Montgomery Community Media

The teen, who was arrested and charged with vandalizing a Gaithersburg synagogue, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, according to court documents. Sebastian Espinoza-Carranza was charged with defacement of religious property, damage to a religious institution, and malicious destruction of property for the antisemitic graffiti found on Shaare Torah Synagogue in Gaithersburg back in April. His sentencing is set […]

The Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing during a special session on Monday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss a proposed amendment to the city’s Ethics Ordinance. The proposed ordinance includes comprehensive changes to bring the City’s ethics provisions into compliance with state statutory requirements, ensuring that those requirements are […]

Newcomers and some incumbents have picked up the information they need to become candidates in the upcoming race for the Gaithersburg City Council or to serve as the city’s next mayor. The city’s election is set for Nov. 3rd. Gaithersburg officials made the candidate packets available starting June 5, however the information can also be […]

It’s the literary party of the season: the reception for the authors attending the 6th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports the invite list for this special party includes not only authors but city officials, sponsors and the tireless volunteers who work year round on this event. You can find out more about […]

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking election judges for its 2015 municipal elections, being held on Tuesday, November 3.  Judges are needed for six polling places located throughout the City and for three early voting sessions being held at City Hall prior to election day. To be eligible for consideration, interested applicants must be registered […]

It was an emotional interview for Sebastian Espinoza-Carranza at his home in Gaithersburg. The teen was arrested and charged with vandalizing a Gaithersburg synagogue. The 18-year-old teen says he is not a racist person and that he is really sorry. The congregation’s surveillance video helped lead police to Spinoza-Carranza. It shows him allegedly spray painting swastikas, […]

In this MyMCMedia Extra, Ryan Spiegel, Gaithersburg City Council vice president and member of the Shaare Torah Synagogue in Lakelands shares his thoughts about the arrest of  a Gaithersburg teen for alleged vandalism at the synagogue. Related:

UPDATED Gaithersburg police officers are looking for the vandal(s) who defaced the Shaare Torah synagogue in Gaithersburg. “At this time, detectives are continuing to investigate the incident,” said Officer Dane Lane. “They are following up on leads and speaking with citizens who may have or may not have seen anything. We are always looking for more […]

Gaithersburg Police Chief Mark Sroka said detectives have identified a “person of interest” who could be involved in the Shaare Torah Synagogue vandalism case. Local authorities have surveillance footage showing a masked person running away from the building.  Sroka said the report came in at 7:10 a.m. this morning. That’s when police officers found eleven swastikas and other […]

Gaithersburg City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel, a member of the Shaare Torah congregation, has issued a statement about the vandalism that occurred at his synagogue overnight. “I am heartbroken to see such an act of hate in a community that is known for respecting and celebrating its diversity. The terrible acts of a few […]