WASHINGTON (AP) - A judge says R&B singer Chris Brown doesn't have to travel from Los Angeles to Washington to appear in court.

D.C. Superior Judge Robert Tignor agreed Friday to let Brown waive his scheduled appearance on Monday.

Brown is facing a misdemeanor assault charge. He and bodyguard Christopher Hollosy were arrested last month on charges of punching a man outside a hotel who tried to jump into a picture with the singer.

Brown was ordered into anger management rehabilitation this week following a Los Angeles court appearance.

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- LOG ON TO http://www.wusa9.com/givejoy to donate a toy or money to children via "Volunteers of America." 

Jan Jeffcoat is out on assignment and it's a GREAT assignment! Jan's in Prince George's County helping to kick off our holiday virtual toy drive!

WUSA9 has teamed up with the Volunteers of America Chesapeake on a new one-of-a-kind holiday campaign called "Give Joy" and it gives you a chance to help needy kids and families this holiday season with the click of a button. We're calling it a JOY DRIVE and you can buy a toy, donate or just send a holiday message virtually - from home, from work, from anywhere!

Between now and mid December Jan and the whole team here at wusa 9 will be bringing you stories about the people you can help. If you follow her on Twitter @JanJeffcoat you can get live twitter updates.

WASHINGTON (WUSA9)--  Ever wanted to be a "Citizen Scientist?" Now's your chance to help out wildlife biologists here in the District.

The District Department of the Environment is asking all residents of the District to assist in counting the number of Eastern Cottontail Rabbits. On Wednesday, the DDOE sent out a letter to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) members to ask for help in tracking the numbers of these bunnies.

The purpose of the tracking is to help biologists figure out the numbers of the Cottontail's density, abundance and distribution throughout the District.