The Community Renewables Energy Act – An Energy Justice Bill

Earlier this year, Councilmembers Yvette Alexander and Mary Cheh introduced legislation that will change the energy landscape in Washington, D.C. by allowing renters to benefit from renewable energy generation. The Community Renewables Energy Act (Bill No. 19-715) aims to expand access to renewable energy to more DC residents through a mechanism called “virtual net metering.” What is virtual net metering?…  

Every Creative Needs an Advocate

A month or so ago, I received an email from an independent fashion designer in Seattle, Washington. She was concerned because a first tier department store sent her a cease and desist letter. The letter was short and succinct and contained a request that she “cease and desist” from using her federally registered trademark. Why? The department store argued that the designer’s trademark was confusingly similar to the trademark they owned for similar fashion goods.…  

Law, War & Politics

By Johnny Barnes

I have studied law, and I have studied war and I have studied politics; and I have come to regard them as one in the same.

Like water and oil, the elements of each are separate and distinct. Yet, put them together, and they join. To the untrained eye, when mixed, they remain detached and discreet.…