 Recreational cannabis will become legal in Maryland on Saturday, July 1, but it will come with rules of use. County Executive Marc Elrich this week offers his thoughts on the new law and provides information residents should know. He also is encouraged by the next steps in increases in the County minimum wage, which also go into effect on July 1. The County Council this week continued its discussions on rent stabilization legislation, leading the County Executive to say he could support a proposed compromise bill.
 Montgomery County will host two free Independence Day fireworks displays this year, one on Saturday, July 1, and the other on Tuesday, July 4.
 The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4.
 The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Councilmember, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Evan Glass joined the ceremonies on June 29 as the County broke ground on a new 6th District Police Station at 222 Paramount Park Drive in Gaithersburg. Serving the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village communities, the new 6th District Police Station will replace an outdated facility with a new, sustainably designed energy-efficient building scheduled to open in spring 2025.
 As Independence Day weekend approaches, the Montgomery County Department of Police and the County’s Department of Transportation are warning motorists: Impaired driving is drunk driving. County Police and allied local and State police departments will be on the road with enhanced patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the weekend.
 Montgomery County Ride On bus riders and Metrobus riders on most Montgomery County routes will be able to request to be dropped off between stops when traveling late at night starting Sunday, July 2. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride On buses and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrobuses will begin offering the “Courtesy Stop” program to allow bus riders more options to get to their destination safely and easily when traveling after dark.
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services is launching a “Peer Review Program” for developers and property owners who want to retain the services of a DPS-certified peer reviewer for sediment control, stormwater management and right-of-way projects that require permits from the DPS land development division. Beginning Monday, July 3, DPS will accept applications from professionals who request to be certified as peer reviewers.
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 Montgomery Parks will help celebrate July as Park and Recreation Month with a wide variety of programs that will include Foodie Friday, Never Grow Up and Shakespeare.
 The nature centers of Montgomery Parks have a calendar loaded with special events of many interests in July. Among the highlights are a history of Boyds kayak tour, “Full Mon Fridays” and “Something Awesome.”
 The “Silver Spring Swings” long-running free summer concert series with groups that inspire the audience to get up and dance will feature Reverend Smackmaster and the Congregation of Funk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring.
 The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has teamed up with the iconic Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for this year’s TGIF Summer Concert Series, offering after-work celebrations on Friday evenings. The weekly series, which will start July 7, will feature bands ranging from Black Masala to Jah Works, live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers.
 From arts and music festivals to fireworks shows and athletic tournaments, Montgomery County is a destination for special events. The County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is committed to ensuring the permitting process for these events is easier than ever.
The late Frida Kahlo was one of the most influential Mexican painters of the 20th century. In her relatively short life (1907-1954), she left an impression that remains important seven decades later. To celebrate her birthday, which would have been July 6, Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., will present the “It’s Frida Kahlo’s Birthday: See More in Her Art” virtual workshop on 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6.
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Gaithersburg’s popular Summer Outdoor Concert Series has returned to the City Hall Concert Pavilion. Free, family-friendly concerts take place in June, July and August. The Thursday series will feature the pop covers and original songs of Karousel at 6:30 p.m. on July 13.
Department of Permitting Services Podcast Reminds Business Owners to Contact DPS Before Signing a Lease
The fourth episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services podcast, “Use and Occupancy Certificates,” features important information for business owners who may be considering buying or leasing a commercial space.
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 Montgomery County-operated garages, parking lots and street meters in Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring will begin charging for Saturday parking beginning on Saturday, July 8. The Saturday hours and rates will be the same as the existing weekday schedules. Sundays will remain free. Drivers will be able to purchase monthly parking passes valid for mornings, evenings and weekends.
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