Latest News

Georgetowner • April 18, 2016

**Warby Barker**

APRIL 1ST, 2016 AT 04:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-618-5605

The designer eyewear shop hosts an April Fools party for dogs, where they can “sit” for their portraits, chow down and make new best friends.

Address
3225 M St. NW

**Rethinking Modernism Today**

APRIL 1ST, 2016 AT 01:00 PM | FREE | AMERICANARTPROGRAMS@SI.EDU | TEL: (202) 633-8490 | [EVENT WEBSITE](http://americanart.si.edu/calendar/event.cfm?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D118057401%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D%26returnUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Famericanart.si.edu%252Fcalendar%252Fevent.cfm)

Hear prominent art historians and museum curators Barbara Haskell, Valerie Fletcher, and Randall Griffey discuss major American artists featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Crosscurrents exhibition, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, and David Smith, and explore their immersion in modernism, including the influence of their European counterparts.

Address
800 G Street NW

**By Catch By Hand**

APRIL 1ST, 2016 AT 06:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-333-4868

P Street Gallerie shows three collaborative works by vegan painter Dana Ellyn and sustainable couture fashion designer Lucy Tammam, along with examples of their individual creations. Work will also be on view on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address
3235 P St. NW

**Sneaker Mania DMV**

APRIL 2ND, 2016 AT 12:00 PM | $20

More than 50 vendors will be buying, selling and trading thousands of pairs of exclusive shoes.

Address
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW.

**Ethan Parker Band at Gypsy Sally’s**

APRIL 2ND, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-333-7700

The rhythm and folk band from Tampa performs to support its recently released “From the Mountains to the Sea” album and Project Primavera, a nonprofit that works with orphans and at-risk youth.

Address
3401 K St. NW

**Canadian Brass**

APRIL 3RD, 2016 AT 05:00 PM | TICKETS: $40. EACH | SAM@STJOHNSGEORGETOWN.ORG | TEL: 202-338-1796 | [EVENT WEBSITE](http://www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org/concertseries/)

Beyond their virtuosic musicality and technical superiority, “the world’s most famous brass group” possesses the creativity, unbeatable humor and genuine love of performing that has become the hallmark of the Canadian Brass. In an entertaining and diverse program, experience firsthand why this quintet deserves its impressive international reputation as the brightest ambassadors of the brass repertoire for the past four decades.

Address
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3240 O St. NW.

**Malmaison Wedding Experience**

APRIL 3RD, 2016 AT 06:00 PM | $50 FOR ONE, $90 FOR TWO | TEL: 202-817-3340

This wedding showcase is an evening of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, champagne cocktails, flash fashion, hair and makeup touch ups, flowers and photography.

Address
Malmaison, 3401 Water St. NW.

Georgetowner •

The Georgetown-Burleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2E) will hold its April meeting tonight, Monday, April 4, 6:30 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 35th Street and Volta Place NW, in the Heritage Room on the second floor of the main building. The following is the agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.

**Approval of the Agenda**

• Approval of April 4, 2016, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda

• Approval of the February 29, 2016, meeting minutes

**Administrative**

• Public Safety and Police Report

• Financial Report

• Transportation Report

• Environmental Report

**Community Comment**

**New Business**

• Traffic signal/crosswalk timing on side streets

• Fillmore School Arts Program

• Concerts in the Park: May 22 (Volta), June 19 (Volta), July 10 (Rose)

**ABC**

Settlement Agreement: GoPuff

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following liquor license renewals, which are on an upcoming ABRA review, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these licensees, please contact the ANC office by Friday, April 1st.

• Unum, 2917 M St.

• The Four Seasons Hotel

• I-Thai, 3003 M St.

• Bistro Lepic, 1736 Wisconsin Ave.

• Bistro Français, 3124 M St.

• La Chaumiére, 2813 M St.

• Cafe Milano, 3251 Prospect St.

• Eno Wine Bar, 2810 Pennsylvania Ave.

• Kafe Leopold, 3315 Cady’s Alley

**Zoning and Planning**

• Club Monaco, special exception for roof equipment

**Old Georgetown Board**

**Public and Major Projects**

1. C&O Canal National Historical Park Industrial Rehabilitate Locks 3 and 4 Concept

2. OG 16-163 (HPA 16-283) 3300 Block O Street, NW Sidewalk and roadbed. Excavation for repair of DC Water sewer line Permit

**Private Projects**

1. SMD 02 OG 16-155 (HPA 16-275) 3324 Dent Place, NW Residence New construction
Concept

2. SMD 03 OG 16-168 (HPA 16-290) 1353-1355 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Alterations, Replacement windows Permit

3. SMD 05 OG 16-149 (HPA 16-263) 1027 31st Street, NW Commercial Alterations, Sign – Georgetown Golden Chicken. Windows – Existing alterations without review Permit

4. SMD 05 OG 16-161 (HPA 16-281) 3289 M Street, NW Commercial Alterations, Sign and banner – Violet Boutique Permit

5. SMD 05 OG 16-071 (HPA 16-119) 1044 Wisconsin Avenue, NWCommercial Alterations, Roof deck, Signs – Sweetgreen Concept

6. SMD 05 OG 16-169 (HPA 16-291) 1206 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Restaurant Sign, Alley lighting – Sovereign Concept

7. SMD 06 OG 16-177 (HPA 16-299) 1320 29th Street, NW Residence Alterations, Second story addition Concept

8. SMD 06 OG 16-165 (HPA 16-286) 2709 N Street, NW Multi-family residence Fence and gate. Permit

9. SMD 07 OG 16-176 (HPA 16-298) 1815 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Site work
Permit

10. SMD 07 OG 16-152 (HPA 16-268) 2001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW British International School of Washington Guard booth, Fence, Security elements Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming April 7, 2016, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, April 1.

1.SMD 02 OG 16-178 (HPA 16-300) 1544 33rd Street, NW Residence Alterations
Concept

2. SMD 02 OG 16-077 (HPA 16-125) 1661 35th Street, NW Residence Two-story plus basement rear addition, in-fill areaway, one-story side addition, demolition Revised permit

3. SMD 02 OG 16-092 (HPA 16-159) 3300 Q Street, NW Residence Alterations, Replacement windows Permit

4. SMD 02 OG 16-158 (HPA 16-278) 3210 R Street, NW Residence Fence Permit

5. SMD 02 OG 16-140 (HPA 16-233) 3729 Winfield Lane, NW Residence Replacement windows
Permit

6. SMD 02 OG 16-045 (HPA 16-077) 1679 35th Street, NW Residence Two-story rear addition, Porch enclosure, Demolition Concept

7. SMD 02 OG 16-141 (HPA 16-235) 3644 Reservoir Road, NW Residence New window opening
Permit

8. SMD 03 OG 16-159 (HPA 16-279) 1318 33rd Street, NW Residence Alterations, Garage
Permit

9. SMD 03 OG 16-137 (HPA 16-229) 1419 33rd Street, NW Residence Parking pad with overhead door Concept

10. SMD 03 OG 16-172 (HPA 16-294) 3323 O Street, NW Residence Alterations Permit

11. SMD 03 OG 16-173 (HPA 16-295) 3247 P Street, NW Residence Sliding gate, Garden walls, Site work Concept

12. SMD 03 OG 16-151 (HPA 16-267) 3267 P Street, NW (Square 1255, Lot 867) Residence Pool house alterations Permit

13. SMD 03 OG 16-068 (HPA 16-114) 3420 P Street, NW Residence. Addition, Demolition, Replacement windows, Site work Concept

14. SMD 03 OG 16-147 (HPA 16-247) 3251 Prospect Street, NW Commercial Awning, Sign – Morton’s Steakhouse Permit

15. SMD 03 OG 16-154 (HPA 16-274) 3207 Scott Place, NW Residence New window openings, Window wells in public space Concept

16. SMD 03 OG 16-144 (HPA 16-239) 1529 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Sign – Zannchi
Permit

17. SMD 05 OG 16-156 (HPA 16-276) 1115 30th Street, NW Commercial Back-lit sign – United Bank Permit

18. SMD 05 OG 16-124 (HPA 16-197) 3000 K Street, NW Commercial Alterations to FFB terrace Concept

19. SMD 05 OG 16-160 (HPA 16-280) 3111 K Street, NW Mixed-use Internally-illuminated blade sign – Colonial Parking Permit

20. SMD 05 OG 16-093 (HPA 16-161) 2910 M Street, NW Commercial Roof top HVAC
Permit

21. SMD 05 OG 16-164 (HPA 16-285) 3222 M Street, NW Commercial Metal louvers
Permit

22. SMD 05 OG 16-100 (HPA 16-172) 3222-3236 M Street, NW Commercial Storefront alterations – Anthropologie Concept

23. SMD 05 OG 16-150 (HPA 16-266) 3271 M Street, NW Commercial Sign – Lucky Brand Permit

24. SMD 05 OG 15-239 (HPA 15-449) 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Mixed-use Demolition, New construction Concept

25. SMD 05 OG 16-113 (HPA 16-185) 3302 Prospect Street, NW Residence Replacement windows. Permit

26. SMD 05 OG 16-133 (HPA 16-224) 3348 Prospect Street, NW Residence Alterations, Replacement windows Concept

27. SMD 05 OG 16-157 (HPA 16-277) 1001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Commercial Back-lit sign – United Bank
Permit

28. SMD 06 OG 16-120 (HPA 16-192) 1308 28th Street, NW Institution Security elements Permit

29. SMD 06 OG 16-134 (HPA 16-226) 1313 28th Street, NW Residence Alterations, Replacement windows and doors Concept

30. SMD 06 OG 16-153 (HPA 16-272) 1423 28th Street, NW Residence Roof replacement
Permit

31. SMD 06 OG 16-174 (HPA 16-296) 1231-1235 31st Street, NW Residence Revision to Permit – alterations
Permit

32. SMD 06 OG 16-166 (HPA 16-287) 2715 N Street, NW Residence Site work
Permit

33. SMD 06 OG 16-170 (HPA 16-292) 2723 N Street, NW Residence Alteration
Permit

34. SMD 06 OG 16-121 (HPA 16-193) 2801 N Street, NW Kesher Israel Security elements Permit

35. SMD 06 OG 16-104 (HPA 16-176) 3048 N Street, NW Residence Replacement windows
Permit

36. SMD 06 OG 16-171 (HPA 16-293) 2807 O Street, NW Residence Rear addition, Alterations
Permit

37. SMD 06 OG 16-146 (HPA 16-245) 2804 P Street, NW Residence. Alterations at rear Permit

38. SMD 06 OG 16-148 (HPA 16-259) 2812 Dumbarton Street, NW Residence Alterations
Concept

39. SMD 06 OG 16-175 (HPA 16-297) 3025 Dumbarton Street, NW Residence Alterations, Demolition, Parking pad and gates Permit

40. SMD 07 OG 16-142 (HPA 16-237) 1525 29th Street, NW Residence Pool Permit

41. SMD 07 OG 16-145 (HPA 16-243) 1703 32nd Street, NW Institution Facade Illumination
Permit

42. SMD 07 OG 16-101 (HPA 16-173) 2512 Q Street, NW Multi-family residence Alterations, Demolition, Replacement windows Concept

**Government of the District of Columbia: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E**

3265 S St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

202-724-7098 anc2e@dc.gov www.anc2e.com

Juliana Zovak •

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop on the corner of 34th and M Streets NW has closed. The location had only been open for less than a year and a half, since December of 2015. It now sits vacant with its tables still arranged and the Capriotti’s logo on the wall.

Other Capriotti’s shops can still be found in D.C., at 18th and M Streets NW, and in Rosslyn. The chain originated in Delaware in 1976 and first came to the District in 2013. It is said to be a favorite of Vice President Joe Biden, formerly a senator from Delaware.

Capriotti’s has become well known for its signature sandwiches, including the Bobbie (said to be named for an aunt of the original owner), a Thanksgiving-inspired sub made with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayonnaise.

Gary Tischler •

Another Tuesday, another chasm, another cliff, another turning point, another do-or-die, another shape shift.

The interminable 2016 presidential race, which actually began and also turned completely upside-down way back in 2015 — when Donald Trump announced he was running for sure and for certain and seriously — hits another landmark Tuesday.

This is no longer Super Tuesday, which was quite some time ago and was not, as it turned out, quite so super. This is the Tuesday “that could reshape the GOP race,” according to one headline, a headline that was probably used before Super Tuesday, and the SEC Tuesday, and the Southern Tuesday and last Tuesday. Come to think of it, this could still be the Tuesday that could reshape the Democratic race (although maybe not).

This is all about Wisconsin, where both the Republicans and the Democrats are holding primaries.

The Republican field — once a fat and noisy field of 17 or so — has now been whittled down to three: a suddenly stumbling and reeling Donald Trump, the front runner nationally but trailing in the Wisconsin polls; a confident-looking but still unappealing Ted Cruz; and Ohio governor John Kasich.

On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders is like the uninvited ex-husband at the wedding; he just won’t go away until they pass out the cake and he has a head of steam, enough so that the polls show him winning in Wisconsin over Hillary Clinton.

You can look at this in several ways, and God knows we all do. Trump, in ways that always seem shocking and astounding, has managed to have a very bad time of it lately, but in entirely Trumpish ways.

Can Trump trump this? The question is asked after every gaffe and misstep and foot-in-mouth comment week after week. The answer is always yes. This is usually followed by a sentence that begins with “Maybe this time…” (not to be confused with the song from “Cabaret”). Maybe this time Trump has said too much, gone too far, insulted too many and offered up one too many lies, exaggerations, falsehoods and unbelievable claims that are passed off as facts.

This time, his campaign manager — noted for letting Trump be Trump — was charged with assault after an incident with a female reporter. Trump, even after videos clearly showed that there was physical contact, stood by his man. Trump also claimed that women who had abortions ought to be punished, then quickly retreated like a man trying to pick up and put back together an egg he dropped on the sidewalk. In various interviews, he said he might use nukes, or wanted Korea (South, not North) and Japan to have nukes; claimed we were paying too much for NATO; and sundry other questionable long-term visions of foreign policy. If you enlarge the timeline, he and Cruz fought over each other’s wives.

It’s clearly not a banner time for Trump. Cruz has a lead in Wisconsin and it’s said that, if he wins, the race might be irrevocably changed, that no one would come to the convention with the necessary delegates and that there would be a brokered convention. Maybe this time…

Cruz has benefitted from all this of course, and the so-called Republican establishment appears to be rationalizing itself into possibly backing a man the entire Republican side of the Senate, not to mention the other side, dislikes. He may not be — as Trump repeatedly calls him — Lying Ted, but he has yet to reach likable, trustworthy status either. Lindsay Graham, who’s reduced to backing Cruz, said the choice between the two is like choosing to die by gunshot or poison, or something like that.

It may be that some people are noticing that neither emperor-aspirant has clothes, but then that observation has been there for anybody who wants to look. It’s not a pretty sight, to be sure. You can also bet that the Trump followers who have packed his rallies (he has promised to reduce their number) will stick with him, because in truth, there is no one else that speaks, if not for them, at least to them. Which means that Trump will have to remain Trump no matter how many position papers he reads on a teleprompter, written by statesmen from the Bush (that would be Senior) days.

And, lest we forget, there’s John Kasich. And that’s just the problem: We have forgotten John Kasich. By any rational thinking, the establishment types ought to be flocking to him. He’s a classic conservative in most ways, he’s pragmatic, he knows his stuff, he’s got experience that even a wayward Democrat or two could vote for.

But even though Cruz has Governor Scott Walker’s endorsement, Wisconsin appears ideal for Kasich. Except you can’t even smell the tiniest smoke of a brushfire for Kasich. Somebody give that man a match or they’ll be lighting a candle for his campaign.

Meanwhile, something odd is happening to the Clinton campaign. She’s moved on to New York without bothering too hard to try to win in Wisconsin. Hillary has more super-delegates than God, but even at this late date Bernie (some people think, especially Bernie himself) has a shot. At the very least, he’s become a major painful pebble in Hillary’s presidential shoes.

So what will happen tomorrow, on, let’s call it, Wisconsin Tuesday.

Maybe this time…

Gary Tischler • April 11, 2016

In the aftermath of the Jeffrey Thompson guilty plea and plea bargain Monday—in which he alleged that Mayor Vincent Gray knew about and participated in the 2010 shadow campaign with which Thompson raised more than $600,000, the time-running-out campaign has changed rapidly, but without any visible rush to judgement with only under three weeks to go before the Democratic primary April 1.

The mayor denied, denied, calling Thompson allegation lies, lies and falsehoods while his manager consistently refers to a smear campaign.

After being interview on the day of the testimony, Gray, who said he was shocked by the allegations, went on the attack in a State of the District address. A mostly friendly Ward 7 crowd was asked this question by him: “Who do you believe? . . . A greedy man attempting to save himself? Or me, a public servant who has dedicated his entire career to giving back to your communities?”

Nobody has attempted to answer that question directly, except a Washington Post columnist who flatly said he is convinced that Gray lied. Gray has his defenders, while his rivals are scrambling to take advantages of the inherent advantage in recent events.

Tommy Wells, the lone candidate who has made a point of not accepting corporate donations (and therefore, of course, lags in available funds) picked up two endorsements, Gray lost one. Wells picked up the endorsements of GreaterGreater Washington and the DC Police Union, Fraternal Order of Police & Metropolitan Police Department Labor Committee. The Current newspapers, which had endorsed Gray in their previous issue, touted his good job on managing the city but then withdrew their endorsement in light of the Thompson news.

Meanwhile, At-large Councilman David Catania, who had already said that he would run for mayor if the mayor should happen to win the primary, made it official earlier than expected. In announcing his candidacy, he said, “This whole drama that we’ve had, this Jeff Thompson-Vince Gray drama, the time has come for this to end.” Catania, who is an independent, is not a part of the primary election but the winner of the Democratic Primary will face him in the general election in November.

The “This is the Week that Was” of the campaign leaves the outcome muddled, especially in the potential fate of the mayor. The U.S. attorney Ron Machen has not specified any other dates for any future indictments, which could, presumably include the mayor.

Robert Devaney •

Georgetown’s fashion-forward retail takeover continues, whether you like it or not.

The clothing and accessories mega-store Forever 21 will come to M Street along the sidewalk-front retail space owned by Georgetown Park in the 20,000-square-foot space once occupied by H&M, which moved a few doors down the street to larger digs, according to the Washington Business Journal. The New York Times described Forever 21 as “Faster Fashion, Cheaper Chic.”

Founded in Los Angeles in 1984 by Do Won Chang and his wife Jin Sook Chang as Fashion 21, Forever 21 says it is “celebrated by many style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers … and has quickly become the source for the most current fashions at the greatest value.” Its flagship store is in Pasadena, Calif. The company boasts more than 480 locations.

D.C.’s first Forever 21 is in the old Woodie’s building in downtown on F Street. The Georgetown store will be Forever 21’s second D.C. location.

The reconstructed retail space, known as Georgetown Park, which once was an interior shopping mall, was described by Business Journal as “quickly becoming a destination for bargain shoppers” and “the epicenter of bargains in tony Georgetown.” It also cited H&M, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods and the soon-to-open DSW.

Robert Devaney •

Already part of the Georgetown scene, Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank got a little more involved a few weeks ago by purchasing 3150 M St., NW.

The trophy retail space at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street which once housed Nathans Restaurant was purchased, according to the Washington Business Journal, by “War Horse LLC, a real estate development firm started by Scott Plank, a former Under Armour executive and brother of founder Kevin Plank.”

The purchase of the property was first reported by The Georgetowner Feb. 27: “One of the most recognized properties at Georgetown’s most famous intersection was sold Feb. 21 for $12.25 million by the Heon family to 3150 M Street, LLC.”

Interestingly, the Heon and Plank families are acquainted. Some members of the Heon family live in Kensington, Md., where Kevin Plank’s mother Jayne served as mayor. Both families have a Georgetown connection. The Heons in Maryland were the ones contacted by the Planks, and they helped set up the deal, according to one Heon family member.

The identity of the new owner was learned last week. “Scott Plank’s firm plans to lease the building to the Baltimore-based performance athletic clothing company to open a signature Under Armour Brand House retail shop,” the Business Journal previously reported. “Under Armour spokeswoman Diane Pelkey said the company has not signed a lease at the Georgetown location.” Pelkey later told the Washington Post: “Kevin’s personal real estate entity did buy it, but has not yet made plans for the use of the building.”

The future of Serendipity 3 restaurant, which occupies the 6,662 square-foot building at 3150 M St., NW, is unclear. The Washington location of the famed New York-based ice cream and hamburger joint has one year left on its lease.

The Heon family – which sold the former Georgetown Theater property to Georgetown architect Robert Bell for redevelopment in October 2013 – had owned the corner property for 100 years. During the middle of the 20th century, the family lived in the upper floors of 3150 M St., NW. For the present generation, this was where parents and grandparents lived.

For the Planks, a home on 35th Street near O Street is often cited. It was where Kevin Plank started Under Armour in his grandmother’s basement. It is even mentioned in a TV commercial for a computer company. Also, it was Kevin Plank who purchased the Ambassador David Bruce House at 34th and O Streets from Deborah Winsor, widow of Bank of Georgetown cofounder Curtin Winsor, in July 2013 for $7.85 million. Plank attended Georgetown Prep and St. John’s College High School and graduated from the University of Maryland.

Robert Devaney •

It is back to the drawing board, once again, for developer EastBanc and its proposed condos at the Key Bridge Exxon property on Canal Road, known as Georgetown Hillside. A March 6 decision by the Old Georgetown Board asked the developed to redraw its conceptual plans.

With its 1055 Water condo project well on its way to completion, the developer returned to its condo plans for the gas station property, next to the “Exorcist” steps and the Car Barn. In April 2011, EastBanc’s plans called for a 35-unit building to raise to the height of Prospect Street properties above. At the time, EastBanc head Anthony Lanier later sidelined the project.

Designs for the M Street-Canal Road condos were also re-introduced at the March 3 meeting of the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E as well as the March 6 OGB meeting. Both community groups panned the condo plans for the condos, describing them as out of step with the architectural context of the neighborhood. Plans are also criticized by the neighbors who live up the hillside on the 3600 block of Prospect Street, NW.

According to EastBanc, plans call for 26 to 28 units, “averaging 2,500 square feet in size,” each with two parking spaces.

Gary Tischler •

That noise you’ve been hearing outside and coming from your television, iPad and phone screens—that’s not a Derecho. That’s Uncle Earl coming clean, and that’s the sound of D.C.’s 2014 Democratic primary exploding.

Uncle Earl would be D.C. businessman Jeffrey Thompson testifying in a D.C. federal court about the 2010 “shadow campaign” that he financed an effort that allegedly funneled more than $600,000 into then candidate for Mayor Vincent Gray’s campaign. Thompson alleged that Gray knew about the shadow campaign and that he had come to him for help, and that he, Thompson, agreed to help, but that he wanted the effort kept secret and wanted to be referred to in any references as “Uncle Earl.”

Since late last week, Thompson, the figure central to alleged off-the-books contributions (the shadow campaign) to Gray, but to the campaigns of District Council members, federal candidates for office and others, had been rumored to be in negotiation with federal attorneys for a plea bargain.

Today, that bargain was revealed: Thompson was charged with subverting campaign finance laws and plead guilty to one count each of conspiring to break federal and local campaign finance laws over six years, through illegal contributions and off-the-books spending of more than $2 million, according to the Washington Post.

Gray has said all along during the course of the investigation, in which several Gray campaign aides were indicted, charged or pled guilty, that he had not done anything — although he did apologize for his campaign’s activities. Thompson essentially alleged that Gray did indeed know and about the contributions to the shadow campaign and asked for them. Gray has not been charged with any crime. He has denied any wrongdoing in the 2010 campaign.

Gray called the allegations “lies” and in an interview with WRC’s Tom Sherwood said that “these are lies and falsehoods.”

Assistant U.S Attorney Michael Atkinson said, “Gray agreed to keep Mr. Thompson’s support secret.”

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Thompson could face at least six months in prison. The agreement was approved by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.

The guilty plea by Thompson and the allegations and information coming out will have a firestorm impact on the Democratic mayoral primary campaign with only a little more than two weeks left in the campaign. Gray has been leading in the polls, which were accompanied by serious trust issues expressed by voters about the 2010 campaign and Gray. The primary election day is April 1.

Robert Devaney •

Bank of Georgetown, founded in 2005, celebrated the life of its co-founder, Curtin Winsor III, who died in December 2012, as well as a new corporate headquarters at 1115 30th St., NW, March 5, at its 11th branch — the Winsor Branch. Friends and colleagues gathered to observe the ribbon cutting and wish the bank continued success, as its co-founder Mike Fitzgerald, chairman, president, and CEO, toasted his business partner, Curt Winsor, remembering the early days of the bank. Bank of Georgetown has 112 employees and assets in excess of $925 million — and offices in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. [gallery ids="101660,145037,145041,145045,145051,145060,145054,145058" nav="thumbs"]