Saturday, May 31, 2014

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/ASPEN HILL/GLENMONT CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 28, according to crime data:

Burglary. 1600 block N. Springwood Drive.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 2, 8700 block Cameron Street.

Theft. City Place Mall.

Theft. 2200 block Shorefield Road.

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block Caroline Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 13200 block Turkey Branch Parkway.

Disorderly conduct. McDonald's, 106 University Boulevard (Four Corners).

Assault. Flower Avenue at Hudson Avenue.

Drug arrest. 10900 block Lombardy Road.

Drug arrest. Popeyes, 6350 New Hampshire Avenue.

Friday, May 30, 2014

ROBBERY AT SILVER SPRING METRO, ASSAULT ON FALKLAND LANE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 27, according to crime data:

Assault/"rape." 1500 block Falkland Lane.

Robbery. Silver Spring Metro Station.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. Cameron Street at Fenton Street.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

BURGLARY AT SILVER SPRING CHURCH, ROBBERY ON BLAIR RD. + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 26, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 2100 block Coleridge Drive.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Seminary Place.

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Predella Drive.

Liquor arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Burglary. 11000 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Assault. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. Dunkin' Donuts, 2405 Reedie Drive.

Disorderly conduct. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 1500 block Sanford Road.

Liquor arrest. Georgia Avenue at Wayne Avenue.

Robbery. 7700 block Blair Road.

Burglary. First Baptist Church, 8415 Fenton Street.

Arson. 11500 block Amherst Avenue.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Shorefield Road (Glenmont).

Assault. 2300 block Georgian Way (Glenmont).

MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION FORUM TONIGHT AT 7:00 PM IN SILVER SPRING

A transportation forum featuring candidates for the Montgomery County Council will be held tonight (May 29), at 7:00 PM, at the Silver Spring Civic Building (there is public garage parking directly across Ellsworth Drive from the building).

The topics covered are inspected to include transit, the Purple Line, the county's proposed Bus Rapid Transit system, and the M-83 Midcounty Highway Extended.

Martin Di Caro of WAMU FM will be the moderator. The debate is sponsored by the Coalition for Smarter Growth, Purple Line Now, Action Committee for Transit, Montgomery County Sierra Club, Montgomery Countryside Alliance, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and the TAME Coalition.

Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Veterans Place

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

4 ASSAULTS IN ASPEN HILL, ROBBERY IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 25-27, according to crime data:

May 25

Vehicle theft. 13300 block Arctic Avenue.

Assault with deadly weapon. 4800 block Aspen Hill Road, 1:08 AM.

Assault. 2700 block Arvin Street.

Robbery. 8400 block Colesville Road.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. 8700 block Cameron Street.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Colesville Road.

Drug arrest. King Street at Georgia Avenue.

Drug arrest. 8700 block Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 700 block Roeder Road.

Theft. 600 block Silver Spring Avenue.

May 26

Assault. 14100 block Grand Pre Road (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Stolen car. 13100 block Ideal Drive (Glenmont/Layhill area).

Assault. 2300 block Georgian Way (Glenmont).


May 27

Assault. Caldwell Street and Robindale Drive, 12:33 AM (Aspen Hill).

Assault. Caldwell Street and Robindale Drive, 12:34 AM (Aspen Hill).

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE CANDIDATE FORUM IN ASPEN HILL TONIGHT

All candidates for the Montgomery County Council At-Large will participate in a candidate forum, sponsored by the Aspen Hill Civic Association, at the Aspen Hill Library tonight (May 28) at 7:30 PM. The event is convenient to the Wheaton, Glenmont, Rockville and Olney areas, for those wanting to learn more about the candidates for the 4 countywide seats on the council.

Aspen Hill Library
4407 Aspen Hill Road

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

BURGLARY IN CONN. AVE. ESTATES, ASSAULT ON WAYNE AVE. + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 24, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 2100 block Dexter Avenue.

Weapon arrest. Georgia Avenue at Medical Park Drive.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Disorderly conduct. Grandview Avenue at Reedie Drive.

Theft. Legends Billiards (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 900 block Wayne Avenue.

Assault. 900 block Wayne Avenue (sounds like it could be related to the previous incident).

Vehicle burglary. Cedar Street at Ellsworth Drive.

Burglary. 2300 block Blueridge Avenue.

Assault. 1000 block Carson Street.

Burglary. 12700 block Goodhill Road (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

LYTTONSVILLE SECTOR PLAN COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN JUNE

The Montgomery County Planning Department will host a series of "Monday Meetings" regarding the Greater Lyttonsville Sector Plan update in June.

Meeting topics and dates will include:

Monday, June 2, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Topics: Urban Design, Historic Preservation, Land Use
Monday, June 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Topics: Parks, Environment
Monday, June 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Topics: Transportation, Purple Line

All 3 meetings will be held at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, in Silver Spring. They will be located in the second floor classroom. It's definitely a good idea to get involved early on these plans, before a concept you don't want in your neighborhood starts gaining momentum.

Monday, May 26, 2014

ROBBERY ON WINDHAM LANE, 2 BURGLARIES ON BARKWOOD DRIVE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/ASPEN HILL CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 23, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 9700 block Belvedere Place.

Theft. Einstein High School.

Vehicle burglary. 8200 block 16th Street.

Vehicle theft. 8300 block Colesville Road.

Liquor arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault/"other sexual offense." LA Fitness (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Wayne Avenue.

Assault. Bonifant Street at Georgia Avenue.

Robbery. 1500 block Windham Lane.

Assault. 2300 block Georgian Way (Glenmont).

Vehicle burglary. 10100 block Kinross Avenue.

Weapon arrest. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Liquor arrest. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Theft. 12900 block Estelle Road (Glenmont).

Vehicle theft. 7600 block Maple Avenue (Takoma Park).

Liquor arrest. 2400 block Glenallan Avenue (Glenmont).

Vehicle burglary. 2600 block Silverdale Drive (Aspen Hill/Georgian Forest).

Burglary. 6400 block New Hampshire Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 300 block Gilsan Court.

Vehicle burglary. 14100 block Grand Pre Road (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Vehicle burglary. 7500 block Glenside Drive (Takoma Park).

Burglary. 14500 block Barkwood Drive (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 14500 block Barkwood Drive (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre).

Burglary. 1700 block Edgewater Parkway (Hillandale).

Sunday, May 25, 2014

RASH OF AUTO BREAK-INS IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 22, according to crime data:

Assault/"other sexual offense." 8500 block Sundale Drive.

Vehicle burglary. 2300 block Hildarose Drive.

Burglary. 8900 block 1st Avenue.

Drug arrest. 2100 block Dennis Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 8600 block 2nd Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 8600 block Cameron Street.

Vehicle burglary. 8000 block Eastern Avenue.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. 11000 block Veirs Mill Road.

Drug arrest. 8700 block Cameron Street.

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block Cameron Street.

Theft. 8500 block Georgia Avenue.

Assault. 1700 block McMahon Road (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 61, 801 Ellsworth Drive.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

VEHICLE BREAK-INS ON WALSH VIEW TERRACE, AND IN WHEATON - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 21, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 2100 block Walsh View Terrace (Forest Glen).

Theft. 2100 block Walsh View Terrace (Forest Glen).

Vehicle burglary. 2100 block Walsh View Terrace (Forest Glen).

Vehicle burglary. 3400 block Glorus Place (Connecticut Gardens).

Vehicle burglary. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 45 (Wheaton).

Friday, May 23, 2014

VEHICLE BREAK-INS IN WHEATON AREA, 2 THEFTS FROM AUTOS ON ROEDER RD. - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 20, according to crime data:

Vehicle theft. 1700 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Albert Einstein HS.

Vehicle theft. 8500 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 10300 block Georgia Avenue (McKenney Hills area).

Vehicle burglary. 11600 block Highview Avenue (Connecticut Gardens).

Vehicle burglary. 2700 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 1300 block Cameron Hill Court (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle theft. 800 block Roeder Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 900 block Wayne Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle theft. 700 block Roeder Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 7-Eleven on Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 61, 801 Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle theft. 7600 block Eastern Avenue.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

ROBBERY IN FOUR CORNERS, THEFTS FROM CARS IN ASPEN HILL + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 19, according to crime data:

Vehicle theft. 5100 block Russett Road (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle theft. 4600 block Landgreen Street (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 14200 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle theft. 14000 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle theft. 2900 block Beaverwood Lane (Aspen Hill).

Assault "with deadly weapon." 12400 block Vinton Terrace.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Assault. 11000 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. 11300 block Amherst Avenue (Wheaton).

Burglary. 10800 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 1600 block Brisbane Street.

Vehicle theft. 8600 block Cameron Street.

Vehicle theft. 1100 block Fidler Lane.

Burglary. 8200 block Houston Court.

Stolen car. 8800 block Plymouth Street.

Assault. 1200 block Kingwood Drive.

Vehicle theft. 700 block University Boulevard E.

Robbery. 1 block University Boulevard E. (Four Corners).

Assault. 10700 block Columbia Pike.

Assault. 11500 block Stewart Lane (White Oak).

Theft. 11500 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Burglary. 14500 block Good Hope Road.

Vehicle theft. 900 block Windmill Lane.

Robbery. 13800 block Outlet Drive.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

BURGLARY ON TRIANGLE LANE IN WHEATON + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 18, according to crime data:

Vehicle theft. 10000 block Georgia Avenue.

Assault. 11200 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Burglary. 11200 block Triangle Lane (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Fenton Street at Sligo Avenue.

Theft. Unit block of Veterans Place.

Vehicle burglary. 1500 block Gridley Lane.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

PEET'S COFFEE OPENING DELAYED IN SILVER SPRING (PHOTOS)

The opening of Peet's Coffee & Tea at 1316 East-West Highway, in downtown Silver Spring, has been delayed for a couple of weeks. No reason is known publicly, but the interior appears just about ready to open. Perhaps the company wanted to give full attention to its Bethesda opening this week. Stay tuned for the new opening date.








Monday, May 19, 2014

ROBBERY IN LONG BRANCH, ASSAULT IN TAKOMA PARK + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 16, according to crime data:

Assault/"other sexual offense." 2800 block Jennings Road (Stephen Knolls).

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block 1st Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Spring Street at Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. McDonald's, 2741 University Boulevard (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 11200 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. 1100 block Fidler Lane (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. Cameron Street at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. The Fillmore (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Georgia Avenue at Bonifant Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Doubletree Hotel (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 8400 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 7700 block Chicago Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. 9700 block Hastings Drive (Indian Spring Terrace).

Assault. Unit block of Ritchie Avenue (Takoma Park).

Robbery. 500 block Domer Avenue (Long Branch).

Burglary. 10700 block Venetia Mill Circle (White Oak).

Theft. 3500 block Pear Tree Court (Bel Pre/Aspen Hill).

Assault. 9300 block Piney Branch Road (New Hampshire Avenue Estates).

Vehicle burglary. 11300 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Assault. 1400 block Morningside Drive (Smithville).

Sunday, May 18, 2014

LEBRON JAMES SPRITE REVIEW (VIDEO)

What better beverage to test out during the NBA Playoffs than the limited-edition LeBron James Sprite? Watch my video review. This soft drink adds cherry and orange flavors to Sprite's trademark lemon-lime. Is this the "King" of soft drinks? These are the questions to ponder when your team (Washington Bullets) has already been bounced from the playoffs.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

ROBBERIES REPORTED IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING & AT HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 14, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 2600 block Colston Drive (Rock Creek Forest).

Vehicle burglary. Rock Creek Shopping Center, 8300 Grubb Road.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 10200 block Leslie Street (McKenney Hills).

Robbery. 8300 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8000 block 13th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Robbery. Holy Cross Hospital.

Theft. Dunkin Donuts (near Veirs Mill/Randolph intersection).

Theft. Ellsworth Drive at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Fenton Street at Silver Spring Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Friday, May 16, 2014

2 DRUG ARRESTS IN WHEATON, DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING ASSAULT + MORE - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 13, according to crime data:

Disorderly conduct. 8800 block Lanier Drive (Rosemary Hills).

Assault. 8500 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill Road at Reedie Drive (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. LA Fitness (Wheaton).

Theft. City Place Mall (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 900 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 500 block Thayer Avenue (Sligo Park Hills area).

EL FOGON TO BE WORLD CUP VIEWING SPOT IN WHEATON

Ready for the World Cup? El Fogón de Wheaton is getting ready. The Tex-Mex/Latin American restaurant and lounge, soon to open at 11300 Georgia Avenue, will be showing all of the World Cup matches, on 14 HDTVs (6 in the restaurant side of the building). They'll also be offering house specials throughout the tournament.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

ROBBERY AT WHEATON METRO STATION + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 12, according to crime data:

Assault/"other sexual offense." 2400 block Evans Drive (Plyers Mill Estates area).

Drug arrest. Colesville Road at 2nd Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Silver Spring Metro Station.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Robbery. Wheaton Metro Station.

Theft. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 8600 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8600 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Colesville Road at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 9100 block Alton Parkway (Woodside Park).

Theft. 900 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 1000 block Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8500 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 12200 block Veirs Mill Road (Veirs Mill Village area).

ASPEN HILL WINGSTOP SHOOTING FOR JUNE OPENING (PHOTOS)

The biggest question around the Aspen Hill Shopping Center for the first half of 2014 has been, "When is Wingstop opening?" Clearly, there have been delays along the way. Yesterday, a Wingstop representative said that the restaurant hopes to open in June.

There's quite a ways to go on the interior, but let's see what they can do over the coming weeks. The Richardson, Texas-based chicken wing chain has over 600 locations nationwide, and is one of the leading franchises in the category.





Wednesday, May 14, 2014

ROBBERY AT MCDONALD'S, ASSAULT AT WHOLE FOODS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 11, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. East-West Highway at Rosemary Hills Drive.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 10800 block Littleford Lane (Stephen Knolls).

Vehicle burglary. Sheraton Hotel, 8777 Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Robbery. McDonald's, 8507 Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Colesville Road at Georgia Avenue.

Vehicle theft. Wheaton Metro Station.

Assault. 8100 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Holy Cross Hospital.

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 61, 801 Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Colesville Road at Woodside Parkway (Woodside Park).

Assault. Whole Foods Market, 833 Wayne Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

EL FOGON DE WHEATON BANNERS POSTED (PHOTOS)

El Fogón de Wheaton, the new Tex-Mex/Latin restaurant and lounge taking over the old Irene's/Sky Bar location at 11300 Georgia Avenue, has posted temporary banners on the building. It's going to be quite a sizable place, and if the The Parva in Bethesda is any indication, this should be a new nightlife hotspot in Wheaton. Looking forward to this opening!





Monday, May 12, 2014

ROBBERIES ON LAYHILL ROAD, QUEBEC TERRACE + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 9, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Medical Park Drive.

Assault. 8600 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. City Place Mall.

Theft. DSW Warehouse, 910 Ellsworth Drive.

Vehicle burglary. 10900 block Pebble Run Drive (Chestnut Ridge).

Theft. Loiederman Middle School (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Assault. 2300 block Jones Lane (Glenmont).

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill Road at Aspen Hill Road.

Theft. 7000 block Carroll Avenue (Takoma Park).

Vehicle burglary. 400 block Harding Drive (Fairway/Four Corners).

Liquor arrest. 100 block Schuyler Road (Sligo Creek Parkway corridor).

Drug arrest. Eastern Avenue at 2nd Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. 1800 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Robbery. 1000 block Quebec Terrace (Piney Branch Road corridor).

Disorderly conduct. Plaza del Mercado, 2203 Bel Pre Road.

Robbery. Layhill Road at Bel Pre Road.

Drug arrest. New Hampshire Avenue at Schindler Drive (near FDA/White Oak).

Assault/"other sexual offense." White Oak Middle School.

Vehicle theft. 11500 block Stewart Lane (White Oak).

Theft. 1000 block Downs Drive (Windham Manor).

Vehicle burglary. 14700 block Silverstone Drive (Stonegate area).

Sunday, May 11, 2014

TASTYKAKE STRAWBERRY GREEK YOGURT PIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

Tastykake is the latest company to join the Greek yogurt craze. One of their new products, the Strawberry Greek Yogurt Pie, is just that - a pie filled with strawberry Greek yogurt. This is more of a dessert than a health food product though, as the Nutrition Facts demonstrate. Now, let's give it a try in this video review.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

NORTHWEST BRANCH TRAIL RAPE SUSPECT ARRESTED (PHOTO)

Joaquin Orellana Torres
Montgomery County and Maryland-National Capital Park Police have arrested a suspect in the May 5, 2014 rape that was reported in Northwest Branch Park in Silver Spring.

Park Police detectives searching the park for evidence on Friday, May 9, discovered a backpack matched the description of the one the victim described as being the suspect's. Close by, they encountered the suspect himself, wearing the same necklace the victim recalled him wearing during the attack.

Not only was Joaquin A. Orellana Torres, 24, of Hughes Road in Hyattsville taken into custody, but he also admitted his involvement in the attack, according to Montgomery County Police. He has been charged with one count of 1st degree rape, and one count of armed robbery. A hearing to determine bail will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM.

“The arrest of Joaquin Orellana Torres helps to maintain the safe environment for everyone who uses the Montgomery County Park system," Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (Montgomery County Division) said in a statement early Saturday morning. "This case was closed quickly due to great work and coordination by detectives from the Montgomery County Police and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.”

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police

Friday, May 9, 2014

JBG RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEER EFFORTS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Friendship Heights-based development firm The JBG Companies has been recognized for contributions of volunteer effort, and affordable housing, by Montgomery County organizations.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center awarded JBG the 2014 Montgomery Serves Award, given annually to 4 winners who engage in extraordinary community service and volunteerism. During the 2013 Days of Giving effort, over 400 JBG employees volunteered over 1600 hours of time with 10 charities. Habitat for Humanity and A Wider Circle were among the organizations benefitted by the JBG efforts.

Andrea Kempner-Wink of the MCVC said that JBG's volunteer mobilization in 2013 placed the firm at "the top position" among businesses and organizations countywide.

JBG was also named 2014 Builder of the Year by the Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County, for its commitment to increasing affordable housing in the area. AHCMC also commended JBG's volunteer efforts.

Among JBG's properties in Silver Spring are the Falkland Chase apartments.



Thursday, May 8, 2014

ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON IN LONG BRANCH, STOLEN CARS IN SILVER SPRING/GLENMONT/FOREST GLEN - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 5-7, according to crime data:

MAY 5

Theft. 2600 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Burglary. 10800 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Burglary. 8900 block Courts Way (Woodside).

Stolen car. 8200 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Douglas Avenue at Plyers Mill Road (Wheaton).

Vehicle theft. 8400 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 1100 block East-West Highway.

Assault. Fenton Street at Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft from vehicle. 1000 block Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft from vehicle. 9200 block Mintwood Street (Long Branch).

Theft from vehicle. 9000 block Sudbury Road (Long Branch).

Assault with deadly weapon. 8700 block Gilbert Place (Long Branch vicinity).

Burglary. 10600 block Meadowhill Road (Burnt Mills Hills).

Assault. 2100 block Harlequin Terrace (Fairland).

Assault. 14000 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 3500 block Jeffry Street (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Assault with deadly weapon. 12700 block Goodhill Road (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Stolen car. 2000 block Georgian Woods Place (Glenmont).

MAY 6

Assault. 1500 block Forest Glen Road.

Sexual assault. 1500 block Forest Glen Road.

Theft from vehicle. 9600 block Evergreen Street (Indian Spring Terrace).

Theft. 13500 block Connecticut Avenue (Aspen Hill).

MAY 7

Stolen car. 10200 block Green Holly Terrace (Forest Glen).


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

ROBBERY AT HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL, ASSAULT AT FENTON 7-11 + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 4, according to crime data:

Assault. 9500 block Georgia Avenue (Montgomery Hills).

Assault. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Robbery. Holy Cross Hospital.

Theft. City Place Mall (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 1000 block Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Rodman's, 4301 Randolph Road.

Assault. 7-Eleven, 8101 Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Fern Street at University Boulevard (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Amherst Avenue at University Boulevard (Wheaton).

Assault/"other sexual offense." Montgomery College Student Services Center, 7625 Fenton Street (Takoma Park).

Liquor arrest. Southbound Georgia Avenue near Parker Avenue (Arcola area of Wheaton).

Weapons arrest. Wayne Avenue at Mansfield Road (Sligo area of Silver Spring).

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

ROBBERY IN WHEATON, 2 ASPEN HILL DRUG ARRESTS + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on May 3, according to crime data:

Burglary. 1900 block East-West Highway (Rosemary Hills).

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Wheaton Plaza.

Robbery. 2100 block Windham Place (Glenview [Wheaton]).

Theft. 7900 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. 12200 block Charles Road (Veirs Mill Village area).

Vehicle burglary. 900 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 12700 block Parkland Drive (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle burglary. Grandview Avenue at Weisman Road (Glenmont Forest).

Drug arrest. Aspen Hill Local Park, 5013 Baltic Avenue.

Drug arrest. University Boulevard at Dennis Avenue.

Vehicle theft. 300 block Hannes Street (Northwood Forest).

Assault. 300 block Irwin Street (Northwood Forest).

Disorderly conduct. 8500 block Piney Branch Road (Long Branch).

Assault/"other sexual offense." 13500 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Disorderly conduct. 14000 block Connecticut Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle burglary. 1000 block Merrimac Drive (Browns Corner).

Vehicle burglary. 7400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Takoma Park).

Theft. 7400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Hampshire Tower Apartments area, Takoma Park).

Vehicle theft. 7500 block New Hampshire Avenue (Takoma Park).

Theft. 11200 block New Hampshire Avenue (White Oak Shopping Center vicinity).

Monday, May 5, 2014

EL FOGON DE WHEATON HIRING, APPLIES FOR LIQUOR LICENSE

El Fogón de Wheaton, a new Tex-Mex/Latin American restaurant and lounge opening soon at 11300 Georgia Avenue, is now hiring. Positions include servers, bartenders, cooks, food runners, dishwashers, and bar backs. You can email your resume.

Interviews will be held on May 6, 7 and 8, during the hours of 3:00 - 7:00 PM.

In other El Fogón news, they have also applied for a liquor license from Montgomery County.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

BANQUET CHICKEN FINGERS MEAL REVIEW (VIDEO)

Here's a TV dinner with no pretenses of being a health food choice. No vegetables are to be found. Just three things many Americans enjoy eating: fried chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and a brownie.

You can find this meal for about $1 in the grocery store. How does it taste? Watch my review to find out.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

GREATER LYTTONSVILLE SECTOR PLAN RELAUNCH MEETING, MAY 6

A sector plan rewrite for the Greater Lyttonsville area (east of Rock Creek Park, and west of downtown Silver Spring) is getting a second start next week. Montgomery County planners are hosting a public meeting to relaunch the process on Tuesday, May 6, from 7:00-8:30 PM, at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Center (2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring).

The resulting plan will guide development in Lyttonsville for the next 2 decades. A major factor in that time frame will be the construction of the Purple Line light rail route through Lyttonsville.

Friday, May 2, 2014

TASTE THE WORLD IN FENTON VILLAGE THIS SUNDAY IN SILVER SPRING (PHOTO)

This Sunday, you can taste the world without walking farther than the boundaries of Fenton Village, a 5-block neighborhood just south of downtown Silver Spring. 31 restaurants are participating this year, with 2 stages of live entertainment, raffles and prizes, and more.

Start Sunday at 1:00 PM, by picking up your Passport at Public Parking Lot 3 off of Fenton Street, between Thayer and Silver Spring Avenues. Buy tickets between $2-$5 apiece to sample cuisine at each restaurant along your self-guided map tour. Get at least 3 stamps at different restaurants on your passport, and you'll be eligible to win prizes in the raffle at 5:30 PM. The dining part of the day will wrap up at 5:00 PM.

Beyond the food, all of the other entertainment - and admission - are free.

There are several parking garages nearby, or you can walk from the Silver Spring Metro Station (Red Line).

This year's event has many sponsors, including Montgomery County, the Silver Spring Urban District,  Yelp, All the Hits 107.3, Pepco, The Blairs and Donohoe Construction.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

POLICE SEARCHING FOR MISSING SILVER SPRING TEENAGER (PHOTO)

Montgomery County Police are searching for Wendy Esmeralda Monge, age 17, of the 9100 block of Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring. Monge was last seen on April 10.  She is Latina, 5’06” tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds.  Monge has brown eyes and long, black hair, and is known to frequent the Silver Spring and Hyattsville areas. Police say she often uses public transportation.

Family members are additionally concerned because Monge has a medical condition that requires monitoring. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call the Montgomery County Police – Family Crimes Division at 240-773-5400, or the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000.