLENGES.

He says.. overall this has been the worst shopping season for retailers in 35 or 40 years.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

One local company is helping senior citizens in the D.C. area fight fraud by using the internet.

Jessica Forres reports…



Cindy Libby-Green ...sits in front of her computer,opens the Senior Checked website and searches for "home care providers" in zip code 20852.

[NAT: TYPING]

The search pulls up 388 companies…but only six of them…including the company she works for Premiere Homecare… have been Senior Checked. That means those companies are legitimate, licensed, insured and their employees crime free...

UP UNTIL SENIOR CHECKED WAS DEVELOPED THERE WAS NO ENTITY THAT SENIORS COULD GO TO THAT GAVE THE STAMP OF APPROVAL TO COMPANIES, EVEN COMPANIES OUTSIDE OF HOMECARE.

Though companies pay a monthly fee for the directory listing, searches are free. Libby-Green says she uses it for herself and clients.

WHETHER WE'RE SENIORS, WHETHER WE'RE TEENAGERS WE ALL NEED TO FEEL SECURE WHERE WE LIVE,

Silver Nation is the company behind Senior Checked and Mark Hansan is the CEO.

WE NAMED THE COMPANY SILVER NATION BECAUSE THE SILVER TSUNAMI IS COMING. WE ARE LESS THAN THREE YEARS AWAY FROM THE FIRST BABY BOOMER TURNING 65.

He says 9 out of 10 seniors live at home, which makes them vulnerable to fraud.

WE'RE SEEING IT RIGHT NOW UNFORTUNATELY IN THIS AREA WHICH IS SO TRAGIC, YOU KNOW THE WOMAN IN WHEATON WHO WAS JUST MURDERED BY THE LANDSCAPER THAT SHE HAD HIRED. THESE ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS WHERE WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO STOP THESE CRIMES.

He says seniors in the U.S. are victims of crime every 15 seconds.

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One local company is using the internet to help senior citizens fend off criminals.

Jessica Forres reports….

Mark Hanson, the CEO of a Bethesda company called Silver Nation, says seniors are victims of crime every 15 seconds in the U.S.... and those living at home, he explains, are the most vulnerable.

IF YOU LIVE IN A NURSING HOME THERE ARE STATE LAWS AND FEDERAL LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU TO A LIMITED EXTENT. BUT IF YOU'RE IN YOUR OWN HOME, YOU'RE WIDE OPEN, YOU'RE LIKE THE COMPUTER WITHOUT ANY SECURITY PROTECTION.

That's why his company started a website called Senior Checked, which vets and verifies that local businesses are what Hansan calls senior –safe.

WE HAVE OUR STANDARDS AND THEY HAVE TO BE LEGITIMATE, LICENSED, INSURED, CRIME FREE BACKGROUND CHECKED, CONSUMER ENDORSED AND COMMITTED TO SENIORS.

Premiere Homecare, which provides support services for senior citizens living at home, pays a monthly fee to participate in the program. Cindy Libby-Green is the Executive Director. She says the best part about the service is that it's free for consumers.

IT REALLY IS THE RESULT OF NOT HAVING ANY KIND OF SINGLE ENTRY PLACE TO GO TO MAKE SURE WHETHER IT'S A PLUMBER, A PAINTER, A LANDSCAPER, THAT WHOEVER IS COMING TO YOU IS A SAFE PERSON TO LET IN YOUR HOME.

The program launched in early December.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In the District, residents by the thousands gathered at the Washington Convention Center for the annual "Feast of Sharing" ...

Jessica Forres reports...




[ANCHOR TAG: SAFEWAY MADE FOUR TONS OF TURKEY, 180 GALLONS OF GRAVY AND 15-HUNDRED POUNDS OF STUFFING FOR THE EVENT]

Inside the largest exhibit hall , Dierdre Anderson is one of 750 volunteers, she escorts three people to a banquet table where they will be served a plate full of turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie...

PEOPLE ARE SAYING THE ECONOMY IS SO HARD RIGHT NOW. IT'S REALLY TOUGH, IT'S REALLLY TOUGH. SO WE WANT TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN.

A record 52 hundred people came for the free meal. Greg Ten Eyck is a spokesperson for Safeway. He started the "Feast of Sharing" nine years ago ...

WE'RE SERVING MORE PEOPLE THAN WE EVER HAVE BEFORE AND I THINK THAT KIND OF SHOWS THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AND THE STATE OF THE CITY RIGHT. THERE'S MORE NEED THAN WE'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE FOR THIS EVENT.

It's the first year for Jacquie Clarke. She is thankful for the holiday treat...

WELL I KNOW THAT THE RECESSION IS GOING ON AND FOOD IS NOT PLENTIFUL LIKE IT USED TO BE. JUST TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

Guests of the feast were offered free flu shots and health screenings.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Consumers are reacting to the weak economy in a number of ways . As Jessica Forres reports.....their personal finances dictate whether they are an optimist or a pessimist.....

ECONOMY2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: Christmas Music]

Santa Claus, ornately decorated Christmas trees and holiday music are the sights and sounds inside a mall in Bethesda, Maryland where David Johannes says the holidays will be different this year...

NUMBER ONE I OWN A RETAIL STORE. I OWN A GARDEN CENTER AND GOURMET FOOD STORE SO WE'VE SEEN A LITTLE BIT OF A DOWNTURN.

As he sees sales decline, Johannes says he's encouraging his 9 year old son to adjust his own expectations when he sends his wishlist to Santa...

WHAT WE'VE ENCOURAGED HIM IS TO PICK OUT MORE THINGS THAT ARE LESS EXPENSIVE SO HE CAN GET A VOLUME OF THINGS AS OPPOSED TO PICKING OUT A BIKE OR A VIDEO GAME SET THAT MIGHT BE MORE EXPENSIVE.

Billy Beacham and Jeff Whisenaut are cruising the mall before heading to the Redskins game. They're optimistic because....

WE WORK FOR SMITHFIELD FOODS. PEOPLE GOT TO EAT. HAMS, HOT DOGS, BACON THAT'S US.

The Holiday shopping season traditionally begins on what;s called Black Friday…the day after Thanksgiving.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 NEWS

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As they wait for the economy to improve, some consumers in the Washington region have decided to be a lot more frugal when they shop for the holidays.

Jessica Forres reports…

ECONOMY1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Shopping at a mall in Bethesda, Maryland, Michele Krucoff says the weak economy has convinced her to think small...

I'M GOING TO BUY A COUPLE SPECIAL ITEMS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS BUT NOTHING LIKE I DID LAST YEAR AND IN YEARS PAST.

And that includes when she buys presents for her young son...

THIS YEAR HE WILL GET A LITTLE BIT LESS AND ACTUALLY INSTEAD OF BUYING THINGS I WOULD RATHER TRAVEL.

Sarah Locke, a mother of two boys, says spending less is nothing new for her family...

WE'VE NEVER HAD VERY EXCESSIVE CHRISTMASES. THEY USUALLY GET ONE PRESENT FROM US AND THEY HAVE AUNTS AND UNCLES AND THEY GET THEM PRESENTS TOO. THEY DON'T EXPECT A WHOLE LOT.

The day after Thanksgiving begins the traditional Holiday shopping season but many retailers already are offering discounts.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The District says progress is being made in the effort to revitalize the Anacostia Waterfront despite the nation's economic crisis.

Jessica Forres reports…

ANACOSTIA1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Inside the Red Porch Restaurant at Nationals Ballpark, Mayor Adrian Fenty lists the more than 8 billion dollars worth of economic development projects that are moving forward…

POPLAR POINT, SOUTHWEST WATERFRONT, HILL EAST WATER FRONT, WATER FRONT STATION WHICH IS KNOWN TO A LOT OF US AS WATERSIDE MALL AND THE YARDS…

Those projects are part of a 20-year plan to build housing, offices, retail stores and parks on the east and west banks of a pollution-free Anacostia River...

DEVELOPED A ANACOSTIA 2032 PLAN TO MAKE THE ANACOSTIA RIVER BOATABLE, FISHABLE AND SWIMMABLE AND THAT WE'VE ADDED REAL TIME WATER QUALITY MONITORING TO OUR WEBSITE.

Neil Albert, the city's Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, says the financial crisis has made getting projects financed a much longer process but not a more difficult one...

THE FACT THAT THE DISTRICT IS INVOLVED IN MANY OF THESE DEALS HERE THROUGH PUTTING THE LAND IN OR MAKING SOME KIND OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION IS REALLY HELPING TO SUSTAIN A NUMBER OF THESE PROJECTS BUT WE CONTINUE TO BE BULLISH IN THE DISTRICT.

A free community fair to celebrate the ongoing progress will be held tomorrow at Nationals Ballpark.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

New regulations to make chicken farming in Maryland less harmful to the environment won't take effect until January but as Jessica Forres reports….some experts already are claiming the rules won't do much to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay but WILL hurt farmers….

CHICKENS2-FORRES'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM.

Mandatory planting of vegetative buffer zones and better managing of chicken manure are part of the new regulations from the state Department of the Environment. Agency representative Robert Ballinger says the new rules are designed to show how Maryland can reduce the amount of nutrients that flow into and pollute the Bay…

DELAWARE AND VIRGINIA DO HAVE SIMILAR REGULATIONS. WE FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT OUR REGULATIONS ARE STRONGER AND MORE PROGRESSIVE.

But some experts say the tougher regulations will put Maryland's poultry farmers at a competitive disadvantage with their neighbors. Ellen Silbergeld is with Johns Hopkins University….

THIS IS THE KIND OF THING WE REALLY DON'T WANT TO HAVE HAPPEN EITHER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OR FOR THE ECONOMICS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND. WE NEED TO DO SOME UPSTREAM THINKING THAT IS FOR EXAMPLE GETTING ANTIBIOTICS OUT OF POULTRY PRODUCTION ALONG WITH THAT IS THE ISSUE OF USE OF ARSENIC IN POULTRY FEED.

The arsenic, she says, end up in the manure and are carried into the Bay when it rains as well as groundwater. Silbergeld says the state should first consider whether the new requirements will make a significant difference...

DON'T PLACE THE BURDEN ON THE FARMER. THE WAY IN WHICH POULTRY IS PRODUCED IN MARYLAND AND THE UNITED STATES IS REALLY DICTATED BY THE MAJOR PRODUCERS. AND THE FARMERS WORK AS CONTRACTORS TO COMPANIES LIKE TYSON, PERDUE, ETC SO IF WE REALLY WANT TO A CHANGE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THIS INDUSTRY, WE HAVE TO ENGAGE THE SECTOR THAT'S MAKING MOST OF THE MONEY.

The Department of the Environment will accept public comments for one more week.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News