voiceline http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/ Newsfeed for Takoma Voice and Silver Spring Voice Independent community news since 1987 takoma.com • silverspringvoice.com en-us Copyright 2010 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:57:19 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Mayorga to open Takoma Metro coffee shop The Voice talks to Martin Mayorga

by Seth Grimes

Mayorga Coffee plans to open a new Takoma Metro location on January 25.  The site, at 314 Carroll Street, NW in Washington, DC, is directly across from the Takoma Metrorail station.  It formerly housed the Drifting Nomad coffee shop, which closed in November.  In December, Mayorga closed its own South Silver Spring location, where sales suffered after nearby construction eliminated parking and deterred visitors, according to the company.

Takoma DC resident Alice Giancola says she is "very excited about Mayorga's moving to the DC commercial strip...  Because of [their] welcoming atmosphere and good service, they will be warmly received here."  Takoma Park resident Anne LeVeque says, "I love Mayorga! Beyond serving the best coffee ever, they are supportive of the community."  As for Jill Gay, "I am thrilled Mayorga will be part of our Takoma Park community."

The new Takoma outlet will offer coffee beverages, fresh baked pastries, and whole bean coffee roasted at Mayorga's Rockville facility, according the Mayorga's Web site. 
The Voice reached out to Martin Mayorga to learn more.
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]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2010/01/mayorga-to-open-takoma-metro-c.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2010/01/mayorga-to-open-takoma-metro-c.html Business Coffee Georgia Avenue Northwest Washington D.C. Silver Spring Maryland Takoma Park Takoma Park Maryland United States Washington Washington DC Washington Metro Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:57:19 +0000 Takoma Park Police release sketch of suspect in Sligo assault

According to Takoma Park police, this is a composite sketch of the individual who committed a sexual assault on November 19, 2009, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in a wooded area off of Sligo Creek Parkway at the Old Carroll Avenue Bridge (on the Bike/Running trail).

Further description: Hispanic male, 25-35 yo, 5'7"-5'9", medium build, short military style haircut.   

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Takoma Park Police at (301) 270-1100 and refer to case #09065147.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.

* Text to 847411

* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that

your tip is thoroughly investigated.

* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your

community while remaining 100% anonymous.

]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/takoma-park-police-release-ske.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/takoma-park-police-release-ske.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:26:07 +0000 Strong arm robbery in Takoma Park
On November 20, 2009, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a car-jacking, strong-arm robbery and assault occurred in the 600 block of Boston Avenue.  Look out is for a medium-skinned black male, approximately 160 lbs., approximately 5'10 to 6'0, late 30-40 years of age, possible goatee/beard, possibly wearing blue jeans and a pullover shirt (unknown color).  Look out vehicle is a 1999 white, 2-door Ford Taurus with a sticker in the front window, bearing MD tag 768-ALV.  Vehicle left Boston Avenue heading towards Takoma Avenue.  Any information, please call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.
 
Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
(301) 891-7142
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/strong-arm-robbery-in-takoma-p.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/strong-arm-robbery-in-takoma-p.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:12:06 +0000 Jogger sexually assaulted on Sligo Creek trail Press Release from Takoma Park Police:

On November 19, 2009 between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m. a woman was sexually assaulted on the Sligo Creek Stream Valley Trail in Takoma Park, Maryland. A man grabbed the victim as she jogged the trail and forced her into a wooded area where he sexually assaulted her. The assault occurred between Maple Avenue and the Carroll Avenue bridge.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male

between 25- 35 years of age

5'7 to 5'9

medium build

short military style black hair

wearing a heavy long sleeve beige shirt and loose fitting pants

The Takoma Park Police and The Maryland-National Capital Park Police are jointly investigating this crime. Anyone who was in the area at the time, or has any information about this crime is asked to please call the Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/jogger-sexually-assaulted-on-s.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/jogger-sexually-assaulted-on-s.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:26 +0000 Ehrlich Could be Encouraged by Republican Success in Tuesday's Races Capital News Service

Republican victories in the Virginia and New Jersey governors' races may or may not indicate a national comeback for the GOP, but they could convince former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich that the time is right for a Republican to reclaim the state's top political office.
   
"It's going to impact Republican candidates around the country, including Maryland. As you know these off-cycle races have become fairly accurate predictors of on-cycle results," said Ehrlich, considered the strongest potential challenger to Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley next year.
   
Ehrlich emphasized that he's set no time frame for announcing his decision about whether or not to run, but that he would pay close attention to Tuesday's elections, especially in New Jersey, watching "where ticket splitters are, crossover Democrats and independents."
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/ehrlich-could-be-encouraged-by.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/ehrlich-could-be-encouraged-by.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:23:54 +0000 Cardin, Hoyer Relive Fall Of Berlin Wall at Anniversary Event Capital News Service

Two Maryland congressmen flew to Germany in 1989 to take swings at the Berlin Wall and participate in the destruction of one of the world's most visible signs of the Cold War.
   
On Wednesday, now-Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Baltimore, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, spoke about their experience.
   
Standing beside a chunk of the wall on display at the Newseum, Cardin and Hoyer joined other members of the Helsinki Commission and ambassadors from Germany, Romania and the Slovak Republic to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the wall's destruction.
  
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/cardin-hoyer-relive-fall-of-be.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/cardin-hoyer-relive-fall-of-be.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:22:13 +0000 Maryland Farmers Worried EPA Could Regulate Them More Stringently Capital News Service

EPA Senior Adviser Chuck Fox said in two interviews last week that Maryland poultry farmers could face more stringent pollution regulations than those in other states, a stance that has drawn opposition from Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Farm Bureau.
   
Fox said that although the amount of pollution large-scale poultry farms can produce is regulated by states, the Environmental Protection Agency has the final say in the matter and can force states to make stricter guidelines if need be.
  
 "When you look to the future ? it very well might be that we need to control pollution beyond that which it is controlled in other parts of the country for us to achieve our goals here in the Chesapeake Bay," Fox said, in a face-to-face interview.
  
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/maryland-farmers-worried-epa-c.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/maryland-farmers-worried-epa-c.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:17 +0000 Experts Fear McDonnell Win Could Hurt Bay Cooperation Capital News Service

Republican Robert McDonnell's win Tuesday in the Virginia gubernatorial elections could roll back gains in that state's cooperation with Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and other policy issues, experts warned Wednesday.
   
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Timothy Kaine has had "a very cooperative, positive relationship" with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, said Mark Rozell, a professor of public policy at Virginia's George Mason University.
   
This relationship, Rozell said, is, in part, due to Kaine's and O'Malley's shared party affiliation, as well as their similar views on issues such as the environment and the Chesapeake Bay.
   
"We are likely to see a significant reversal of course on a number of such issues with a Republican administration," Rozell said.
  
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/experts-fear-mcdonnell-win-cou.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/experts-fear-mcdonnell-win-cou.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:17:55 +0000 Maryland In-State Tuition Falls Below National Average Capital News Service

It's cheaper to go to college in-state, especially if you live in Maryland.
   
Average in-state tuition and fees for this academic year at Maryland's public universities is lower than the national average, according to a report by the College Board released last month.
   
At University System of Maryland institutions, in-state students paid an average of $6,796 for the 2009-2010 academic year, according to the Maryland Higher Education Committee. Nationally, the average tuition at public four-year universities for this year was $7,020, representing a 6.5 percent, or $429, increase from last year, according to the College Board.
   
However, tuition and fees at each USM institution fall both above and below the national average. Students at the University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland Baltimore County paid more than $8,000 this year, while universities like Salisbury and Frostburg State charged about $6,650.
   
Maryland's public universities, along with Morgan State University, have frozen tuition for resident students for four consecutive years, drastically changing their national ranking for college affordability.
   
On a national level, "Maryland has moved from the eighth-highest state in resident undergraduate tuition in 2006 to the 16th-highest in 2009," according to the commission.
   
However, the university system's Board of Regents is unsure whether the freeze is sustainable, considering the severe budget cuts the state mandated this year and likely the next.
   
"The chancellor has said publicly that we have to consider where we are with the undergraduate in-state tuition freeze," said Mike Lurie, USM media relations director.
   
The board has yet to set tuition for the next academic year because it's waiting for a finalized budget from the state for fiscal year 2011, Lurie said.
   
Despite the freeze, costs have gone up. Mandatory fees rose 1.3 percent, raising the total price (tuition and fees) by 4 percent, over the past four years.
   
Out-of-state student tuition has seen significant increases recently, both in Maryland and nationally. This year, the state capped out-of-state tuition increases at 4 percent for undergraduate students and 7 percent for graduate students.
   
The average national price for out-of-state tuition and fees increased about 6.2 percent from last year, to $18,548. Non-resident university system students at College Park and University of Baltimore paid above this average, at $23,990 and $20,278 respectively, while non-resident students at all other USM institutions paid below the national average.
   
The report repeatedly mentioned that a school's listed tuition, or "sticker price" is often not what a student pays after loans, grants, and scholarships are factored in.
   
"Almost two-thirds of undergraduate students enrolled full-time receive grants that reduce the actual price of college. In addition, many states and institutions grant tuition waivers to groups of students such as dependents of employees, veterans or teachers," according to the report.
   
Maryland students are not an exception to this statistic, as more continue to take advantage of available aid.
   
"Financial aid applications for Maryland students increased from 100,000 in FY 2009 to 129,000 in FY 2010. This increase was a direct result of the changes in the economy during the previous year," the state's higher education commission reported.
   
The complete report is available online at http://www.trends-collegeboard.com/college_pricing/. ]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/maryland-instate-tuition-falls.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/maryland-instate-tuition-falls.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:14:55 +0000 Residential Development Threatening Land Preservation Capital News Service

A significant portion of the state's land is vulnerable to residential development, which might hinder land preservation goals, said an official with the Department of Planning at a special joint committee hearing Tuesday.
   
Large swaths of Maryland, particularly in rural areas and along the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are suffering from development pressure, said Joe Tassone, director of the planning department's office of Land and Water Resource Planning.
   
Tassone proposed a two-pronged approach to land preservation, encouraging counties to provide the needed funds and to adjust zoning rules, stabilizing their land base by discouraging further residential development.
  

]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/residential-development-threat.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/residential-development-threat.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:11:18 +0000 Pressing Need, First Lady's Call Inspire Congressional Wives' Service
Capital News Service

Michelle Obama's call to service inspired more than 20 spouses of Maryland elected officials to pack 4,800 Thanksgiving meals for families in need at the Maryland Food Bank Tuesday in recognition of the growing urgency of the hungry in their own state.
   
Audra Harrison, communications manager at the food bank, said that the facility has seen up to a 50 percent increase in demand this year due to the economy, especially from middle-class families.
   
"Some of these people thought they would never need to ask for help," Harrison said, adding that some families have been pre-registered for Thanksgiving meals since May.
  
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/pressing-need-first-ladys-call.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/pressing-need-first-ladys-call.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:07:50 +0000 Small Business Owners Lobby Capitol Hill, White House on Health Care Capital News Service

More than 130 small business owners from around the nation, including three Marylanders, met with lawmakers and federal officials Tuesday to address the impact of increasing health insurance costs on their businesses and lives.
   
The lobbying effort came as the House is preparing to debate health care reform legislation and was organized as part of the small business "D.C. Day" by several advocacy groups: U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Main Street Alliance, Small Business Majority and Consumers Union. The Senate is crafting its bill, which should be unveiled in coming weeks.
   
The House health reform bill, costing $894 billion over 10 years, includes a government-run health insurance option alongside private plans, expands Medicaid eligibility and caps annual out-of-pocket spending. Under the bill, small business owners with payroll less than $500,000 a year are not required to provide health insurance to their employees.
   
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/small-business-owners-lobby-ca.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/11/small-business-owners-lobby-ca.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:04:30 +0000 "Next Stop: Silver Spring" to air on Monday, November 2
The film is a nostalgic trip through Silver Spring history and the golden days of passenger railroading, as it tells the story of the B&O railroad station in Silver Spring from its inception in 1878 to today. It includes the history of the B&O Metropolitan Branch as well! 

The film was produced and directed by Silver Spring resident Walter Gottlieb and his nonprofit production company Silver Spring Media Arts.

"Next Stop" features an original soundtrack by Maryland artists performing original songs specifically written for the documentary --- including The Diner Car song, Gracie at the Tastee, Run Railroad Run, Layin' it Down for the B&O!

For more information, visit www.silverspringtrain.org. ]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/next-stop-silver-spring-to-air.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/next-stop-silver-spring-to-air.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:40:49 +0000 Maryland Businesses Secure Recovery Money Capital News Service

Maryland organizations of all sizes have secured more than $4.5 billion and directly created 4,464 jobs as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, even as economic indicators across the state continue to lag.
   
Maryland's unemployment rate has hovered around 7.2 percent since May, double the October 2007 rate of 3.6 percent and nearly double that of a year ago, 4.8 percent.
   
Foreclosure statistics across the state also are still climbing. Maryland holds the 10th-highest rate in the nation according to RealtyTrac, a company that tracks nationwide foreclosures. One in every 16,867 properties in Maryland is facing foreclosure, a frequency higher than all surrounding states.
   
Even though the numbers look grim, Carmen Reinhart, a public policy professor at the University of Maryland, thinks the stimulus helped slow the economy's dive.
   
"I think the recession would have been worse absent the stimulus," Reinhart said. "The fact that we observe in nearly every sector some worrisome signs, shouldn't be taken as a sign our fiscal policy doesn't work."
   
]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/maryland-businesses-secure-rec.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/maryland-businesses-secure-rec.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:05:29 +0000 O'Malley Joins Biden and Schwarzenegger to Tout Stimulus Jobs Capital News Service

Gov. Martin O'Malley, along with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, joined Vice President Joe Biden Friday to announce that federal stimulus funds had directly created or saved 640,239 jobs nationwide since Feb. 17.
   
"The recovery act is operating as advertised," Biden said.
   
The event, held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, came one day after O'Malley announced that the federal stimulus had led directly to more than 4,464 jobs in Maryland, with roughly 10,000 additional jobs resulting either from indirect jobs, which are often subcontractors for highway projects, or induced jobs, which are created by consumers spending money at restaurants and stores.
   

]]> http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/omalley-joins-biden-and-schwar.html http://www.takoma.com/voiceline/2009/10/omalley-joins-biden-and-schwar.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000