Two men wearing masks and gloves entered an upscale yoga clothing store in downtown Bethesda after closing hours this weekend, killed a worker and sexually assaulted another, officials said Saturday. Detectives think the attack began as a robbery about 10 p.m. Friday along the high-end Bethesda Row shopping district.
The assault victim, who is expected to survive, was found bound in the back of the store Saturday morning. She was hospitalized and has been talking with detectives.
Police declined to say how the homicide victim, identified as 30-year-old Jayna T. Murray, of Arlington, was killed. But law enforcement sources confirmed a horrific, bloody scene inside Lululemon Athletica, part of a chain of stores that began popping up across the country a few years ago. The stores sell yoga and sports clothing and are designed to give shoppers a sense of calm. Violent crime is exceedingly rare in Bethesda’s central business district; law enforcement and government officials couldn’t recall a recent homicide.
“We’re all stunned. No one can remember another murder in the last 20 years,” said Ken Hartman, director of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, a government office for the area.
The Bethesda store sits between the Papery, a stationery store, and an Apple retail store that has been buzzing this weekend with its hot new product, the iPad 2. It was unclear how long the assailants were inside the store.
The two victims had closed the store at 9 p.m. Friday and left a short time later, police said. One of them realized that she had left something behind and didn’t have the means to get back inside, police said. She called her co-worker, who met her at the store and let her inside, leaving the door unlocked.
Detectives think that the men — dressed all in black with faces and hands covered — entered a short time later, police said. Because the intruders were covered, police have come up with only limited descriptions, with one being 6 feet tall and the other a little over 5-foot-3, police said.
On Saturday morning, a female worker arrived to open the store, according to a police spokesman. She heard a faint noise in the back of the store, retreated and called a man who was outside to come into the store, police said. This man went farther into the store and saw what he thought were two bodies in the back of the store. Police were called.
“Detectives do believe this started out to be a robbery,” said Capt. Paul Starks, a Montgomery County police spokesman. SOURCE: Washington Post
March 12, 2011
Bethesda Spring
Forgive me, Mark, for only posting this now, though my blog has been behind for a while. But oh do I Iove flowers and dear friends who share them!
March 11, 2011
Maryland House kills same-sex marriage bill for this year
The Maryland House of Delegates has voted to effectively kill for this year a bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage in the state. The House approved on voice vote a motion to send the bill back to the Judiciary Committee, an acknowledgment by supporters that it did not have sufficient votes to pass on the floor.
The bill cleared the Senate two weeks ago on a 25-to-21 vote, and Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) had pledged to sign it.
Advocates for the bill had hoped Maryland would join five other states and the District in allowing same-sex marriages. The bill had significant momentum coming out of the Senate but ran into resistance in the Democratic-led House from African-American lawmakers from Prince George's County, who cited religious opposition in their districts, and conservative Democrats in Southern Maryland and the Baltimore suburbs.
O'Malley said he's "disappointed" by the decision. He said he expected the issue to ultimately be decided by voters and had hoped it would move forward to that end Friday. SOURCE: Washington Post
The bill cleared the Senate two weeks ago on a 25-to-21 vote, and Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) had pledged to sign it.
Advocates for the bill had hoped Maryland would join five other states and the District in allowing same-sex marriages. The bill had significant momentum coming out of the Senate but ran into resistance in the Democratic-led House from African-American lawmakers from Prince George's County, who cited religious opposition in their districts, and conservative Democrats in Southern Maryland and the Baltimore suburbs.
O'Malley said he's "disappointed" by the decision. He said he expected the issue to ultimately be decided by voters and had hoped it would move forward to that end Friday. SOURCE: Washington Post
Facing $300M shortfall, schools & county continue to fight
Less than a year after pledging to improve communication, Montgomery County's Board of Education and its funding authority, the County Council, are fighting again over education spending. Last week, the school board asked the state to step in to protect its $2.1 billion budget. And on Thursday, Council President Valerie Ervin (D-Dist. 5) of Silver Spring sent the board a letter asking it to withdraw the state petition and concede that the council has the authority to cut education spending.
"The council will vigorously defend its authority and responsibility under the Charter to balance the county operating budget equitably between the public schools and other vital services," Ervin said in the letter to Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay (Dist. 4) of Takoma Park.
Last year, the school board threatened to sue the county over possible cuts to its budget, using the same legal argument it cited in its March 2 memo to the state Board of Education.
In that memo, attorneys for the county school board requested that the state board advise the County Council that it cannot fund the school system below a state-imposed standard — the maintenance of effort. The county board also requests that the state board force the council to approve the level of school funding included in County Executive Isiah Leggett's (D) budget, which he will release Tuesday.
Leggett has said the county cannot afford to fund the school system at maintenance-of-effort levels in his proposed fiscal 2012 budget. Montgomery County is facing a $300 million budget shortfall. Maintenance of effort requires counties to fund their public schools at the same per-pupil level as the previous year, in order to receive increases in state aid for those schools.
"It's not helpful when one agency in effect sues another," said Councilman Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg, comparing the school board's recent petition to last year's lawsuit. SOURCE: Gazette
"The council will vigorously defend its authority and responsibility under the Charter to balance the county operating budget equitably between the public schools and other vital services," Ervin said in the letter to Board of Education President Christopher S. Barclay (Dist. 4) of Takoma Park.
Last year, the school board threatened to sue the county over possible cuts to its budget, using the same legal argument it cited in its March 2 memo to the state Board of Education.
In that memo, attorneys for the county school board requested that the state board advise the County Council that it cannot fund the school system below a state-imposed standard — the maintenance of effort. The county board also requests that the state board force the council to approve the level of school funding included in County Executive Isiah Leggett's (D) budget, which he will release Tuesday.
Leggett has said the county cannot afford to fund the school system at maintenance-of-effort levels in his proposed fiscal 2012 budget. Montgomery County is facing a $300 million budget shortfall. Maintenance of effort requires counties to fund their public schools at the same per-pupil level as the previous year, in order to receive increases in state aid for those schools.
"It's not helpful when one agency in effect sues another," said Councilman Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg, comparing the school board's recent petition to last year's lawsuit. SOURCE: Gazette
Weaton Couple given 45 years in murder
Their plan was as twisted as it was tragic: I'll invite my ex-boyfriend over for sex; you jump out from behind a tree with an ice pick. The killing - delivered with five blows to the back, eight to the chest - led a Montgomery County judge on Thursday to sentence a husband and wife each to 45 years in prison.
"Let me ask you a question, if I can," Judge Joseph Dugan said to the husband, Moises Rodriguez, probing for some kind of explanation. "How did you get past the fact that you were going to take the life of a good, hardworking man that had a little girl that needed a daddy? When you were hiding behind that tree, about to do what you did, did you not think of any of that stuff?"
Rodriguez, who turns 21 Friday, told the judge he was manipulated by his wife, 23, and that he wanted only to hurt the ex-boyfriend, not kill him. If so, Dugan asked, why not stop after the first strike? "You could have gone, 'My God, I just put an ice pick in this guy,' " the judge said. SOURCE: Washington Post
"Let me ask you a question, if I can," Judge Joseph Dugan said to the husband, Moises Rodriguez, probing for some kind of explanation. "How did you get past the fact that you were going to take the life of a good, hardworking man that had a little girl that needed a daddy? When you were hiding behind that tree, about to do what you did, did you not think of any of that stuff?"
Rodriguez, who turns 21 Friday, told the judge he was manipulated by his wife, 23, and that he wanted only to hurt the ex-boyfriend, not kill him. If so, Dugan asked, why not stop after the first strike? "You could have gone, 'My God, I just put an ice pick in this guy,' " the judge said. SOURCE: Washington Post
Leggett spends $160k for longtime political ally
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett's office is spending nearly $160,000 annually on salary and benefits for a longtime political ally and former County Council member to head a commission that meets four times a year.
Budget documents reviewed by The Washington Examiner show that the county is doling out $158,464 in compensation to Michael Subin, executive director of the county's Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission, which is tasked with "coordinating communication" among Montgomery's law enforcement agencies. Subin sat on the County Council with Leggett 25 years ago and has remained a steadfast supporter of the suburb's top elected official since leaving the body after two decades.
Leggett has rejected calls to eliminate the position even though the panel is not required to issue a single report in a given year and although the post formerly was filled by county workers with other responsibilities -- and the county faces a gaping hole in next fiscal year's budget.
"The additional loss of another position would further compromise my staff's ability to fulfill the mission of the county executive's office," Leggett wrote in a memo. "The executive director position must be a high-level, appointed position, directly representing the county executive." SOURCE: Washington Examiner
Budget documents reviewed by The Washington Examiner show that the county is doling out $158,464 in compensation to Michael Subin, executive director of the county's Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission, which is tasked with "coordinating communication" among Montgomery's law enforcement agencies. Subin sat on the County Council with Leggett 25 years ago and has remained a steadfast supporter of the suburb's top elected official since leaving the body after two decades.
Leggett has rejected calls to eliminate the position even though the panel is not required to issue a single report in a given year and although the post formerly was filled by county workers with other responsibilities -- and the county faces a gaping hole in next fiscal year's budget.
"The additional loss of another position would further compromise my staff's ability to fulfill the mission of the county executive's office," Leggett wrote in a memo. "The executive director position must be a high-level, appointed position, directly representing the county executive." SOURCE: Washington Examiner
March 6, 2011
Vote delayed on panhandling
Montgomery County's delegation in Annapolis delayed a vote today on legislation that would allow the county to require panhandlers and others to have a permit to solicit money at intersections. The delegation is expected to vote on the bill March 11.
At issue is whether the delegation will include an amendment allowing the council to implement either the permitting system or an outright ban on roadside solicitation. The County Council favors a ban, while County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) is seeking a permitting system for beggars and those who sell items or raise money for charity through roadside solicitation. Both have said the practice is unsafe.
Del. C. William Frick (D-Dist. 16) of Bethesda proposed the delay, known as "special ordering" the bill, saying that he wanted to wait for Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Dist. 14) of Burtonsville before taking a vote. SOURCE: Gazette
At issue is whether the delegation will include an amendment allowing the council to implement either the permitting system or an outright ban on roadside solicitation. The County Council favors a ban, while County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) is seeking a permitting system for beggars and those who sell items or raise money for charity through roadside solicitation. Both have said the practice is unsafe.
Del. C. William Frick (D-Dist. 16) of Bethesda proposed the delay, known as "special ordering" the bill, saying that he wanted to wait for Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Dist. 14) of Burtonsville before taking a vote. SOURCE: Gazette
February 24, 2011
'Jeopardy!' FAIL: What Is Pussy Furry? (VIDEO)
This is just funny.
The answer was "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of ____ _____," and the correct response, "Kitty Galore." But that's not what one contestant came up with at the last minute. We don't know what "Pussy Furry" is, but we are definitely glad it isn't a children's movie. (Via BWE)
The answer was "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of ____ _____," and the correct response, "Kitty Galore." But that's not what one contestant came up with at the last minute. We don't know what "Pussy Furry" is, but we are definitely glad it isn't a children's movie. (Via BWE)
February 23, 2011
Registration for Chevy Chase Lake Community Design Workshop
The Chevy Chase Lake Sector Plan Community Design Workshop will be held at the Chevy Chase Library on March 12, 2011. The Workshop consists of six one-hour sessions starting between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Each session will accommodate a limited number of participants and pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Chevy Chase Lake Sector Plan website at http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/chevychaselake/
February 11, 2011
Montgomery County executive wants panhandling regulated
Rickey Garnes had been asking for spare change along Shady Grove Road for a little more than a year when he decided to try something different to encourage drivers to open their wallets. Garnes, 55, strapped a trash bag to his chest and a bright yellow vest that reads, "Curb Patrol." Garnes, who is homeless, allows drivers to hand him their trash — or throw their empty cups and food wrappers into his bag.
"Sometimes they have cash. Sometimes they have trash. Sometimes it's both," he said. "But if I have to be out here, I might as well be doing something constructive."
Garnes also cleans up trash near the median where he stands almost daily — at the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Md. 355 near the Rockville-Gaithersburg border. Now, Garnes says he is worried a proposal by County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) could harm what he considers his business or lead to a requirement that the money he collects be taxed. Montgomery County panhandlers such as Garnes would have to apply for permits to ask drivers for spare change under legislation Leggett is requesting from state lawmakers.
Leggett said panhandlers often stand in the median strip of county roads — which is allowed under county law — but that many approach drivers by walking into the street, which is not. In the county, panhandling is legal, but aggressive panhandling is not. Aggressive panhandling involves using verbal or physical threats when seeking donations. SOURCE: Gazette
"Sometimes they have cash. Sometimes they have trash. Sometimes it's both," he said. "But if I have to be out here, I might as well be doing something constructive."
Garnes also cleans up trash near the median where he stands almost daily — at the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Md. 355 near the Rockville-Gaithersburg border. Now, Garnes says he is worried a proposal by County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) could harm what he considers his business or lead to a requirement that the money he collects be taxed. Montgomery County panhandlers such as Garnes would have to apply for permits to ask drivers for spare change under legislation Leggett is requesting from state lawmakers.
Leggett said panhandlers often stand in the median strip of county roads — which is allowed under county law — but that many approach drivers by walking into the street, which is not. In the county, panhandling is legal, but aggressive panhandling is not. Aggressive panhandling involves using verbal or physical threats when seeking donations. SOURCE: Gazette
February 8, 2011
January 20, 2011
Md. commission chooses Germantown for new hospital
A Maryland commission Thursday approved a proposal to construct a new hospital in Germantown over a competing plan in Clarksburg. The Maryland Health Care Commission favored Holy Cross Hospital’s plan to build a 93-bed general care hospital on the Germantown campus of Montgomery College, denying Adventist HealthCare’s bid to place an 86-bed hospital near I-270 in Clarksburg.
In essence, commissioners preferred to build a new hospital in an established community rather than years in advance of expected population growth in a more rural pocket of northern Montgomery County. Marilyn Moon, the commission's chairwoman, said the Holy Cross hospital “will improve access for the greatest number of people and deliver those services at a reasonable cost.”
But Bill Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, called the construction of a satellite hospital for Holy Cross’s existing Silver Spring site an “unnecessary duplication of existing services.” Women’s rights groups also blasted the selection of the Catholic organization, saying it would limit the reproductive options for area residents. SOURCE: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/01/md-commission-chooses-germantown-new-hospital#ixzz1BbhfyQvH
In essence, commissioners preferred to build a new hospital in an established community rather than years in advance of expected population growth in a more rural pocket of northern Montgomery County. Marilyn Moon, the commission's chairwoman, said the Holy Cross hospital “will improve access for the greatest number of people and deliver those services at a reasonable cost.”
But Bill Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, called the construction of a satellite hospital for Holy Cross’s existing Silver Spring site an “unnecessary duplication of existing services.” Women’s rights groups also blasted the selection of the Catholic organization, saying it would limit the reproductive options for area residents. SOURCE: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/01/md-commission-chooses-germantown-new-hospital#ixzz1BbhfyQvH
January 1, 2011
Montgomery County special education teacher charged with drug possession
A Montgomery County elementary school teacher was charged with possession of heroin after a traffic stop this week in Silver Spring, county officials said Thursday. Rebecca L. Amick, 25, who teaches special education at Woodlin Elementary School, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, said Lesli Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Montgomery public schools. Amick has been released from custody, according to court records. Amick could not be reached for comment. It is unclear whether she has retained a lawyer.
According to police accounts, Amick was one of three people in a 2002 Mercury Marquis traveling north on Georgia Avenue on Tuesday evening. A member of the Montgomery Police Community Action Team paced the Marquis going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone and pulled it over, said Lucille Baur, a police spokeswoman. The occupants gave the officer permission to search the car and to search them, Baur said. Amick had been sitting in a rear seat. Police found nine small plastic bags on her person, Baur said. Police said that an officer on the scene trained to recognize specific drugs determined their contents to be heroin but that the substance has yet to be tested in a forensics lab. SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123004479.html>Washington Post
According to police accounts, Amick was one of three people in a 2002 Mercury Marquis traveling north on Georgia Avenue on Tuesday evening. A member of the Montgomery Police Community Action Team paced the Marquis going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone and pulled it over, said Lucille Baur, a police spokeswoman. The occupants gave the officer permission to search the car and to search them, Baur said. Amick had been sitting in a rear seat. Police found nine small plastic bags on her person, Baur said. Police said that an officer on the scene trained to recognize specific drugs determined their contents to be heroin but that the substance has yet to be tested in a forensics lab. SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123004479.html>Washington Post
Suburban Hospital on lockdown following stabbing/death
Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where I am being treated for Stage-4 cancer is now on lockdown! I have heard that a person was stabbed and died. My guess is that the stabbing came from a person who was brought into the hospital late morning for trauma injuries, though that is just a hunch. Vovak is in the hospital for cancer treatment, which has been quite serious. Stay tuned for more Montgomery County news! Also, all my visitors were sent away and later crew did a walk-through to make sure minimal people were in the hospital. . . . . Maybe I can finally get some sleep, since there will be less interruptions! On the other hand, I will be devastated if I know the stabbing victim, since many float from floor to floor and I have developed some deep friendships in the past 2-1/2 weeks! The stabbing was not on my floor, though.
December 29, 2010
Daniel Vovak's public statement on his Stage IV cancer
UPDATED: December 29, 2010; December 26, 2010
Dear friends, Republicans, and Marylanders:
For the last two weeks, I have had the rare privilege to be overwhelmingly loved by family and friends and to receive perfect care from the staff at Johns Hopkins/Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Shortly before Thanksgiving and through the weekend of the Maryland Republican Convention earlier this month, I experienced increased abdominal pain. I have since learned that I have an aggressive, but yet-to-be-specifically-diagnosed, Stage IV cancer.
Thankfully, my family and Alison have remained at my side, even as my dog, Newton, anxiously awaits my return. I anticipate not returning home for at least a month, though still before the 450 daffodils I planted (just three weeks ago) bloom in the spring. In the meanwhile, I ask that you pray for me and be more open with your loved ones, since I have learned there is no advantage to delaying kind words.
At this time (to preserve my strength), I request no phone calls, flowers, or visitors. Correspondence should be directed to Daniel Vovak through email at DanielVovak@gmail.com or to Daniel Vovak, Suburban Hospital. 8600 Old Georgetown Road. Room 3104. Bethesda, Maryland 20814. I will respond to correspondence when I am able, or as there are developments. May God bless us all!
Daniel Vovak, 38, is a ghostwriter, producer of The Blue Dress (a comedy about Bill & Monica), and an elected, at-large member of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee. He is also the editor of Montgomery County Daily, a blog about Montgomery County, Maryland.
December 20, 2010
Conservative Action Network Forms in Maryland
Potomac, MD -- December 14, 2010 Frustrated with last November’s election results in Maryland, three grassroots activists have formed the Maryland Conservative Action Network (MD CAN) to help restore political competition to the public square. MD CAN will hold its inaugural conference on Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis.
According to the organizers, their goal is to network individuals and groups across Maryland who represent conservative points of view, such as fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, Constitutionalists, people concerned about immigration control and national security issues.
“To our knowledge, nothing like this has been done before in Maryland,” said Ann Corcoran, A Washington County blogger (Potomac Tea Party Report) and one of the organizers. “We expect like-minded activists to share ideas and talents, forge alliances, sound the call for action, and give rise to conservative voices so that political competition can thrive in Maryland.”
“We’ll be talking about 2010 campaign lessons, precinct organization, voter fraud, media outreach, running for office as a citizen legislator, and federal pressures bearing down on the state of Maryland,” said Tonya Tiffany, Howard County resident and MD CAN Organizer. “We’re not forming another political ‘group’. We’re simply trying to network people.”
Confirmed speakers and discussion leaders at the January 8 conference include: former gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy, former Congressional candidates Charles Lollar and Robert Broadus, Representative-elect Dr. Andy Harris, Delegate Ron George, Delegate-elect Kathy Afzali, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Marta Mossburg (journalist and MD Public Policy Institute Senior Fellow), Anita MonCrief (American Majority and Emerging Corruption), Claver Kamau-Imani (Raging Elephants), and precinct organizer Mark Jascewsky.
More information is available on the MD CAN website: http://mdcan.wordpress.com/, or by contacting Cathy Trauernicht at 301.717.0197, or Tonya Tiffany at marylandcan@yahoo.com
According to the organizers, their goal is to network individuals and groups across Maryland who represent conservative points of view, such as fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, Constitutionalists, people concerned about immigration control and national security issues.
“To our knowledge, nothing like this has been done before in Maryland,” said Ann Corcoran, A Washington County blogger (Potomac Tea Party Report) and one of the organizers. “We expect like-minded activists to share ideas and talents, forge alliances, sound the call for action, and give rise to conservative voices so that political competition can thrive in Maryland.”
“We’ll be talking about 2010 campaign lessons, precinct organization, voter fraud, media outreach, running for office as a citizen legislator, and federal pressures bearing down on the state of Maryland,” said Tonya Tiffany, Howard County resident and MD CAN Organizer. “We’re not forming another political ‘group’. We’re simply trying to network people.”
Confirmed speakers and discussion leaders at the January 8 conference include: former gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy, former Congressional candidates Charles Lollar and Robert Broadus, Representative-elect Dr. Andy Harris, Delegate Ron George, Delegate-elect Kathy Afzali, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Marta Mossburg (journalist and MD Public Policy Institute Senior Fellow), Anita MonCrief (American Majority and Emerging Corruption), Claver Kamau-Imani (Raging Elephants), and precinct organizer Mark Jascewsky.
More information is available on the MD CAN website: http://mdcan.wordpress.com/, or by contacting Cathy Trauernicht at 301.717.0197, or Tonya Tiffany at marylandcan@yahoo.com
December 13, 2010
Catholics stage anti-abortion protest outside Germantown clinic
About 600 people gathered Saturday in an anti-abortion protest organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington outside an office complex in Germantown, where physician LeRoy Carhart was to have started offering late-term abortions last week.
"Our goal is to get Catholics aware of the situation with the state laws in Maryland," said Christa Lopiccolo, executive director of the department of life issues for the archdiocese.
"Maryland is becoming a safe haven" for abortion doctors because of "the laxity of the law," Lopiccolo said, adding that Carhart came to Maryland from Nebraska.
The protesters gathered for Mass at 8 a.m. at Mother Seton Parish, filling the pews and standing in the aisles of the church, which is about a half-mile from the abortion clinic.
"We are called now to march, to pray full of love, not full of violence," said Father Carlos Benitez, pastor at Mother Seton.
The predominantly Catholic group, including several priests, parents and children bundled in hats and jackets, and a few people carrying anti-abortion signs, walked to the perimeter of the office complex where the clinic is located, softly chanting prayers and singing hymns. WASHINGTON POST
"Our goal is to get Catholics aware of the situation with the state laws in Maryland," said Christa Lopiccolo, executive director of the department of life issues for the archdiocese.
"Maryland is becoming a safe haven" for abortion doctors because of "the laxity of the law," Lopiccolo said, adding that Carhart came to Maryland from Nebraska.
The protesters gathered for Mass at 8 a.m. at Mother Seton Parish, filling the pews and standing in the aisles of the church, which is about a half-mile from the abortion clinic.
"We are called now to march, to pray full of love, not full of violence," said Father Carlos Benitez, pastor at Mother Seton.
The predominantly Catholic group, including several priests, parents and children bundled in hats and jackets, and a few people carrying anti-abortion signs, walked to the perimeter of the office complex where the clinic is located, softly chanting prayers and singing hymns. WASHINGTON POST
Washington, DC Weather Video Forecast
Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 9 am EST Monday morning...
Monday Morning Snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent.
Monday Afternoon Mostly cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy and brisk. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tuesday Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Wednesday Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Monday Morning Snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent.
Monday Afternoon Mostly cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy and brisk. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tuesday Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Wednesday Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Montgomery Co. to consider cutting school officers
WASHINGTON - Members of the Montgomery County Council Monday will consider removing police officers from schools as lawmakers scramble to save money in the middle of the fiscal year.
Council members hope to cut as much as $36 million from the current year's budget, and a council committee will look at removing the school system's nine police officers assigned to monitor middle and high schools.
The cuts could save $518,000, but present a touch choice. Just last Friday, an officer assigned to Walt Whitman High School arrested two students after it was reported one brought a stun gun to school.
Other officers have been credited with developing good relationships with students, who let them know when something may be wrong.
County Executive Isiah Leggett also proposed cutting nearly $2 million from the county's health and human services budget. That could affect an energy assistance program which helps low-income residents pay their energy bills. SOURCE: WTOP
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