Will Jawando endorsed by Westminster mayor in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Westminster, Maryland
Mayor Mona Becker

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) has been endorsed by the mayor of Westminster in the Maryland U.S. Senate race, his campaign announced today. Mayor Mona Becker is a member of the faculty, and serves as chair of the Science department, at Westminster High School. Jawando is seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Ben Cardin (D). 

“I am proud to endorse Will Jawando’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate," Becker said in a statement this morning. "All across the country, we have seen vicious attacks on the LGBTQI+ community coming from Republican politicians, and it is putting our community in direct danger. We need a progressive champion in the Senate representing Maryland who will fight like hell for our rights and not let our country slip back away from progress. I am confident that Will is the right person for the job, and I am excited to help him win this race.”

“I have been lucky to partner with Mayor Mona Becker in my capacity as Councilmember, and I am deeply honored that she has decided to endorse my candidacy for the Senate," Jawando said in a statement. "Mayor Becker leads Westminster with compassion, dignity, and grit. From defending LGBTQI+ rights to protecting our environment to so much more, we share the same bold progressive vision for the future of this country. I look forward to working alongside her to build a brighter tomorrow and represent the state of Maryland in Congress.”

Becker's endorsement may give Jawando a boost in the Democratic primary in the western part of the state next year. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) has been winning the endorsement side of the contest for Cardin's seat in the early stage of the race, having picked up the backing of influential Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer (D). Other key endorsements Alsobrooks has received include those of Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Baltimore-area Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, State Senator Anthony Muse, Town of Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin and former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.

One prize endorsement observers are awaiting the announcement of is that of Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D), who has established relationships with both Jawando and Alsobrooks. A Moore endorsement could raise Jawando's profile statewide tremendously, or seal the race for Alsobrooks, whose toughest competiton so far is ultrawealthy Congressman David Trone (D). Maryland 8th District Congressman Jamie Raskin (D) could scatter all of this political calculation to the wind, however, should he decide to enter the race this summer. Raskin has a national profile, energizes progressives, and has beaten big-spending Trone before at the ballot box.

Dodge Hornet arrives in Rockville (Photos)

The new Dodge Hornet has arrived in Rockville. This Dodge Charger-inspired crossover SUV in now in stock at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rockville at 755 Rockville Pike. It's an American version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Hornet is available in hybrid and old-fashioned combustion models.

Crash disrupts outdoor dining at restaurant in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to an accident outside a restaurant in Rockville Town Center this past Saturday, June 3, 2023. Multiple units arrived at the scene after a vehicle crashed into the outdoor dining area at World of Beer at 196 E. Montgomery Avenue. The accident occurred around 11:50 AM Saturday, prime brunch time, but no injuries were reported. However, property of the restaurant was damaged.

Kema by Kenaki sushi bar "coming soon" at Cabin John Village in Potomac (Photos)

Kema by Kenaki, a new sushi bar concept from the owners of Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg, has run into many delays over the last couple of years. But opening day for the new establishment, located at 11325 Seven Locks Road at Cabin John Village in Potomac, may finally be coming into view. The interior is nearing completion, and dining tables are already stacked inside the space. They are currently hiring staff. Stay tuned for an opening date!

Aggravated assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the Twinbrook area of the city early yesterday morning, June 5, 2023. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 2100 block of Veirs Mill Road at 12:47 AM Monday. A weapon was employed in the assault, but it was not a gun.

Lakeforest Mall auction items revealed - including a Lakeforest Mall Chevy pickup truck!

The remaining contents of Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg are being auctioned off, and now the items up for bid have been revealed by Capitol Online Auctions. They include a Chevy Silverado pickup truck with a Lakeforest Mall logo on the door, probably the next best thing to a DeLorean as time travel vehicles go. It still runs, and COA says you are welcome to have your mechanic check it out before bidding. The snowplow that goes with it is also up for grabs, if you want to imagine yourself clearing the parking aisles during a ferocious holiday-shopping-season blizzard.

There's a canoe from the food court. The Amongo candy machine. The children's play area with equipment. More mall holiday decorations and trees than you probably have room for.

Several public art pieces from inside the mall are on the block, as well. Birds from the mall's indoor "sky," a leaf chandelier from the food court, leaf-themed paintings and sculptures, and even the "Cafes in the Forest" signs could soon be adorning your Lakeforest Mall-themed mansion.

OK, now let's get serious: The Lakeforest Mall directory signs. Entire kiosks. A giant bear looking for a new home. Unfortunately, it seems that the most-desirable tenant signs have already been removed from the premises, but some of the more mom-and-pop business names are available.

All told, there are twelve pages and over a thousand individual items available in the auction catalog, many in lots. Please note that the auction has moved from late June to early July. The preview date is Wednesday, July 5, 2023. The auction begins closing online the next day. Removal dates are July 10-14.

Photos courtesy Capitol Online Auctions

Rockville biotech clinical advisor receives highest honor from American Society of Clinical Oncology

Dr. Hagop M. Kantarjian, a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of Rockville biotech firm Ascentage Pharma, has received the highest honor bestowed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The organization presented Kantarjian the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award "for his lifelong contributions to leukemia clinical research and his dedication to improving the lives of patients" at its annual meeting, which is taking place through tomorrow in Chicago. Those who have received the Karnofsky award since its inception in 1970 have been oncologists who made outstanding contributions to cancer research, diagnosis, or treatment.

"Dr. Kantarjian has dedicated his life to saving and enhancing the lives of patients with leukemia, renewing hope to millions of patients with unmet medical needs," Ascentage Pharma Chairman Dajun Yang, MD, PhD said in a statement this morning. "For decades, he has been at the forefront of the oncology community's efforts to end cancer. We are privileged that Dr. Kantarjian has chosen to share his wise counsel with our organization while serving with honor and distinction on the Ascentage Pharma Clinical Advisory Board."

Ascentage Pharma was founded in 2009 in Suzhou, China. Its American office is in Three Irvington Centre, at 700 King Farm Boulevard in Rockville.