Sarku Japan has reopened in Wheaton Mall in a  new location just outside of Costco, near the relatively new Sydney’s Burger. Sarku Japan is often found inside of malls and has a mall location in Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall. Its other MoCo location can be found a standalone store (located within a strip mall rather than in a food court) in the White Oak shopping center. The chain offers made-to-order teppanyaki-style Japanese dishes cooked on sizzling grills as well as a limited amount of sushi rolls.

History of Sarku: “In Japan, lunches are often taken quickly from small stalls where freshness and quality are key. Shops value their reputations very highly. This was the same dedication of our founders when they opened the first Sarku Japan in 1987.


Westfield Wheaton Mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Rd will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, September 30 from 1-5pm. The event will feature live music, folklore dancing, face painting, balloon figures, clown shows, and a bilingual theatrical showcase. Full details below:

“Westfield Wheaton is excited to announce its upcoming Third Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. A continued example of the mall’s unwavering commitment to cultural and educational enrichment, the free and open to the public event welcoming the Montgomery County community and more will take place from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 30 in the Macy’s Lower Court. The region’s premier family shopping destination serving one of the most diverse populations in the nation will host a stellar lineup of entertainment throughout the day. Festivities promise to transport mall patrons across borders while encouraging creativity through dance, music, and meaningful connections.


The Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Yerasbin Villeda, a missing 14-year-old. Villeda was last seen on Wednesday August 23, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in the 4100 block of Tulare Dr. in Wheaton. She is 5’6, 120 lbs, with black hair, brown eyes, pierced ears, and was last seen wearing a white long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and white shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Yerasbin Villeda is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).


We will post an update when additional information is available.

Kennedy High School is currently in lockdown as the result of a bomb threat. MCPD is on scene investigating the validity of this threat. More information will be released as it becomes available. #mcpd #mcpnews pic.twitter.com/6pYgDKG9Kq


Earlier this summer we let you know that Planet Fitness announced it will be opening new locations at 6881 New Hampshire Ave. in Takoma Park and 2201 Randolph Rd. in Wheaton (Glenmont). The Glenmont location, which will be next to the existing Lidl, has started erecting permanent signage. An opening date is not available, but construction is ongoing and we’ll have an opening date/timeframe as soon as it’s available.

According to Planet Fitness, “Both locations will offer state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker roomsand numerous flat screen televisions. They also will feature a PF Black Card® Spa area with HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning, a RelaxSpace Wellness Pod (where members can relax, reset and focus on their mental health for up to 15 minutes) and a Recovery Lounge offering a multi-sensory experience combining hot, cold and compression therapy.


Montgomery County Police has announced that during the August 25 sobriety checkpoint on northbound Georgia Avenue at Weller Road, officers from MCPD and allied agencies stopped approximately 372 vehicles and arrested 5 people for driving while impaired. Last week MCPD announced that it stopped 565 vehicles and arrested 4 people for driving while impaired during an August 18th sobriety checkpoint on northbound Frederick Road at Game Preserve Road in Gaithersburg.

Last month, recreational marijuana use became legal in the state of Maryland and Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones issued the following reminder before the July 4th weekend, “We implore drivers to think of cannabis the same way they think of alcohol. Do not get behind the wheel of a car if you are impaired. Our officers will pull over and arrest anyone they suspect of driving while impaired. Alcohol, marijuana and other drugs can impair the ability to drive because they slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Our priority is keeping the roads safe for everyone.”


According to Regal, “The first edition of National Cinema Day recorded over 8.1 million visitors to movie theatres across the country, setting the single day attendance record for 2022,” said Eduardo Acuna, CEO at Cineworld Group, parent company of Regal. “This year with $4 movies and a $4 concession combo, Regal hopes to welcome even more guests on National Cinema Day to see why we are ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie!'”


The preliminary investigation has revealed that a gray Audi A6 was traveling southbound on Georgia Avenue when it struck a Red heavy duty Ford Truck and trailer that was attempting to turn onto northbound Georgia Avenue. The truck spun, detaching from its trailer and collided with a Chevy Traverse. The detached trailer then spilled into the road and was hit by a white Ford Taurus.


Pazos tweeted, “In addition to 6 transport units and 2 dozen fire dept personnel, a MCFRS hazmat unit responded to the scene for vehicles with fuel spills. Traffic is being diverted from the scene, and units are starting to release the scene to MCPD.”

Per Montgomery County Police: “Georgia Avenue at Kayson Street is closed as the result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect delays.”


Per MCDOT: Starting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in BethesdaSilver Spring and Wheaton. The cleanings will occur on nights and weekends starting with Bethesda garages in September and concluding with Silver Spring garages on Saturday, Nov. 4. Some garages will experience partial closures during the cleanings, including select entrance/exit areas and ramps. The full schedule of garage cleanings can be viewed here.


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