Bethesda

Back in August we let you know that La Catrina Bar & Lounge is coming to 4935 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, taking over the location that was formerly home to George’s Chophouse, 4935 Bar & Kitchen, The Loft at 4935, Tragara’s, and others. The has pushed back the opening date a couple times, but has now announced that it will be opening on Friday, December 9th. The dining room will be open at 5pm and the dance floor will open at 10pm, according to the latest social media post by La Catrina (available below).

La Catrina boasts “the true Mexican experience” and “tacos, tequila, and party”, as the space consists of two levels that can be used for dining, dancing, and more, which allows for a different experience from the other recently opened restaurants in Bethesda that offer Mexican cuisine (Chaia, Mexicue, Tacombi). Below is the social media post announcing the opening date:


Gaithersburg

Per the Gaithersburg Police Department: On Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at approximately 5:07 p.m., officers from both the Gaithersburg Police and the Montgomery County Police – 6th District responded to the area of Whetstone Drive for the report of a shooting that just occurred. Officers located a 24-years-old, male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided first-aid on the male victim until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived. The victim was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An adult male suspect was apprehended.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators ask that anyone with information about this shooting contact the Gaithersburg Police – Investigative Section at 301-258-6400. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Tip Line at 301-330-4471.


Crime

A shooting occurred on Whetstone Dr. off of N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg at approximately 5pm on Tuesday evening, according to our public safety reporter Cordell Pugh. There is another Whetstone Drive a few miles away in Montgomery Village, but this incident took place near the Whetstone apartments located across from 99 Ranch Market (formerly Sports Authority) in Gaithersburg.  An altercation resulted in shots being fired with one victim injured and transported to an area hospital. One firearm was recovered on the scene. We will have additional information as soon as it’s available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

GAITHERSBURG SHOOTING: ~5PM Tuesday on Whetstone Drive, off of North Frederick Avenue, near the Whetstone Apartments (Gaithersburg, MD). Altercation resulted in shots being fired; 1 victim injured. 1 firearm recovered on scene; Victim being transported to an area Trauma Center.


Arts

Per the Takoma Park Newsletter: You can share your artistic talents or find tiny art to take home at Takoma Park’s first Free Little Art Gallery. In a concept similar to little free libraries, the Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG for short), is a large box located next to the bus stop at 7667 Maple Avenue where anyone can donate small pieces of art or take art that they like. The box, which is stocked with art supplies, has two small galleries for displaying artwork, complete with easels and small figures admiring the art. There is also one in Potomac. PotomacFLAG Potomac Can be found on 11819 Smoketree Road, Potomac MD 20854 and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flag_potomac

The interactive public art project is co-sponsored by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division and the Operation ARTS Foundation. “We’re very excited about our first Free Little Art Gallery,” said Brendan Smith, the City’s arts and humanities coordinator. “It provides motivation for people of all ages to create artwork and a public space where they can share it. The design of the little art gallery also celebrates our local Ethiopian community.” The little art gallery features paintings of traditional Ethiopian woven reed bowls, burlap sections to highlight Ethiopia’s centuries-old connections to coffee, and a font inspired by the Amharic language.


MoCo Police

**It should be noted that the above arrests include only those arrests made by task force officers and do not include the additional arrests made by patrol officers in the performance of their duties. Therefore, the overall number of DUI arrests made by officers during this time period is higher.

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MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Outgoing Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz, who concluded his one-year term as president today, reflected on the Council’s accomplishments in 2022. To close out his year as president, a video retrospective was prepared highlighting the work of the Council that he led in 2022. View the video.

“Thank you to my Council colleagues, current and past, for your support and collaboration this year,” Albornoz said. “I am grateful for Council President Evan Glass’ partnership and friendship over the last year and look forward to seeing all the Council accomplishes under his steady leadership this upcoming year. I stand ready to support him and Council Vice President Andrew Friedson as they rise to the challenge.”


Beyond MoCo

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred this morning in Frederick County. At about 6:35 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack responded to Liberty Road (MD Route 26) at Monocacy Boulevard in Frederick, Maryland for a report of a two-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a cement truck was traveling east on Liberty Road, while a 2005 Honda Civic was traveling south on Monocacy Boulevard.

The driver of the Honda, identified as Blake Timothy Hipkins, of Thurmont, Maryland, attempted to cross over Liberty Road, but crashed into the cement truck at the intersection. Hipkins was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The intersection was closed until about 8:45 a.m. following the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.  


Beyond MoCo

Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle believed to be responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Sunday morning in Prince George’s County. 

Investigators with the Maryland State Police Crash Team are looking for a black 2009 Nissan Altima with New Jersey tags P92NJE. Investigators believe that vehicle struck and killed Ceasar Alfred Charles Burke, 23, of Columbia, Maryland.


MoCo Government

“I am proud that the committee assignments for the 20th Council will be among the most diverse and historic – with a majority of our committees being chaired by Black, Latino, women and LGBTQ+ Councilmembers,” Council President Glass said.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland has issued an emergency cybersecurity directive to prohibit the use of certain Chinese and Russian-influenced products and platforms for the executive branch of state government, including TikTok. These entities present an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk to the state, and may be involved in activities such as cyber-espionage, surveillance of government entities, and inappropriate collection of sensitive personal information.

“There may be no greater threat to our personal safety and our national security than the cyber vulnerabilities that support our daily lives,” said Governor Hogan. “As the cyber capital of America, Maryland has taken bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address cybersecurity threats. To further protect our systems, we are issuing this emergency directive against foreign actors and organizations that seek to weaken and divide us.”


Silver Spring

On November 30, 2022, officers located Smith in a vehicle and attempted to arrest him in the area of Castle Blvd. and Briggs Chaney Rd. Smith exited the vehicle and ran away towards the Sport Chevrolet dealership in the 3000 block of Automobile Blvd., where he hid a black fanny pack under a vehicle.