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Linnea Kristiansson • March 26, 2015

After several hours of deliberations in the murder trial of a graduate student charged with stabbing his friend to death, the jury reached a verdict late Monday afternoon. Rahul Gupta was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Mark Waugh amid a love triangle that involved Gupta’s girlfriend.

Montgomery County Police were called to Gupta’s apartment in Silver Spring around 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13 for a report of ”unknown trouble.” Officers found Gupta ”covered in blood” and an ”unresponsive Waugh” with a number of stab and ”defensive-type” injuries. Gupta said he had walked in on his girlfriend cheating on him, according to the arrest report.

Gupta’s girlfriend Taylor Gould told police that she couldn’t remember anything after drinking shots of liquor at the apartment but was woken up by Gupta’s orders to call 911. The girlfriend has not been charged in the crime.

Gupta and Waugh became friends whilst attending Langley High School in McLean, Va. Waugh, 23, was a first-year law student at Georgetown University at the time of the incident. Gupta, on the other hand, was enrolled in a master’s biomedical engineering program at George Washington University.

Closing arguments in the two-week trial concluded Friday. Prosecutors assert that Gould had nothing to do with the killing of Mark Waugh.

Gould testified that she had no reason to hurt anyone but said she has no memory of what happened. Gupta began testifying on Thursday and was insistent he didn’t kill Waugh. However, he noted that he had limited memory of the incident because he tripped and hit his head during the attack.

He also said it was soon clear Waugh’s injuries were crucial and Gupta gave him chest compressions and yelled at Gould to call the police, Gupta testified. Under cross-examination from prosecutor Patrick Mays, though, Gupta offered no details about how Gould could have stabbed and slashed Waugh so many times.

The prosecutor pressed Gupta on why — after the police officers arrived — he would confess to a murder he didn’t commit. “In a sense, it was almost instinctual,” Gupta said emphasizing his desire to shield Gould.

Linnea Kristiansson •

This spring, the D.C. Department of Transportation will start testing methods of persuading delivery companies and businesses to hook up between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. for deliveries, The Washington Post reports. The circling delivery trucks, blamed for clogging Washington streets by double-parking, will be encouraged to make deliveries overnight, when the roads are relatively clear.

The program will provide financial incentives to businesses who adopt the practice, and then presumably use extra cash to pay higher wages to workers receiving shipments overnight or to upgrade off-street loading docks to allow unmanned deliveries.

The test program will start in Georgetown, downtown, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, NoMa and the business district known as the Golden Triangle. Laura Richards, a transportation planner for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) told the Washington Business Journal that more overnight deliveries will reduce traffic congestion, improve the flow of freight into and out of the city, and reduce truck emissions.

“People can look forward to fewer trucks on the road during peak hours,” Richards said. The biggest challenge will be to convince businesses to try something new, she continues.

DDOT estimates the annual cost of truck-related traffic congestion at $650 million with projections to get even worse. Between 2011 and 2040, truck volumes in the city are expected to grow by 70 percent for inbound traffic and an astounding 137 percent for outbound traffic.

Overnight deliveries would make businesses’ shipments more reliable and could allow some to reduce the inventory they keep on hand to cover for late or missed deliveries. The 3,5 year long program will be funded through a $150,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration and a $150,000 grant from DDOT, Richards said.

A similar project started in 2010 in New York City led to a successful off-hours delivery program. The test project is the District’s latest attempt to reduce traffic congestion from delivery trucks.

Caitlin Franz •

The local parents accused of leaving their two young children in a car while they attended a wine tasting on a January night have accepted a plea deal. Christophe Lucas, 41, and Jennie Chang, 45, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree cruelty to children in D.C. Superior Court on March 19. The couple admitted to leaving their children, who are both under the age of three, in the car while they attended a wine tasting at the Ris restaurant in January. Temperatures hovered in the low 30s that night. Prosecutors said the children were wearing coats but not hats or gloves. One child was also not wearing socks or shoes.

The plea deal allows for the charges to be dismissed in nine months if the couple maintains good behavior and attends a parenting class. Lucas and Chang have already completed the court-mandated parenting course.

The children, who were in the custody of Child Protective Services following the incident, have been released back into the custody of the parents.

Lucas and Chang were originally charged with two counts each of second-degree cruelty to children. These charges could have put the parents in jail for up to six months.

The couple did not make a statement in court. Their lawyer Danny Onorato did release a statement to WTOP. It is included in full below.

“Jennie Chang and Christophe Lucas are caring, dedicated parents who had an unfortunate lapse of judgment a month ago. Ms. Chang and Mr. Lucas were monitoring and watching their children from about 50 feet away, and the parents are adamant that the children were not in any danger. They realize that their actions were wrong and they are eager to place this matter behind them. They’re pleased that the matter is now resolved and they can focus on raising their children. As you know, this case will be dismissed in December.”

Robert Devaney •

The Georgetown Business Association met up March 18 at the newly arrived Orange Anchor restaurant at Washington Harbour on the Georgetown waterfront.

GBA President Charles Camp welcomed members and guests to the seafood eatery – which was opened by Reese Gardner – founder of Wooden Nickel Bar Company (Copperwood Tavern, Irish Whiskey Public House and Second State) and caters to landlubbers and boaters alike.

The purpose of the GBA, Camp stressed, is to promote and help Georgetown businesses succeed. The group heard a quick presentation of a local mobile app, Spotluck, headed by Cherian Thomas and Brad Sayler. The app will soon launch its Georgetown hub to help the community discover — and decide — where to eat locally. Also, GBA members now can join the City Tavern Club at a discount.

Robert Devaney •

The once legendary Watergate Hotel – part of the equally legendary Watergate complex on the Potomac River, next to Georgetown – marked a ceremonial topping off of the hotel’s grand ballroom during its $125-million renovation March 19.

“Once it was the grandest luxury hotel,” said Jacques Cohen, principal of Euro Capital Properties, which is developing and owns the Watergate Hotel. The group intends to bring back the hotel’s mystique — with luxe appointments as well as a 12th floor rooftop.

The grand ballroom, the “hotel’s crown jewel,” said Rakel Cohen, the director of design and development of Euro Capital Properties,” will be called the Moretti Ballroom after the hotel’s designer Luigi Moretti, the Italian architect who created the complex’s contemporary and ground-breaking style in 1961. The hotel opened in 1965.

The Watergate complex on 2600 Virginia Ave. NW gained worldwide fame because of a burglary there of the offices of the Democratic National Committee and the ensuing investigation that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.

The Cohens were joined by Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans and Foggy Bottom advisory neighborhood commissioner William Kennedy Smith, M.D., costume designer Janie Bryant and hotel managing director Johnny So. Then, the headliners planted small Saliva seedlings in a potting table to indicate the rebirth of the hotel, which has been closed for seven years.

The Watergate Hotel will re-open summer 2015 with retro styling and luxuries that will include 340 guest rooms, whisky bar, fine dining and casual restaurants, grand ballroom, rooftop lounge, fitness center and spa.

Georgetowner • March 23, 2015

Meet the Artists Reception

March 20th, 2015 at 05:00 PM | Free | pdubroof@iona.org | Tel: 202- 895-9407 | Event Website

Join us in celebrating our Artist in Residence Helga Thomson (print maker) and Special Guest Artist Norma Schwartz (sculptor) and their vibrant works on display at the Gallery. Featuring live music and delicious refreshments. You will have the opportunity to chat with the artists and enjoy their poignant works on display.

Address

The Gallery at Iona; 4125 Albemarle Street NW

Thos. Moser Grand Opening

March 21st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | dcshowroom@thosmoser.com | Tel: 202-793-2606 | Event Website

Come by & receive a copy of our new commemorative catalog. Tom will be in the showroom to sign it between 10am-2pm. Master craftsman Warren Shaw will be demonstrating how our iconic Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chair is made. We also invite you to enter to win a spot in our Customer-in-Residence program. With the guidance of a master craftsman, the winner will spend a week in our Maine workshop making a Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chair while staying at a historic Inn.

Event from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Address

Thos. Moser Washington, DC Showroom; 1028 33rd Street, NW

Exhibition Opening: Scaling Washington: Photographs by Colin Winterbottom

March 21st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Tel: 202-272-2448 | Event Website](http://www.nbm.org/exhibitions-collections/exhibitions/scaling-washington.html)

Opens March 21, runs through January 3, 2016.
This exhibition features breathtaking, one-of-a-kind imagery captured from the dizzying scaffolds at the Washington Monument and the Washington National Cathedral. The architectural sensibility of fine art photographer Colin Winterbottom transformed the recent, earthquake-driven repairs at both landmarks into an opportunity to redefine how we perceive and understand these two fragile and enduring national symbols.?

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW

The 6th Annual Move Me Festival

March 21st, 2015 at 01:00 PM | free | jessica@bmdc.org | Tel: 703-910-5175 | [Event Website](http://www.bmdc.org/outreach/move-me-festival)

The Move Me Festival, hosted by Bowen McCauley Dance, is a FREE, family-friendly celebration of the arts and culture, promoting healthy lifestyles through movement and the arts. The event features twenty performances on two stages and fifteen interactive activity sessions by local arts partners, including offerings in dance fitness, acapella, physical theater, storytelling, arts and crafts, theatre games, and world dance styles, as well as two food trucks.

Address

Kenmore Middle School; 200 South Carlin Springs Road; Arlington VA, 22204

Cupcakes of Georgetown-Cherry Blossom

March 21st, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $25 | education@dumbartonhouse.org | Tel: 2023372288 | [Event Website](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cupcakes-of-georgetown-walking-tours-tickets-15929706180)

Join us for a delightful walking tour of Georgetown- with history and cupcakes! The tour will begin at Dumbarton House and make stops at Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, and Georgetown Cupcake to pick up pre-ordered cupcakes (we skip the long lines!) Enjoy your treats as you learn about the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Ticket price includes 3 cupcakes per registrant, one from each shop. This month we will celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival by tasting each bakery’s Cherry blossom treat.

Address

2715 Q Street, NW

Illusions of Georgetown’s Grand Opening

March 21st, 2015 at 04:00 PM | Event Website](http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/b08b760ecbc101bafb71/view)

Illusions of Shirlington wants to invite everyone to the Grand Opening of Illusions of Georgetown! Saturday.March 21st 2015!
Click the link for more details & to RSVP!

Address

1629 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Passport to Europe

March 21st, 2015 at 04:30 PM | $20-$30 | info@blacknightevents.com | Tel: (202) 681-9560 | Event Website](http://blacknightevents.electrostub.com/event.cfm?id=143726&cart)

Taking you to Europe at this event you will find yourself immersed into Fashion, Music, Culture and Art of Europe. Come into refresh your senses with a “PASSPORT TO EUROPE” at The Manor on March 21st, 2015

The Show:

MC: Miss DE World 2015 Taylor DeMario

6:30pm VIP Reception: The Passport Toast.

Mix & Mingle w/designers & artist.

Exclusive Art Exhibit by Amelia ST

7:30pm General

Performance: Zahra & Jason Barnes

Fashion Presentation

Live Visuals by Masrae snd+vsn

Music: Dj Cesar Sanchez

Address

The Manor DC; 1327 Connecticut Ave NW

Sanctuary Music by Candlelight

March 21st, 2015 at 08:00 PM | $35-$30 | office@dumbartonconcerts.org | Tel: 202-965-2000 | Event Website](http://www.dumbartonconcerts.org/)

The hushed, candlelit beauty of Dumbarton United Methodist Church’s sanctuary is the perfect setting to discover the other-worldly beauty of The Tiffany Consort. This five-voice ensemble, with cello, sings sacred works of J.S. Bach, Allegri, Tallis, and the world premiere of a new work by conductor and composer Nicholas White. Allegri’s “Miserere mei” will soar through the sanctuary. Join us for this evening of magnificent choral music.

Address

Dumbarton Concerts; 3133 Dumbarton St. NW

Opera on Tap DC Metro

March 22nd, 2015 at 04:00 PM | $5 | kristina@operaontap.org | Tel: 8434377251 | [Event Website](http://www.operaontap.org/dcmetro/)

Opera on Tap DC Metro returns to The Pinch for an afternoon of opera and musical theatre. Join us for a pint or two and yummy eats (Pretzel Crusted Fried Pickles anyone?…) and revel with some of DC’s most exciting opera singers!

Sunday, March 22nd from 4-6pm (doors open at 3:30pm)

$5 cash cover charge at door

Artists: David E. Chavez, Wesley Gentle, Annie Gill, Becky Henry, Melissa Mino, Kristina Riegle, Carla Rountree, Molly Pinson Simoneau, Gregory Stuart, and Dane Suarez
Address

The Pinch – 3548 14th St. NW, Washington DC 20010

Murder Mystery at 868 Estate

March 22nd, 2015 at 06:30 PM | $65 | Tel: 540-668-7008 | [Event Website](http://868estatevineyards.com/)

Disco is “King” once more in this interactive, leisure suit murder mystery in the Tasting Room at 868 Estate Vineyards. Sleuth out the answers and enjoy a delicious dinner served at intermission. Theater performance provided by Stage Coach Theater Company.

Address

14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, Va.

Empty Bowls

March 24th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | $25 | rpotts-dupre@some.or | Tel: 202.797.8806, ext. 1131 | [Event Website](http://some.org/empty-bowls/)

Guests select and take home a beautiful handmade bowl crafted by local artists, and enjoy a supper of soup, bread and dessert donated by local restaurants. The proceeds from the event help SOME continue to provide more than 1,000 meals each day to hungry and homeless District residents. Our partner, The Corcoran School of Art, enlists faculty, students and alumni to produce 500 of the 1,000 bowls needed for the events.

Address

March 25th: The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament; 3630 Quesada Street, NW

March 25th: St. Ann Roman Catholic Church; 5300 North 10th Street; Arlington, VA

The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense

March 24th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | megan.mcnitt@dc.gov | Tel: (202) 727-0232

Susan Lowell will teach participants new strategies for dealing with difficult conversations.

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library; 3260 R St., NW

Robert Devaney • March 19, 2015

“Selling was an emotional decision,” said George Neam of his family’s choice to let go of its building and property at Wisconsin Avenue and P Street, where Neams Market — beginning in 1909 — served Georgetown and became a local market legend. “It seemed like the right time.”

Sivan Properties, Inc., purchased the property last month, as first reported by Carol Joynt. A deal with Roadside Development, reported by the Georgetowner in November, did not work out, Neam said.

At first, “we did not want to sell but wanted to lease,” Neam told the Georgetowner, but the family’s elders ultimately made the call.

Neams Market grew upscale as Georgetown grew upscale in the 1960s and beyond, Neam recalled. It is one of the first places to offer Beluga caviar and the first place in D.C. — among its many premieres, as it were — to sell Haagen-Dazs ice cream when it made its debut. It is the one market — and there were many in town — that ranks high on the nostalgia index and stirs positive memories of Georgetown.

“We could have put together a great retail environment there,” Neam said. “But it would not have lived up to what was there. You can’t go home again.”

Around 1990, the Neam family let Capital Restaurant Concepts run the market until 2000. Then, the place was occupied by Marvelous Market, which closed in April 2014.

The new owner of the property — Sivan Properties of Port Washington, N.Y. (Long Island) — is looking to expand into D.C. It already owns a restaurant and a condo complex on 14th Street NW as well as the Comfort One shoe store at 1329 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

“I am hopeful that the new owners will take the history of the location to heart and put something in that will please the residents, however that will be their choice,” Neam told Joynt last week.

Georgetowner •

Executive Director Martin Wollesen came to the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Sept. 2013 from the University of California, San Diego. From 8 to 9:3 a.m. at the March 12 Cultural Leadership Breakfast, he will share his plans and goals for The Clarice: the six-venue centerpiece of the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Humanities in College Park.

$15 for George Town Club members

$20 for non-members

To RSVP email richard@georgetowner.com or call 202 338 4833