Bartaco opening restaurant at Pike & Rose

Tacos will soon be back on the menu at Pike & Rose on Rockville Pike. Bartaco has just signed to open its first Maryland location in the former Nada space at 11886 Grand Park Avenue, according to signage posted in the windows. The national chain currently has restaurants in our region in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. A mostly-Mexican menu will have a few Korean dishes mixed in.

"With a white-washed interior, wanderlust-inspiring photography on the walls, woven basket light fixtures, and a sprawling bar at the center, [Bartaco] feels like it might belong on a beach in South America," Nashville Lifestyles wrote of its dining experience. The Reston Bartaco has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Yelp, and the Bartaco at The Wharf holds a 3.8 star average.

Maryland legislature blocks public from testifying at hearing on Fairness in Girls' Sports Act

Maryland Del. Kathy Szeliga (R)

When is a public hearing not a public hearing? When the public is not allowed to testify at the hearing. That's going to be the case in Room 130 of the House Office Building in Annapolis on January 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM, when the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee holds a hearing on House Bill HB156, the Fairness in Girls' Sports Act. The hearing is one of several at which the committee has barred the public from being able to offer oral testimony. Only the sponsor of the bill, Del. Kathy Szeliga (R), will be allowed to testify during the hearing.

"I’m disappointed to inform you that the Committee has decided to NOT ALLOW oral testimony from citizens during the hearing," Szeliga wrote in an email to constituents yesterday. "This means I will be the sole voice presenting the overwhelming support this issue has garnered across Maryland. The positive response to my recent op-ed in The Baltimore Sun—spanning all demographics and party lines—demonstrates how much this common-sense legislation resonates with Marylanders."

If passed, HB156 would require "certain interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams or sports sponsored by certain schools to be expressly designated based on biological sex; prohibiting certain entities from taking certain adverse actions against a school for maintaining separate interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams and sports for students of the female sex; and providing that certain individuals have the right to bring a civil action under certain circumstances."

The inability of the public to speak not only means that those supporting the bill will not be heard during the hearing, which is the apparent intent of the committee, but neither will the voices of those in Maryland who are opposed to it. We've seen in recent years that, as more citizens become engaged on certain issues like zoning and school curriculums, governing bodies put greater and greater restrictions on speech and participation in public hearings. The Montgomery County Council began to place a limit on the number of citizens who could speak during public hearings, for example, when this was never done in the past. In contrast, public hearings before the Washington, D.C. City Council and some jurisdictions in Northern Virginia literally continue into the night, until every person who wished to speak has been heard. Across the country, citizens have been given less time to speak, and even face eviction or arrest if their 1st Amendment-protected speech triggers megalomaniacal elected officials.

Those who wish to submit written testimony on HB156 can still use these instructions, and register to submit their comments, or to simply check a box that indicates support or opposition. But as any experienced activist can tell you, there is no substitute for the power of - and greater public and media attention to - oral testimony at hearings. Which is why your elected officials are trying to silence your voice - literally.

Trump revokes John Bolton's Secret Service protection

The United States Secret Service police cruisers that have been a constant presence outside of former Ambassador John Bolton's home disappeared shortly after President Donald Trump took office earlier this week. Trump revoked the Secret Service protection that has been provided for Bolton, who has been an outspoken critic of the president. The U.S. Justice Department has alleged several people with ties to Iran have attempted to recruit potential assassins to target Bolton since the U.S. killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January of 2020. Bolton was no longer a member of the Trump administration by the time the assassination took place.

Trump also revoked Bolton's security clearance in an executive order that revoked the security clearances of 49 living intelligence officials who falsely suggested the Hunter Biden laptop scandal was Russian misinformation during the 2020 presidential election. The letter signed by the officials was used to censor news coverage and social media posts about the laptop and its scandalous contents in the final weeks of the 2020 election.

"Former National Security Advisor John R. Bolton published a memoir for monetary gain after he was terminated from his White House position in 2019," Monday's executive order stated. "The book was rife with sensitive information drawn from his time in government. The memoir’s reckless treatment of sensitive information undermined the ability of future presidents to request and obtain candid advice on matters of national security from their staff. Publication also created a grave risk that classified material was publicly exposed."

Bolton, and the National Security Council official who reviewed his book before its publication, both strongly rejected the idea that any sensitive information had been disclosed. Trump administration officials disagreed, and the fallout of that dispute has now extended into Trump's second term.

2 assaults in 24 hours in downtown Bethesda

Two 2nd-degree assaults were reported to Montgomery County police in downtown Bethesda within a twenty-four hour period this week. The first assault was reported to police in the 4400 block of Montgomery Avenue at 2:48 PM on January 20, 2025. The second was reported along the street in the 7100 block of Woodmont Avenue at 11:17 AM the following morning.

Subway "coming soon" to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Subway is "coming soon" to Westfield Montgomery Mall, signage just installed at its future space in the Dining Terrace food court promises. I broke the news that sandwich artists will soon be preparing America's favorite sub sandwiches at the mall back in September 2024. Subway replaces longtime tenant J. Chow in the food court. Construction on the conversion of J. Chow to Subway is now getting started behind the wall, and the signage promises a spring 2025 opening.

Specs New York closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Specs New York has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Signage has been removed from above the storefront. The sunglasses retailer first opened at the mall in 2014. It temporarily closed at least a couple of times in the first four years of its tenancy at the mall, so another return can't entirely be ruled out. Specs appears to be the latest victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy, as this is the only of the chain's locations nationwide to be closing.

Kelly's Cajun Grill temporarily closed at Montgomery Mall due to gas problem

Kelly's Cajun Grill had to temporarily close yesterday at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Located in the Dining Terrace food court, the restaurant cited a "gas supply interruption" as the reason for the closure. A specific day or time for reopening was not given, but it promised to "reopen as soon as possible," so it could reopen as early as today. It's always best to call ahead in this situation, if this is the only reason you are going to the mall. The gas issue did not seem to impact the other tenants around it in the food court last evening.

Mindzero to open at Westbard Square in Bethesda

The Phase 1 building at the new Westbard Square development in Bethesda is now fully-leased. Mindzero is the final tenant to come aboard at the Regency Centers property. It will be located on the ground level between Voorthuis Opticians and Oak Barrel & Vine. Mindzero is a wellness spa that combines sauna, cold plunge, sound, and breath work in a guided 50-minute group session. The company, which currently has two spas in South Carolina, describes its wellness program as a combination of ancient wisdom with modern science.

7809 Woodmont Avenue for sale in Bethesda

7809 Woodmont Avenue, a four-story mixed-use building with several tenants, is now being offered for sale. This is the latest impact of the collapse of a redevelopment plan that would have constructed the tallest building in downtown Bethesda on that block. The temporarily vacant EagleBank building next door at 7815 Woodmont was recently leased to Burke & Herbert Bank, once the ownership realized it would not be demolished in the near future. 

7809 was one of the properties that the prospective tower developer had wanted to include in that project. It is 100% leased to several tenants, including Fitness Generation, Le Bustiere, and Clinical Solutions. The asking price for the building is not being publicly posted in the online listing.

Trump Metro farecard sells out in Montgomery County

Democrats may hold every elected office in Montgomery County, but a collectible Inauguration of Donald Trump Metro farecard sold like hotcakes at its subway stations last week. By Saturday, the Trump SmarTrip cards had sold out at every station selling them within Montgomery County. WMATA has now announced that the Trump card has sold out at all D.C.-area Metro stations, but the transit agency will make a limited new batch of them available at the Metro Center station on Monday, Inauguration Day - again, while supplies last.

It appears most buyers intend to hold onto their cards as keepsakes, as relatively few are being listed on eBay for resale. At the time of this writing, resale prices on the site are running from $17.50 to $470. Trump grew his voter support significantly in Montgomery County in 2024, over his results in 2020 and 2016.

The President-Elect, Melania Trump, and their son Barron Trump arrived in the D.C. area last night, deplaning in total darkness, apparently for security reasons, before enjoying a fireworks display at Trump's golf club in Northern Virginia. Donald Trump must surely also be enjoying word of his farecard selling out in far-left Montgomery County. Trump places great importance on TV ratings, poll numbers, sales, and other measures of success in each of his ventures.

In remarks at the golf club, Trump gave shout-outs to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose Amazon HQ2 is located in Northern Virginia. Tenor Christopher Macchio performed the aria "Nessun Dorma," which always generates a buzz on social media when Trump requests it, due to its use in the climactic scene of the political conspiracy film The Sum of All Fears.

iCRYO opening downtown Bethesda location

iCRYO is expanding to downtown Bethesda. The wellness center chain is moving into 7161 Woodmont Avenue, in The Darcy condo building. iCRYO offers whole-body cryotherapy, infrared and red-light therapy, compression therapy, "zerobody dry float," intravenous infusion and injections, body sculpting, facial Neveskin shaping and toning, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

"Whether you're looking to recover more efficiently, improve your immune system, enhance your appearance, move with greater ease, boost athletic performance, or alleviate pain and inflammation, iCRYO has you covered," the company said in a statement. "Our comprehensive range of services is designed to cater to your unique needs and help you achieve your wellness goals."

Public Storage units burglarized in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at Public Storage at 5329 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda on December 23, 2024. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry into multiple storage units in the building. It is believed the units were broken into between 8:55 PM the night before, and 4:00 AM that morning. Property was taken from the units that were burglarized. If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Trader Joe's adds wayfinding signage for parking in Bethesda

Combining the words "Trader Joe's" and "parking" could require a trigger warning for some Bethesda and Chevy Chase grocery shoppers. But here we're talking about the other Trader Joe's in downtown Bethesda, at 7900 Wisconsin Avenue. They've just installed a large, red sign to indicate where customers can park underground in the 8001 Woodmont apartment tower the store is located in. It has the Trader Joe's logo, and an old-time 1920s hand pointing to the garage entryway. Right this way, old sport!

RealPage rent collusion scandal spreads to Maryland

Word of landlords allegedly using RealPage software to collude with competitors to fix rent prices elsewhere in the region led many to wonder if the gimmick had any role in Montgomery County's skyrocketing apartment rents. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown now suggests it does, and has filed suit against the firm and several prominent landlords. Despite the openings of many new apartment buildings across the county, rents have only continued to rise amidst all of the new "competition." This violates the basic laws of supply and demand, and Brown says the Realpage software gave landlords a loophole to make collusion possible, by having the company fix the rents across the board.

“RealPage and the named landlords worked together to raise the cost of their apartments, making it hard for Maryland renters to put a roof over their heads,” Brown said in a statement. “Our Office is committed to holding landlords accountable so Marylanders can afford their rent.”

The firms Brown is accusing of using RealPage for the purpose of "colluding to illegally raise rents" for Maryland apartment dwellers are Morgan Properties Management Company, LLC; Bozzuto Management Company; Greystar Management Services, LLC; AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; UDR, Inc.; and Highmark Residential, LLC. Brown is seeking monetary damages for renters who were allegedly gouged by the use of RealPage, monetary damages for the State of Maryland, cessation of the alleged use of RealPage to fix apartment rents, and the appointment of a corporate monitor to ensure compliance by RealPage and the accused firms.

Silver and Sons Barbecue sets opening date in Bethesda

Silver and Sons Barbecue is on-target for its opening this month at 5362 Westbard Avenue at Westbard Square in Bethesda. Chef-owner Jarrad Silver announced that the restaurant will open next Friday, January 24, 2025. The takeout-focused eatery will have a standing counter for dining in that will accommodate only 4 to 6 diners at a time. But the menu will expand beyond the offerings currently available on Silver's food truck.

New to the menu are sandwiches. These will include a Brisket Steak and Cheese sandwich, layered with gruyère and fried chicken skin on a sourdough challah hoagie, and the vegetarian Falafel Sandwich, loaded with Israeli salad, pepper relish, tahini, and amba. Also new are pre-prepared carryout and deli items. Diners will also be able to purchase branded merchandise, and bottles of their favorite Silver and Sons sauces and spices.

Silver is excited to take the step up from food truck to bricks-and-mortar. "This opening represents a culmination of everything we've been working toward since launching Silver and Sons Barbecue," Silver said in a statement. "At Westbard Square, we'll be able to explore the boundaries of what barbecue can be while honoring its roots. Every dish reflects our commitment to creativity and tradition, from the short rib pastrami and pulled lamb shoulder to the chocolate babka buns."

Operating hours will be Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and Sundays, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The restaurant will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Mykonos restaurant under construction at Cabin John Village in Potomac (Photos)

Construction continues on the new Mykonos restaurant at 7965 Tuckerman Lane at the Cabin John Village shopping center in Potomac. The Greek restaurant's newest Montgomery County location has been in the works since 2023. Mykonos had a hearing to obtain its liquor license from Montgomery County yesterday, January 16, 2025. The existing Mykonos Grill is located at 121 Congressional Lane at the Congressional North shopping center in Rockville.

Marriott Bethesda Downtown hotel gets a Trump bump in room rates for inauguration

Once-conservative Marriott International may have transformed into one of the most progressive and liberal corporations in recent decades, but it's still prepared to get an economic boost from the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Room rates at the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown hotel at 7707 Woodmont Avenue have risen for the days surrounding Monday's inauguration ceremony. As you can see, rates for tonight through Saturday night are elevated, rising to $489 per night on the peak nights of Sunday and Monday. 

Marriott has tangled with Trump in recent years, vowing to cut off donations to Republican U.S. Senators who did not vote to certify the 2020 Presidential election, about seven months after Trump ordered Marriott to cease operations in Communist Cuba. But that didn't stop Trump from choosing to stay at a Marriott in beautiful downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the days right before the 2024 election.

Donald Trump inauguration commemorative farecards available at select Metro stations

Tech moguls aren't the only ones changing their tune on Donald Trump. Regional transit agency WMATA boldly refused to issue a commemorative farecard for Trump's first inauguration in January 2017. Riders who had purchased a Barack Obama farecard in previous years were surprised to learn no such collector's item would be available for Trump, but the dominance of the Democratic party in the region limited the fallout for WMATA. But, lo and behold, the agency has issued a commemorative SmarTrip farecard for Trump's second inauguration, and it is available at select Metro stations.

None of the stations are in Bethesda, however. The Trump SmarTrip card is now available in Montgomery County at the Shady Grove, Forest Glen, and Glenmont Metro stations. Riders heading into D.C. on the Red Line can also find them at the L'Enfant Plaza, Metro Center, and Union Station Metro stations. Signage will indicate the machine from which the Trump card can be purchased. The cards are available "while supplies last," WMATA says.

Photo courtesy WMATA

Maryland governor proposes 75-cent fee on retail, food deliveries

One proposal in Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's FY-2026 budget that he, understandably, did not mention in his press conference yesterday is a new 75-cent fee on retail and food deliveries. Given the popularity of such purchases by people of all income levels, this regressive fee could quickly add up for already-struggling Maryland residents. Moore's presentation gave another official declaration that Maryland's economy is - like Montgomery County's - moribund and stagnant. His budget director gave a Powerpoint presentation with slides confirming Maryland's economic growth has "significantly underperformed national growth" since 2017, as has its job growth. With grocery, insurance, and home prices remaining massively-high, why would the state now pile on by socking it to working-class people ordering a hamburger or a t-shirt for delivery?

Economic growth - moribund!

Also hidden from the governor's speech was a proposal to more than double the emissions test fee for vehicles. The emissions test program is already a massive grift for the state, forcing owners of recent vehicle models to take a test that predictably finds their car meets the standards. Maryland isn't even properly maintaining the equipment for the test now, as the scanner on the self-test machine was broken the last time I went, forcing drivers to manually type their personal information into the computer.

Job growth - moribund!

Sports gamblers would also be victims of highway robbery under the new budget. In a proposal that was actually presented at the press conference, Moore suggested doubling the tax on sports betting from 15% to 30%. So that big $1000 win Joe Six Pack had on the baseball game will be whittled down to $700 right "off the bat." Better cancel that plan to have a burger delivered after the game, Joe - you just can't afford it! Meanwhile, your representatives in Annapolis are laughing all the way to the bank.

Maryland and Montgomery County have
the highest tax burden in the D.C. region...
...but their revenue is stagnant. Given that clear
end result, does it make sense to increase
taxes even further?

Friendship Heights pop-up bookstore to be open January 16-20

A pop-up used bookstore will be open at The Shops at Wisconsin Place in Friendship Heights tomorrow through Monday. Located near the Metro entrance at 5310 Western Avenue, Carpe Librum will operate from January 16-20, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. High-quality donated used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records will be on sale for less than $7. You can also bring your own items in those categories to donate for future sales. The sale will benefit Washington, D.C. education non-proft Turning the Page.