Montgomery County legalizes tunnel greenhouses on urban, suburban lots to boost small farming production

Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services has removed a prohibition on the erection of high tunnel greenhouses on urban and suburban lots, in an effort to increase food production by small farmers in those areas. Previously, the structures were only permitted on land zoned as agricultural. Constructed of metal frames and clear plastic coverings, the greenhouses trap heat to extend the growing season, and block access to plants by pests. Interested applicants in urban and suburban areas must submit to the DPS a certificate showing that the high tunnel proposal has been reviewed by the Montgomery Soil Conservation District and the Office of Agriculture, to ensure that it will comply with sediment and erosion control, stormwater management, zoning, and any local HOA requirements. 

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

"Ag growers who are Black, indigenous or people of color often operate on properties with fewer than three acres of land, so this policy change was made to increase racial equity," County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement. "This policy change also is expected to increase local food production, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance food transport on our roads and increase urban access to healthy and nutritious food. I thank the local grower who advocated for change and the Office of Agriculture and Department of Permitting Services for implementing the new policy."

Hans Riemer endorses Will Jawando in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Former Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer has endorsed current Councilmember Will Jawando in the Maryland U.S. Senate race for the seat of retiring Senator Ben Cardin (D). Jawando and Riemer served together on the Council from 2018 to 2022; Jawando is now in his second Council term. "In my many years of knowing Will Jawando, going back to our work together supporting President Obama, and my four years serving side-by-side with him on the Montgomery County Council, I have always been impressed by his devotion to public service and dedication to meeting the needs of his most vulnerable constituents," Riemer said in a statement this afternoon.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of my friend and former colleague @HansRiemer," Jawando tweeted in announcing Riemer's support. "Hans has spent his career fighting for so many of the same priorities my campaign is centered upon. I look forward to working with him on delivering for the state of Maryland."

Photo courtesy Will Jawando for U.S. Senate

Maryland AG rules Montgomery County cannot ban police from making traffic stops

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has ruled that the Montgomery County Council does not have the legal authority to pass a law that would prevent police from making traffic stops for minor offenses. Council President Evan Glass sought an opinion from Brown in regards to legality of the proposed STEP Act (Council Bill 12-23). Introduced by Councilmember Will Jawando, and co-sponsored by Councilmember Kristin Mink, the bill would ban police from making traffic stops for offenses such as a defective headlight or tinted windows. 

Brown's finding, issued in a September 15, 2023 memo to Glass, is that Maryland vehicle law preempts any County law regarding traffic stops. However, Brown advised Glass that another STEP Act provision, which would ban police from seeking consent to search a vehicle unless there is "reasonable suspicion" that a crime has been committed, would be permissible because Maryland vehicle law "does not address the subject of searches during traffic stops."

The STEP Act is one of several criminal justice reforms introduced or steered to passage by Jawando in his two terms on the Council. Those initiatives have been highlighted during his current campaign for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of Ben Cardin (D), who is retiring after his term ends. In advocating for the STEP Act, Jawando argued that change was necessary to reduce the outsize impact of traffic stops on drivers of color. 

One group that advocated for both of the STEP Act provisions in question, the Decriminalize Montgomery County Coalition, said in a statement that its members are "disappointed" in Brown's ruling on the traffic stop question. It urges the Council to move forward on passage of the provision on consent searches of vehicles, and the Maryland General Assembly to update the state's vehicle law to allow localities to ban traffic stops for minor offenses.

"The Decriminalize Montgomery County coalition is deeply concerned that [Brown's] opinion poses an obstruction to racial justice," the organization said. "The STEP Act was introduced to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops. In fact, the opinion correctly acknowledges that police disproportionately stop Black and brown drivers compared to other drivers. Drivers of color are frequently stopped for minor offenses, such as a broken taillight or an expired registration, even though these violations do not threaten public safety. These stops often end up turning into consent searches so that police can search vehicles for drugs, and can escalate into emotional and physical harm. They are fundamental problems that still need to be addressed. Stopping consent searches is a step towards that end, but the best way to reduce police harm is to ensure that the stop does not happen at all." 

Organizations that are part of the DMC coalition supporting the STEP Act include Young People for Progress (YPP), the Silver Spring Justice Coalition (SSJC), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland, and Jews United for Justice (JUFJ).

Assault at Gaithersburg hotel

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in the Rio Lakefront area of Gaithersburg early Sunday morning, September 24, 2023. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 9700 block of Washingtonian Boulevard at 2:39 AM Sunday. There are two hotels on that block: the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, and the Residence Inn.

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood endorses Will Jawando for Maryland U.S. Senate seat

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando's latest endorsement for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of Ben Cardin (D) comes from a federal lawmaker already on Capitol Hill. Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood announced this morning that she is backing Jawando over his leading opponents in the Democratic primary, Congressman David Trone and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. "I am excited to announce my support of Will Jawando for the United States Senate," Underwood said in a statement. "For nearly two decades, Will has been a mentor and friend. He's a tremendous leader who cares deeply about the lives and well-being of all Maryland residents. Will is an effective, disciplined, and inspiring legislator who is prepared for the challenges ahead. I am proud to endorse him."

A registered nurse, Underwood gained national attention by winning a Republican seat once held by Congressman Randy Hultgren and the disgraced former House speaker, convicted child molester Dennis Hastert. Underwood has the 16th-most-liberal voting record in the U.S. House according to VoteView, likely a winning data point with Jawando, who is positioning himself as the true progressive in the Senate race.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood," Jawando said in a statement. "She is in the top echelon of our nation’s public servants and tirelessly fights for her constituents. I have had the honor of knowing the Congresswoman for many years and know her to be a tireless leader for Illinois."

Strong-arm carjacking at Germantown apartment complex

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking at a Germantown apartment complex early yesterday morning, September 25, 2023. The carjacking was reported in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 18800 block of Bent Willow Circle at 1:10 AM Monday. That is the Cherry Knoll Apartments off Wisteria Drive near Gunners Lake.

Purse snatched at Rio Lakefront

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of a purse snatching at Rio Lakefront on Friday, September 22, 2023. The theft was reported in the unit block of Grand Corner Avenue at 2:00 PM. No force was used to steal the purse, which was apparently left unattended.

Tropical Storm Ophelia makes landfall, already impacting Maryland/Washington, D.C. area

Tropical Storm Ophelia has made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but the outer rain bands of the storm had already entered the Washington, D.C. area overnight. What will the impacts of Ophelia on the upper Montgomery County area be? The National Weather Service predicts rainfall amounts from 2-4" in the Montgomery County/Washington, D.C. area. High winds with gusts up to 45-55 MPH are also anticipated.

Montgomery County and Washington D.C. are under a National Weather Service-issued Wind Advisory from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM today. The NWS forecasts northeast winds of 20 to 30 MPH, with gusts up to 55 MPH expected. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible along the immediate shore of the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac. Ocean City, Maryland is experiencing street flooding and wind gusts up to 50 MPH.Secure any outdoor furniture or objects light enough to blow away, or bring them indoors.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has
declared a State of Emergency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency. "If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm, please do so," Moore said. "We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides." Flooding, falling limbs, downed trees and power outages are expected.

Ophelia is currently located 25 miles WNW of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Its sustained winds measured at Cape Lookout are currently 61 MPH, with gusts up to 73 MPH. The storm is moving NNW at 9 MPH, and will affect the D.C. region through Sunday.

Heavy rainfall and sustained wind gusts will combine for conditions that favor trees falling, causing damage and power outages. Charge cellphones and make sure you have batteries for flashlights and radios.

WMATA reports Metrobus routes D33 Westbound and E4 Westbound are temporarily detouring at Military Road and 14th Street NW, and resuming their routes at Military Road and 16th Street NW, due to weather conditions. Pepco is reporting a few, small power outages in Gaithersburg at this hour.

Tracking map courtesy National Hurricane Center

Rio Lakefront to repurpose sculpture for Copper Canyon Grill plaza update

Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg is planning to repurpose a sculpture it originally commissioned for temporary use in 2016 as a new public art installation on the plaza outside Copper Canyon Grill, located at 100 Boardwalk Place. The restaurant is adding a dining pier, and making several smaller changes to its building area as part of that project. Dan Figueroa of property owner Peterson Cos. wrote in a memo to the City of Gaithersburg that the sculpture will serve as the focal point of the updated plaza.

The bronze Barton Rubenstein sculpture will be installed on a black granite base, with upward-directed lighting beneath it. Installation of the new public art feature will be completed by spring of 2024, with the go-ahead from the city's Cultural Arts Advisory Committee.

Will Jawando endorsed by Baltimore, Prince George's officials in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando picked up the endorsements of four more Maryland elected officials in his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat of Ben Cardin (D), who will retire in January 2025. Baltimore City Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett, Prince George’s County Councilmembers Krystal Oriadha and Wala Blegay, and Riverdale Park Town Councilmember Karen Mejia all put their support behind Jawando, who is positioning himself as the true progressive in the highly-competitive Democratic primary. Jawando's leading primary opponents are Total Wine founder and Congressman David Trone (D - MD 6th District), and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Convincing three more Prince George's officials to support him over their own county executive is a coup for Jawando, as Alsobrooks is facing questions about her newfound support for criminal justice reform, relative to her own prosecutorial record and statements during her service as Prince George's County State's Attorney. Jawando is seeking to follow the insurgent path of new Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who stunned many by blowing past moderate establishment figures like Comptroller Peter Franchot to capture Government House in November 2022. 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of these four fantastic public servants," Jawando said in a statement Wednesday. "This campaign is based upon the belief that we can build a shared prosperity for all Marylanders, and with their support, achieving this dream is increasingly possible. They represent the next generation of leaders in our state who are stepping up and doing their part to build a better future where no one has to be worse off for their neighbor to do better."

"Over the coming weeks and months, my campaign will continue to expand into both Prince George’s and Baltimore city and county. The race is early, and anyone who tells you they know how things will shake out is mistaken. I have gained a sense from speaking with residents across our state that there is a deep frustration with the status quo, and they are looking for a U.S. Senator who can deliver for their communities. This is what I have done in Montgomery County, and it’s why I am running for the Senate."

Indecent exposure in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police responded to an incident of indecent exposure in Montgomery Village early Monday afternoon, September 18, 2023. The incident was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 19100 block of Montgomery Village Boulevard at 1:34 PM. That appears to be the Montgomery Village Center.

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando introduces bill to eliminate tipped minimum wage

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) introduced a bill today that would eliminate tipped minimum wages in the county by 2028. Restaurant servers, bartenders and other tipped service workers currently can be paid less than the County's minimum wage, because they theoretically will achieve the minimum wage amount through customer tips. Jawando's bill, which is also supported by Councilmember Kristin Mink (D), would phase out the tipped minimum wage over the next five years, and require restaurant owners to pay all staff the current County minimum wage. His U.S. Senate campaign is touting the bill as the latest example of Jawando's progressive leadership on the Council, at a time when his leading progressive opponent, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, is under fire from a new Intercept article that raises doubts about her past positions on crime and civil liberties issues.

“Even while running a high-stakes and fast-paced campaign for the U.S. Senate, Will is continuing to fight each and every day for his constituents in Montgomery County and embodying the core message of this campaign: to build a shared prosperity that lifts everybody up, no matter who you are or where you come from," Jawando's campaign communications director Benny Stanislawski said in a statement today. "Today’s bill is a perfect example of this, and his tried and true approach to public service. From successfully passing historic rent stabilization, to a pilot guaranteed income program, and community-informed policing in Montgomery County, Will is without a doubt the most effective legislator in the race. Today’s bill will likely become law and completely reshape the lived experience of countless working-class residents of the county."

Similar bills and laws in other jurisdictions have been highly-controversial and divisive. Restaurant owners fear their already-slim profit margins getting thinner, having to boost the wages they pay employees directly by more than $10 an hour each. Some servers and bartenders, who say they now regularly earn more than minimum wage via tips, have even opposed similar laws elsewhere. Their concern has been that word of the law - and the new service charges that restaurants add to customer tabs in the wake of their passage - will encourage customers to cut back or eliminate tipping altogether. Jawando does not believe this will be the case, but says he is proposing a second bill that would ensure service charges go to restaurant workers, rather than to the restaurant owners.

Assault at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg Saturday night, September 16, 2023. The assault was reported in a parking garage in the 200 block of Boardwalk Place at 10:55 PM.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joins President Biden in announcing adult education funding

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) joined President Joe Biden (D) at an event at Prince George's Community College in Largo Thursday, where Moore announced he is directing $17.4 million in funding toward adult education. More than half of the money will come from the federal government, and the remaining $7.9 million will be redirected from the Maryland Department of Labor budget. The recipients of the funds will be all 16 Maryland community colleges, two local K-12 school systems (Somerset and Worcester counties), three community-based organizations, one public library system and the state correctional education system. One of the three community-based organizations is Classroom to Community in Montgomery County.

“Together, we will grow an economy that works for everyone, from the bottom up and the middle out,” Gov. Moore said. “President Biden has been very clear about his vision to empower and educate workers to grow the middle class. It’s a vision I stand by because it’s good for Maryland, good for our people, and good for our economy. Together, we are going to work in partnership to follow the president’s lead, build out our workforce, grow the economy, and win this decade.” 

Moore recently expressed his concern about the state's moribund economy, and the resulting lack of revenue that will limit his ability to fund initiatives he has proposed. That concern was heightened by the announcement this week that Maryland's Transportation Trust Fund is running out of money.

Biden and Moore were also joined by Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer (D) and Maryland's U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D). The president was introduced by Prince George's County Community College student Sadé Davis.

Margarita Bar & Grill opens in Germantown

Margarita Bar & Grill has opened at 19201 Frederick Road in Germantown. The menu is primarily Mexican, with some Salvadoran and Peruvian items and flavors mixed in. See the menu here. Handcrafted margaritas are made with premium tequila, and there are 14 varieties of margaritas to order, including the Crazy Margarita. You have to come in with high expectations when the sign out front is promising "The Best."

Strong-arm rape reported at Shady Grove Road nightclub

Montgomery County police responded to a reported incident of strong-arm rape at a nightclub on Shady Grove Road Monday night, September 11, 2023. The sexual assault was reported at a club in the 15900 block of Shady Grove Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg, at 9:48 PM Monday. 

Gaithersburg woman charged with murder of her boyfriend

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in the stabbing death of 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez. Jennifer Abigail Espinoza Orellana, 21, of Gaithersburg allegedly stabbed Zavala Marquez outside her residence in the 8000 block of Shady Spring Drive early Sunday morning. Police say Zavala Marquez was her boyfriend.

Espinoza Orellana allegedly dropped the injured victim off at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, and left. Police were called by hospital staff at 5:51 AM Sunday. Zavala Marquez was later pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Espinoza Orellana has been charged with 2nd-degree murder in the case. She is being held without bond. A medical examiner will investigate and rule on the cause of Zavala Marquez's death, police say.

Charik Fashions closes at Gaithersburg Square

Charik Fashions has closed its boutique at 520 N. Frederick Avenue at Gaithersburg Square. Signage has been stripped from the storefront. Inside, the space has been cleared out. The African fashion boutique opened in April 2022.

Gaithersburg Wawa construction + jobs update (Photos)

Montgomery County's first Wawa convenience store has begun hiring at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Applications are now being accepted in three job categories at Wawa.com/careers: Customer service associate, customer service supervisor and overnight team supervisor. Meanwhile, at the store site, the first glass panels have been installed in the storefront. Stone has also been installed on two pillars in front of the entrance, and along the lower facade of the store building.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission approves dining pier for Copper Canyon Grill

Copper Canyon Grill at Rio Lakefront received a vote of approval from the Gaithersburg Planning Commission last night for its proposal to build a dining pier on the lake in front of its restaurant at 100 Boardwalk Place. The pier structure will largely be made of wood to blend in with the boardwalk, and will have asphalt shingles on its roof. Commissioners also approved a plan for minor and temporary changes to the existing restaurant building related to the pier addition. This includes a temporary southern entrance with a wooden construction ramp leading up to it.

Megamart Gaithersburg opening September 7

The new Megamart location at 33 Dalamar Street in Gaithersburg will open tomorrow, September 7, 2023. Operations will transfer from the existing store at 401 S. Frederick Avenue. Interestingly, as of last night, signage had yet to be installed on the new grocery store building. However, a new traffic signal at MD 355 and Dalamar Street has begun operation, in anticipation of heavy traffic to the new Megamart store. Please note that the street address for the site of the new store has changed from 7 Dalamar Street (when it was Golden Bull) to 33 Dalamar Street.

Spirit Halloween returning to Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg for 2023

Spirit Halloween will return to haunt Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg once again for 2023. The seasonal costume, props and decor store will again inhabit the former Charming Charlie space at 101 Boardwalk Place. In fact, that's the only Montgomery County location announced by Spirit so far, but you can be sure there'll be more. Among the new animatronics creating buzz this year for the wealthy shopper are the life-size Leatherface, a truly-scary representative of family farms seized by greedy Wall Street big banks named Emmeline, and the tragic-romantic 6'6" Black Heart.

Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade canceled for 2023

The Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade scheduled to take place this afternoon, September 4, 2023, has been canceled. Mayor Jud Ashman announced the cancellation Sunday. He said the reason for the cancellation was the high temperatures forecast for today. Accuweather predicted a high of 98 degrees for the day. The parade will not be rescheduled.

Gaithersburg City Council candidates finalized ahead of November 7, 2023 election

The Gaithersburg Board of Supervisors of Elections has certified the candidacies of six residents for the November 7, 2023 City Council election. Candidates for the three open City Council seats will be Neil Harris, Yamil Hernández, Daniel Lukomsky, Shanika Whitehurst, Omodamola Williams, and Robert Wu. The three winners will serve 4-year terms. If you are a City resident, you will receive a voter's guide in the mail in mid-September. A sample ballot will be mailed in late October.

If you are registered to vote in Montgomery County, you are automatically registered to vote in City of Gaithersburg elections, and you will receive a mail-in ballot application in the mail. For information on voter eligibility contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections, or call 240-777-VOTE (8683).

The Activity Center at Bohrer Park is the only polling place where registered voters will be able to vote in person. Early Voting will take place at the Activity Center on Sunday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The polling place will be open again on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.