There's now a second inaugural shindig scheduled for the neighborhood, with the Post reporting on a "DC Presidential Inaugural Gala" to be held at the US DOT HQ at New Jersey and M on January 19 from 8 pm to midnight. It's being run by the "District of Columbia Presidential Inaugural Committee" (I don't yet know whether it's an official city entity or not; sure sounds like it, but I haven't yet confirmed). This is not Mayor Fenty's official ball (at the DC Armory) or the council's official ball (at the Wilson Building). Still trying to find out more.

The city is apparently planning to give over almost all of Near Southeast's and Southwest's on-street parking to charter buses on Inauguration Day, according to the Post: "With the exception of some residential areas, all curbside parking will be set aside for buses; streets will be restricted to charter bus, transit bus and official inaugural vehicles, he said. [...] The charter bus restrictions will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 20. Other vehicles parked on the streets after that will be towed." Here's the map with the parking zones. I imagine the neighborhood's numerous surface parking lots might be handed to buses as well, though I'm not sure they can get through the gates.

(It's a guarantee that as soon as I put up a "I won't be posting for a while" entry, something comes down the pike.) As part of the four-day party-packed inauguration celebration, there's going to be a Capitol Riverfront Gala, officially entitled "Sunday Night on the Hill," on January 18 at 70 I Street (the Jefferson at Capitol Yards). Food will be provided by Eighth Street's Cafe 8, and music by "international DJ TFresh." The festivities will start at 8:30 pm, in both indoor and "heated outdoor" spaces (maybe this includes the roof?). Tickets are $110 (which includes food and an open bar), with discounts available for active military members in uniform. Dress code is "creative black tie."

Piling a bunch of stuff together, again:

* The WashTimes says that Eleanor Holmes Norton "has asked Congress's Joint Commission on Inaugural Ceremonies to consider opening up more space for visitors than just the Mall, including Verizon Center and Nationals Park." I guess she means as a space to allow people to watch the ceremonies on the big screen (rather than, say, sleeping bags in the outfield)?

Now here's some quick-thinking: "With high-end hotels completely booked and District residents renting out their homes to tourists, JPI has joined the inauguration rental frenzy and will rent unleased apartments at two of its recently delivered projects near Nationals Park. The Dallas-based developer will require a three-night minimum stay at the Axiom at Capitol Yard and Jefferson at Capitol Yards. The company did not release pricing information, but said it will offer guests a choice of furnished one or two-bedroom units. They also will receive access to 24-hour concierge service and conference rooms, gym facilities, free wireless Internet access in common areas." (WBJ)