Recent Prince George's County News (28 Feb 2010)

• rt @collinsbailey (Cand. for Congress, Dist. 5) I am having a meet and greet in LaPlata Tuesday. Call me if you are interested. 301-274-4116
• rt @ABC7News O'Malley Iraq Trip Criticized : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm 
• rt @ABC7News P.G. School Board Approves Cuts : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw711228 

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Six

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Six
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 27 Feb 2010

... Baker’s acceptance of $206,000 in contributions from the “County 1 Now” slate triggered significant coverage from the Post and the Gazette as well as this investigative series. ... As of this writing, the County 1 Now slate has only one member: Rushern Baker. ... State law says that slates must be formed by more than one candidate. After all, if single candidates could form slates, they could easily get around contribution limits. ... At the time that the County 1 Now slate transferred $206,000 to Baker, it was not in compliance with state law. The State Board of Elections has a responsibility to compel Baker to return that payment. ... additional money from a one-person slate amounts to a deliberate strategy to circumvent the state’s campaign finance rules. ... [More]

Recent Prince George's County News (26 & 27 Feb 2010)

• MDPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part 5 http://bit.ly/c4YUNg (1/4 of Baker’s campaign funds have come from Hillman-related entities) Gazette: Suitland Manor project advances; Only one bidder known for multimillion-dollar redevelopment project http://bit.ly/alIx5n
• Gazette: WSSC commissioners in stalemate over rates http://bit.ly/cfGiik 
• Gazette: GOP proposals hit metro areas hard http://bit.ly/cx2OaN GOP leader: areas hit hardest "receive most of the state's money," 
• Gazette: Democrats fear voter ire over AG's gay-marriage opinion http://bit.ly/9zM1YZ Mentions Del. Ben Barnes, D-21, gay marriage supporter 
• Gazette: Potato chip deliveryman shot in leg outside pharmacy; Driver recovering after assault in District Heights http://bit.ly/a7GJ0F 
• rt @postcrime Police sources suspect boy attacked teacher in juvenile facility, moved body http://bit.ly/90UnNe 

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Five

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Five
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 26 Feb 2010

Powerful people usually have powerful enemies. Southern Management Corporation (SMC) boss David Hillman and Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson proved that axiom true with a bitter feud that eventually benefited Rushern Baker in a VERY big way.
* * *
Our calculation of the total in loans and contributions made by entities associated with David Hillman to Rushern Baker over the last ten years is $751,756. And ... our total is likely understated. ... We calculate that one-quarter of all of Baker’s campaign funds over the last decade have come from entities connected to Hillman. That share would be close to a third if Baker’s secret slate account transfer also came from Hillman.

It is entirely possible that in Maryland’s modern era, no serious County Executive candidate has ever owed more to one contributor than Rushern Baker owes to David Hillman.

Recent Prince George's County News (25 Feb 2010)

• Mayor Calvo: "There are too many people in PG County employed solely to dress up in military gear and kick in doors" http://bit.ly/bPIjXh

Public Safety

• rt @ABC7News Maryland Senate Approves Restricting Strip Searches http://bit.ly/9ajapT 
• rt @myfoxdc myfoxdc Deliveryman Shot in District Heights: A potato chip deliveryman was shot and wounded durin... http://tinyurl.com/y8lbgd7
• Post: Man shot at Prince George's pharmacy (Kay Cee Pharmacy, 600 block Old Silver Hill Road, District Heights) http://bit.ly/bFDMOZ 
• rt @postmetro New details emerge in the killing of a teacher at a PG youth facility: http://bit.ly/9ZSbKH
• Gazette: A deadly lesson; Teacher's slaying at Cheltenham facility puts spotlight on need for improvements (Editorial) http://bit.ly/90CqJt
• Gazette: Man shot in the neck in carjacking; Victim, grazed by bullet, expected to recover (1 block from recent murder) http://bit.ly/baVAhW 
• rt @ggwash PG pedestrian killed because sidewalks aren't clear. Gov. have to keep pedestrians and transit riders safe! http://bit.ly/di7hMT 
• courthousenews.com: Man Says Cop Threatened to Kill Him http://bit.ly/9tmOCl (mentions PG police) 
• Post: Police sources suspect boy attacked teacher in juvenile facility, moved body http://bit.ly/9PNeof 
• rt @WTOP Residents worry after teacher is killed at juvenile center safety http://bit.ly/9uhIep 

2010 Election

• MdPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Four http://bit.ly/chcLo9 David Hillman, white billionaire, Baker’s biggest financial supporter 
• MdPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Three http://bit.ly/aB3T3s (Bradford L. Seamon, major donor; also WSSC&PG minority contracting) 
• Gazette: Baker and the slate debate (Letter from James Adams, Baker's communications director) http://bit.ly/90CqJt 
• PG delegates reject proposal by Sen. Muse to prevent community college board members from running for office http://bit.ly/8Xo0Ub 

2010 General Assembly

• rt @RedMaryland MDGOP Sen flip script on Dems "if you don't want to accept our cuts, which taxes do you want to raise?" http://bit.ly/cu4VQa
• Gazette: Legislators should send timely message; Say ‘no' to bond [Pork] bills this session (Editorial) http://bit.ly/ahQ1we 
• rt @MDReporter Maryland's proposed budget doesn't contain enough money to pay for November's election. http://bit.ly/9CWELd
• Gazette: Proposal would let residents retire liquor licenses; Effort could reduce number of stores Del Ross. D-22, says http://bit.ly/bQLZb6
• .

Other Politics

• rt @mdreps Hoyer claims Dems bill will lower costs for seniors, CBO says Medicare “Donut Hole” could raise premiums 20% http://bit.ly/9jx2qb 
• Post: Planning chief pick met with resistance in Pr. George's http://bit.ly/doKAHq 
• Gazette: County executive nominates staffer to replace planning board chair; Parker may be replaced with Johnson aide http://bit.ly/a7XBuv 

Education

• Gazette: Proposed budget would lay off 192 county teachers; Additional cuts considered after enrollment errors caught http://bit.ly/9bkFa7
• Post: Emory Andrews' stellar success http://bit.ly/ar9e3r (Oxon Hill HS choir director) 
• PGPublicEd (R.Tyler] MSDE Update on School Snow Day Waiver, MSA, etc. http://bit.ly/asZq3p 

Other

• Gazette: College Park approves use of 19 Big-Brother spy cameras http://bit.ly/bDiZUB 
• Gazette: Inmates should help with snow removal (Letter from Janet Bello) http://bit.ly/bsXE5j 
• Gazette: Laurel council opts to delay vote on mall financing; Management must meet requirements or risk losing funding http://bit.ly/9jLGts 
• Gazette: Snow costs schools at least $2M in PG County; Governor seeking federal aid; December effort cost about $74,000 http://bit.ly/9oLI93 

Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (25 Feb 2010)

Washington Post (County police reports, generally for February 8 - February 14, and municipal police reports which may cover earlier and later dates)

Gazette:

• County Police, Districts 1-6 (February 15 - February 21)
• Weekly list of county murders (last updated 1 Feb 2010)
  
• Greenbelt (February 12 - February 18)
• Laurel (February 3 - February 20)

Mount Rainier (February 17-25)

Police Press Releases (February 18 - February 24) Crime mapping

• 02/18/2010 Police Investigate Death of Man Shot in Suitland (2678) http://bit.ly/91H6JV
• 02/22/2010 District II Arrests Three Juveniles and One Adult for Multiple Residential Breaking and Enterings (2679) http://bit.ly/9aPlpL
• 02/24/2010 Quick Arrests Made by District II Patrol in Citizen Armed Robbery in Lanham (2680) http://bit.ly/a6DTBI
• Notes: 
• There are no online press releases for the homicides on February 14 (Cobb) and 18 (Wheeling)
• Police have told at least one reporter the identity of victims from the February 1 (Camara) and 9 (Nucamedia-Ventura) homicides, but denied my request for the names and have not posted the information online.

Sheriff's News Releases (None posted since 7 Aug 2009)

See also three non-official sites with more user-friendly interfaces than the official site:

• Crime Blotter 
• Crime Reports (does not seem to show recent homicides)
• Murder in Maryland, Washington, DC, and beyond (by chris Nelson)

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Four

Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Four
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 25 Feb 2010

Meet David H. Hillman. He’s a 67-year-old, self-made white billionaire. He once lived in Bethesda, but now lives in an 11,809-square-foot, $6.3 million mansion in McLean. He is one of the biggest apartment building owners [Southern Management Corporation] in the Washington metro area. He has given thousands of dollars to Republican politicians including George W. Bush, John McCain, George Allen, Michael Steele, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in addition to thousands more to the Republican National Committee. And a year from now, he could be the second-most powerful man in Prince George’s County without even living there.

Why? Because after spending over three-quarters of a million dollars, he may finally get Rushern Baker elected County Executive. ...

So what does David Hillman and SMC have to do with Rushern Baker? Plenty, because Hillman is BY FAR Baker’s biggest financial supporter. We’ll get into that tomorrow. [More]

PG delegates reject proposal by Sen. Muse to prevent community college board members from running for office

Delegates reject proposal for election restrictions; Subcommittee votes against keeping college board members from seeking office.
Gazette, 25 Feb 2010 (Valentine).
(see comment below)

Six Prince George's County delegates voted Feb. 18 to block a controversial proposal by state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington that would further restrict who can seek elected office in Prince George's County.

The unanimous vote made by the county delegation's subcommittee could hinder passage of the proposed legislation, which would bar members of the Prince George's Community College Board of Trustees from running for an elected office while serving on the board.

The proposal sparked questions about interference by state leaders in county politics and raised questions about whether Muse was targeting critics of county leaders, such as Jerry Mathis, a Fort Washington resident who serves on the board and is running for the District 8 seat on the County Council. Mathis helped organize opposition to Muse's proposal last year to consider building a professional soccer stadium for D.C. United in the county, and Mathis has participated in several demonstrations against the County Council.

Mel Franklin, an Upper Marlboro resident who is also on the college's board and running for County Council in District 9, would also be hindered by the legislation. Franklin helped organize a demonstration against the County Council last year over new zoning regulations in the southern part of the county.

Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist. 21) of Beltsville called the proposal "a silly bill."

"I don't believe it's up to us to determine who can run and who can't run," she said. "I don't really understand the premise of this bill."

Before the subcommittee's vote, the proposal received support from three County Council members.

"We know what it's about," said Councilman Samuel H. Dean (D-Dist. 6) after voting in favor of the bill Tuesday, along with Councilwoman Marilynn M. Bland (D-Dist. 9) of Clinton and Councilman Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel.

"I always like to support my senator," Dean said.

The three council members did not respond to a request for further comment.

Muse did not attend the subcommittee meeting and did not directly respond to requests for comment.

In a message relayed through his secretary, Muse said the bill is not killed until after the full House delegation votes it down. However, subcommittee members said the delegation is unlikely to reverse its unfavorable report.

"We need to be fair to other groups," said Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-Dist. 24) of Mitchellville. "Let them have their rights."

Muse first proposed the bill in December. Under the proposal, sitting board members would not be allowed to hold positions on political committees, raise money for candidates or seek office.

Mathis and Franklin could not be reached for comment after the subcommittee's vote, but Mathis has said the legislation is targeted at him.

"This is just vindictiveness against me," he said last month.

Muse previously denied the bill targeted anyone.

"None of my bills are for political retribution," Muse said last month, explaining that he wanted lawmakers to consider imposing the restriction for the college's board at the same time a similar restriction imposed on the school board is being considered for removal.

A different bill is moving through the General Assembly to lift a ban on sitting school board members that prevents them from seeking other elected offices. School board members are asking the legislature to lift the ban in time for this fall's election.

"That would be consistent with [the subcommittee's] actions today," said Len Lucchi, lobbyist for the school board.

Comment: While I am not surprised by the anti-Democratic attitude of Sen. Muse (cand. for county executive), and council members Bland and Dean (cand. for county executive), I was very disappointed by Dernoga's (cand. for state's attorney) vote and apparent unwillingness to explain it.  And Muse is NOT Dean's senator.

Mayor Calvo: "There are too many people in Prince George's County employed solely to dress up in military gear and kick in doors,"

Numbers paint portrait of SWAT team use
Sun, 24 Feb 2010 (Hermann)

After tactical officers burst into Cheye Calvos's house, bound his hands, held his mother-in-law on the floor and fatally shot his Labrador retrievers, the angry Berwyn Heights mayor was convinced that sheriff's deputies and other police in Prince George's County were out of control.

Even when police were serving routine warrants, regardless of whether intelligence indicated a threat, Calvo - who was absolved of any wrongdoing - argued that the police as a matter of policy deployed paramilitary teams armed with automatic weapons. Police expressed regret for the raid on Calvo's house in 2008, but the outrage over their tactics sparked legislation requiring police agencies in Maryland to compile data on tactical entries.

The first batch of numbers, obtained by The Baltimore Sun in a Public Information Act request to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, is now out. And Calvo said it proves his point: In the last six months of 2009, Prince George's County police made more tactical raids - an average of more than one a day - than any other jurisdiction in Maryland, more than double the number conducted by officers in Baltimore City.

Police in Prince George's used tactical officers in 105 raids involving what the FBI defines as Part II crimes - nonserious felonies and misdemeanors - and 90 for more violent offenses, such as murder, rape and aggravated assault. In Baltimore City, police raided 84 houses, 30 for nonserious crimes. Baltimore County officers conducted 62 tactical raids, only one of which involved a nonserious crime.

* * *

"There are too many people in Prince George's County employed solely to dress up in military gear and kick in doors," the mayor said Tuesday. "How is this an efficient use of resources? They are creating situations where bad things can happen. Most of the time, things go fine, but sometimes the trigger goes off. Sometimes things go terribly wrong."

* * * [Full story]

Recent Prince George's County News (24 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• Gazette: Juvenile among suspects in Cheltenham slaying, state's attorney confirms; No charges have been filed http://bit.ly/caXJnt 
• Post: Investigators have recovered bloody shirt of 13-year-old boy suspected of killing teacher at Cheltenham Youth Fac http://bit.ly/cRUmoL
• Sun: Senate panel seeks briefing on killing at juvenile home; State agencies, union say inquiries have been blocked http://bit.ly/d9oKcW
• Sun: More questions raised about Cheltenham killing http://bit.ly/9FBE4E 
• Post: Man badly burned in nursing home fire at Clinton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center http://bit.ly/cIWHiB 
• Examiner: Driver shot in carjacking; 4700 block, Suitland Road http://bit.ly/dpwkqF (1 block from 17 Feb Garvin murder http://bit.ly/cYvUC9)
• Sun: Numbers paint portrait of SWAT team use (PG made more raids than any other MD juris., more than double Baltimore) http://bit.ly/cYdZNY
• Sun: Mayor Calvo: "There are too many people in Prince George's County employed solely to dress up in military gear and kick in doors,"
• rt @mddailyrecord Supreme Court rules for Md. in child molestation case via @CarynTamber http://is.gd/95lsh 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers District II Arrests Three Juveniles and One Adult for Multiple Residential Breaking and Enterings http://bit.ly/auiCzb 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Quick Arrests Made by District II Patrol in Citizen Armed Robbery in Lanham http://bit.ly/dmy0gH

2010 Election

• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Tell County Council to oppose County Exec's Planning Bd. appts. & allow new leaders to fill vacancies: http://tiny.cc/okFRg 
• rt @MarkNewgent Wargotz is birther but Babs Mikulski is raging hypocrite. Babs voted for AIG bonuses b4 condemning them. "AINT I GREEDY" 
• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Attn Accokeek neighbors! See you tonight for Dist. 9 Council campaign meet-and-greet at Accokeek Academy Library, 7-9pm. 
• MdPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Three http://bit.ly/aB3T3s (Bradford L. Seamon, major donor; also WSSC&PG minority contracting) 

2010 General Assembly

• rt @justinready 10% nationally say Congress is doing a good job. Wonder what rating the MD General Assembly would get. about 17 hours ago

Other Politics

• Post: MD Repub.propose cuts in state government, education grants; say state can no longer afford many Dem.initiatives http://bit.ly/cdovKp 

Education

• rt @PGSentinel County students receive more than $1M in scholarship funds http://shar.es/mmLio 
• rt @PGSentinel Check this out: $2.16 M to Oxon Hill ES http://shar.es/mmL2C 
• Post: Emory Andrews' stellar success http://bit.ly/ar9e3r (Oxon Hill HS choir director) 
• PGPublicEd (R.Tyler] MSDE Update on School Snow Day Waiver, MSA, etc. http://bit.ly/asZq3p 

Other

• Gazette: Rate hike nearly certain for WSSC http://bit.ly/aJKbO5 
• rt @EnvisionPrinceG 75 New Jobs in Beltsville http://tinyurl.com/ybv3fss 

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Three

Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Three
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 24 Feb 2010

Meet Bradford L. Seamon. He is the President, CEO and founder of B.L. Seamon Corporation, a minority business enterprise (MBE) government contractor based in Greenbelt with offices in Atlanta and Bedminster, New Jersey. He is also very, very close to Rushern Baker. ...

Minority contracting is the mother’s milk of Prince George’s County politics. The county government is saturated with minority contractors who win public consulting, vending and construction contracts and then use part of their profits to contribute to the politicians in power. All of this creates a “pay-to-play” culture that exceeds anything that has ever been seen in Montgomery County. WSSC has been nearly paralyzed for years by the relentless focus of its Prince George’s County commissioners on minority contracting requirements. Many minority contractors spray their campaign contributions liberally across the county’s political establishment and beyond. But Bradford Seamon is different. He has contributed to only four political accounts: Barack Obama ($4,550), DNC Services Corporation ($1,250), State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey ($1,250) and Rushern Baker. ... [Seamon and a shell company he owned have given or loaned Baker over $185,000] [More]

Recent Prince George's County News (23 Feb 2010)

• MDPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Two http://bit.ly/aVN8j9 (asks why has Rep. US Sen. cand. Eric Wargotz given Baker many $?) 
• 3/13 Franklin for Council - Community Organizing Meeting: Having trouble viewing this email? Click here http://bit.ly/9DwOmi
• rt @NakiaTNgwala Please tune in on Sunday, March 7, 2010 promptly at 4PM EST. Thank you http://bit.ly/boiokQ
• rt @CNSmd Bill Would Ban Political Contributions by Licensed Gambling Companies: http://bit.ly/bwcK7e
• rt @Tamara4Dist9 RT @wbjsarah Limbach to get incentives for Prince George's County expansion, job creation http://ow.ly/1aw7p.

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Two

Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part Two
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 23 Feb 2010

Meet Eric S. Wargotz. He is a doctor from Queenstown, a passionate conservative and an elected Republican office holder in Queen Anne’s County. And if a group called “Republicans for Rushern” was ever established, Wargotz would likely be its President. ... why has an Eastern Shore Republican activist, county elected official and U.S. Senate candidate given $22,200 to Rushern Baker? ... We’ll have more in Part Three.[More]

Recent Prince George's County News (22 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• rt @wusa9 State Dept. Worker Nearly Killed In Hit and Run http://bit.ly/9zrlhk (MLK & Greenleaf caused by lack of snow removal at bus stop)
• Examiner: D.C. man shot in Suitland http://bit.ly/cq9I5f (old news) 
• rt @postcrime Program that IDs jailed illegal immigrants sought for deportation gets high marks http://bit.ly/b2RNM9 

2010 Election

• MdPolWatch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part One http://bit.ly/aYCxXV 
• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Reappointed as Min. for Head for New Converts Ministry, will be attending Leadership Training at Fm the Heart Christian Min
• rt @marylandmoment Mikulski 'not retiring,' announces campaign team: Perhaps this will help quell the recent rumors: http://bit.ly/b74XnZ 
• rt @bbjonline Mikulski affirms re-election bid: http://ow.ly/1a2sl 

2010 General Assembly

• rt @megctully Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people scheduled to rally in Annapolis tonight for new state laws, including marriage 

Other Politics

• rt @MDReporter State keeps its top bond rating, but look out for the pension bomb. http://bit.ly/9efnd6 

Education

• Envision Prince George's: We Could Lose 200 Teachers Next Year http://envisionprincegeorges.org/blog/we-could-lose-200-teachers-next-year/

Other

• rt @ABC7News Md. Courts Cell Phone Ban Weighed : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw708880
• rt @postmetro Meet the Post in person. We're hosting a Town Hall meeting tonight at Prince George's Community College: http://bit.ly/d78FcK 
• rt @PG_Central Prince George's won't get federal aid for December snowstorm: http://tinyurl.com/yeh2oha

Maryland Politics Watch: Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part One

Rushern Baker on the Spot, Part One
By Adam Pagnucco, Maryland Politics Watch, 22 Feb 2010

The Washington Post has put a deserved spotlight on Prince George’s County Executive candidate Rushern Baker’s fundraising practices. ... But the Post only has a small part of this story ... [More]

Recent Prince George's County News (21 Feb 2010)

• SouthLaurelNews: Sun Feb 28 2-4pm Laurel Area Fundraiser for County Council District 1 Candidate Mary Lehman http://bit.ly/94eyh3
• rt @marylandmoment Lame duck PG Co Exec Jack B. Johnson seeks to replace PG planning board head Samuel J. Parker, Jr. http://bit.ly/cdYpnq 
• rt @AFPMD CPAC was very exciting this year. Beck had it right, we have a spending problem. Sounds familiar in Maryland? http://bit.ly/cCFDwT 
• Post: Program that IDs jailed illegal immigrants sought for deportat: "Program that IDs jailed illega... http://bit.ly/aekP6M.(from A. Carruthers)
• Re: Post: Program that IDs jailed illegal immigrants sought for depo: Upon closer re-reading, I am pl... http://bit.ly/daUHcj  (from A. Carruthers)
• rt @hcpeterson O'Malley's foreclosure bill could push lenders out of state | Washington Examiner: http://bit.ly/dgr6dw 

Recent Prince George's County News (20 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• GoryPG: Hannah E. Wheeling, 65 (0.011), 18 Feb 2010, 7:45 am, Frank Tippett Road, 11000 block, Cheltenham, 20623 http://bit.ly/cXAqnm 
• Post: 13-year-old Md. detainee key suspect in teacher's death http://bit.ly/9cMOCw 
• Sun: Police question teenager in Cheltenham death (quotes Sen.Muse, D-26) http://bit.ly/bz9MC2 
• Gazette: Slain Cheltenham Youth Facility educator ‘loved her work'; Police have yet to release cause of death http://bit.ly/day6Lk
• Gazette: Man identified after being fatally shot in face in Suitland http://bit.ly/bqWOek
• Gazette: Man convicted in armed carjacking insists he borrowed vehicle; Oxon Hill res faces 30 years for Suitland theft http://bit.ly/d28Z8e
• Post: Asa Fukuhara of Maryland is killed by hit-and-run driver http://bit.ly/byBBuz 

2010 Election

• rt @Charles_Lollar PLEASE JOIN US ON FRI Feb 26t, 2010 In Breton Bay at the home of Brooks and Judy Freegard 22533... http://bit.ly/bZ88Ar 
• rt @Charles_Lollar Meet and Greet with Charles Lollar PLEASE JOIN US ON SAT AFTERNOON Feb 27, 2010 At home of Nan... http://bit.ly/aYz2uq

2010 General Assembly

• rt @justinready The Democrats have been the party of "no" in Annapolis...no to Republican ideas to fix budget deficits, no to common sense.
• Gazette: Assault weapons ban bill dropped; Next up is measure to keep guns from some convicted of drunken driving http://bit.ly/dlf5QV 
• Sun: Vote to confirm Swaim-Staley for transportation is delayed (by Sen. Muse, D-26) http://bit.ly/aAq5rQ
• Post: Md. Sen. delays vote on transportation secretary (who is white) at Muse's request (due to concerns of Black sen.) http://bit.ly/a1ZIKE 

Education

• Gazette: Proposed school budget would lay off nearly 200 county teachers; Additional cuts made after enrollment err... http://bit.ly/buiyUe 
• Post: O'Malley proposes changes in tenure, test rules for chance at federal funds (Last paragraph about PG County) http://bit.ly/9ftWCB

Other

• Gazette: Sale of Rosecroft Raceway by Cloverleaf hits snags http://bit.ly/9DZCDI 
• Gazette: WSSC rate increase nearly certain despite standoff; Vote might take place by phone next week http://bit.ly/aCeJLY 

Recent Prince George's County News (19 Feb 2010)

• rt @Tamara4Dist9 #FollowFriday goes out to @pgpolitics for doing a great job to keep the public informed about county issues!

Public Safety

• PG Police: Police Investigate Death of Man Shot in Suitland (2678) http://bit.ly/91H6JV 
• GoryPG (updated): Samuel Kelly Garvin, 26 (0.010), 17 Feb 2010, 11:44 am. Suitland Road, 4600 block, Suitland, 20746 http://bit.ly/cYvUC9
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Police Investigate Death of Man Shot in Suitland http://bit.ly/b6sedp 
• Gazette: Woman's body found near Cheltenham Youth Facility; Police say woman was assaulted, investigating as homicide http://bit.ly/bsl0yc
• Examiner: Youth counselor found killed near P.G. detention center, police say http://bit.ly/be2Ayi 
• Post: Md. teacher found dead at Cheltenham youth detention center (Hannah E. Wheeling, 65, Harford County) http://bit.ly/ch2GCp 
• Gazette: Pedestrian killed on Branch Avenue; Police say Suitland man likely walking on shoulder http://bit.ly/axXecK 
• Post: Pedestrian killed on Branch Avenue while avoiding snowy sidewalks
• rt @WTOP Man trying to avoid snowy sidewalk struck, killed http://bit.ly/chBQoa 
• rt @postmetro PG police seek witnesses to a hit-and-run accident on Branch Ave. yesterday. A 32-year-old man was ki... http://bit.ly/d50SVS 
• ry @@mikedebonis: Hey assholes: Shovel your sidewalk. Or people could die. http://bit.ly/diQDCz 
• rt @ABC7News Reputed Gang Member Gets Life+20 http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw708132 (31 Dec 2008 murder of Jairon J Osorio, 28, shot in the head) 

2010 Election

• Post: PG county executive candidate [Gerron Levi] seeks identity of rival's [Rushern Baker] funds source http://bit.ly/9Vu5Fo 
• rt @marylandmoment County exec candidate Baker fires back on slate donors issue: After taking heat from a rival ov ... http://bit.ly/cpZM9d 
• News Alert: Fundraising Facts Defeat Fake Outrage: Mr. Baker's response to recen... http://bit.ly/9L7WOh 
• rt @Charles_Lollar Charles Lollar (Cand for MD-5) will be interviewed on radio today @ CPAC. Pls tune to following Internet radio shows http://bit.ly/9kQqbN 
• rt @CNSmd Senate Democrats Look to Limit Corporate Spending in Maryland Elections: http://bit.ly/8XJv44 
• rt @Tamara4Dist9 PG should too! RT @wbjsarah Montgomery County applies for #Google's high-speed internet pilot project http://ow.ly/196JR (Brown, cand. for Council 9)
• rt @TeamRonMiller I'm a black Tea Party American who wants liberty and opportunity without government meddling. Take that, Olbermann! (Miller, cand. for Sen. 27)

2010 General Assembly

• rt @ABC7News Md. Bill Targets Drag Racers http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw707914 (Current law is not enforced, so what good will another law do?) 
• Gazette: Counties handcuffed by inmate funding ban; Relief bill unlikely to pass due to fiscal lockdown http://bit.ly/cA3qNS 
• rt @MDReporter House, Senate set to renew battle over stem cell funding http://bit.ly/bCV6jmv (Solve huge deficit by spending more money???)
• rt @marylandmoment Md. Senate delays vote on transportation secretary at Muse's (D-26) request http://bit.ly/b1yLTJ (because she's white?) 
• rt @GazPolitics Senate president (Miller, D-27) called political bully: http://tinyurl.com/yebckqy

Other Politics

• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Pls attend a community forum on Feb 23, 6:30pm- 9pm at PG Sports & Learning Complex to voice your opinion on housing needs! (Brown, cand. for Council 9)

Education

• rt @ ABC7News Bowie HS Student Collapses on Court, Dies : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw707823 
• Gazette: Cuts force closure of county schools' financial aid center; Funding permitted, office at Largo HS could reopen http://bit.ly/bhMZW1 

Other

• Examiner.com (JDTuccille): Feds [Obama adminstration] want to track cell phone users -- without warrants http://bit.ly/9BjhfW

Recent Prince George's County News (18 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (18 Feb 2010) http://bit.ly/bk1hO2 
• rt @postmetro A female counselor has been found dead outside a youth facility in Prince George's County: http://bit.ly/d5FYWt 
• rt @wusa9 Body Found Near Juvenile Detention Center In Brandywine:(Police press release NOT online) http://bit.ly/btGXgv 
• rt @MDNews_WTOP Body found on grounds of Md. juvenile facility http://bit.ly/aK50mI 
• GoryPG: Unidentified man, (0.010), 17 Feb 2010, 11:43 am, Suitland Road, 4600 block, Suitland, 20746 http://bit.ly/cYvUC9 
• rt @Police Searching For Three Suspects Connected To Suitland Shooting: http://bit.ly/bvmDIu
• Gazette: Beltsville men indicted in home invasions; Police say suspects viciously beat and robbed victims http://bit.ly/8X5bYD
• rt @PG_Central Hammer, butcher knife allegedly used in Valentine's Day killing: http://tinyurl.com/yjexsfo

2010 Election

• rt @marylandmoment Ehrlich seeks Facebook fans in advance of rematch: Here's the latest sign that former MD gov. ... http://bit.ly/amcQBw 
• Gazette: Dealership owner runs for school board; Glenn Dale resident Steve Kemp files for Dist. 1 seat http://bit.ly/cJj4yh 
• rt @MarkNewgent Olbermann wants 2 know where people of color are at tea parties. Keith meet Charles Lollar (Cand. MD-5) http://bit.ly/ajhwBn
• rt @marylandmoment Baker spokesman: Campaign will release donor names 'in due time': What a difference a month makes. http://bit.ly/d3IgAR 
• rt @marylandmoment After initially saying that the campaign had no problem releasing the names of donors of $200,000 .. http://bit.ly/d3IgAR 
• rt @marylandmoment .. spokesman now says he "misspoke" and can't say when names will be made public http://bit.ly/d3IgAR 

2010 General Assembly

• rt @marylandmoment PG and Mont. counties' aid fight may affect Maryland budget: A funding dispute between represent... http://bit.ly/adVcEC
• rt @mdchamber Push for millionaire's tax appears unlikely to succeed http://bit.ly/cepP3b (via @MDReporter ) 
• rt @MDReporter A push to keep the millionaire's tax has heavy bipartisan opposition http://bit.ly/d99pao 
• rt @MDReporter Sen. Andy Harris won't fire his top aide running for delegate, bucking Senate President Miller's dir ... http://bit.ly/aUDeLG 
• rt @MDNews_WTOP O'Malley backs ignition lock for drunk drivers http://bit.ly/apPRGA 
• rt @WTOP Md. delegate seeks ban on first-cousin marriage http://bit.ly/d1Xy4p 

Education

• Post: School buses get stuck in snow with Pr. George's students aboard http://bit.ly/c8pH9t

Other

• Gazette: Racetrack auction scheduled for Tuesday; Officials fear historic track may be developed http://bit.ly/9rnbxa 
• Gazette: Extent of damage after roof collapse at Smithsonian museum warehouse unknown http://bit.ly/aeDlTv 
• Gazette: Homeowners association criticizes county's plowing http://bit.ly/cieNZw 
• Gazette: Museum photo exhibit compares life in Laurel in 1910, 2010 http://bit.ly/cDCn8D 
• Gazette: ‘Shovel brigade' aids snowed-in Clinton neighborhood residents http://bit.ly/9Y8pk3 
• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Get smart about energy! Attend a community forum about your energy costs Feb. 23 at PGCC's Rennie Forum from 6:30-8pm. 

Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (18 Feb 2010)

Washington Post (County police reports, generally for February 1 - February 7, and municipal police reports which may cover earlier and later dates)

Gazette:

• County Police, Districts 1-6 (February 1 - February 7) (February 8 - February 14)
• Weekly list of county murders
  
• Greenbelt (January 30 - February 8)
• Laurel (February 1 - February 4)

Mount Rainier (February 11, 12-15, 16)

Police Press Releases (February 1 - February 17) Crime mapping

• 02/12/2010 Departmental Shooting During Barricade on Coolridge Road (2675) http://bit.ly/admL0X
• 02/14/2010 Police Locate Child and Make Quick Arrest in Abduction (2676) http://bit.ly/9cA3Og
• 02/16/2010 Police Focus on Safety for Children Returning to School (2677) http://bit.ly/coBsxz
• Notes: 
• There are no online press releases for the homicides on February 14 and 17
• Police have told at least one reporter the identity of victims from the February 1 and 9 homicides, but denied my request for the names and have not posted the information online.

Sheriff's News Releases (None posted since 7 Aug 2009)

See also three non-official sites with more user-friendly interfaces than the official site:

• Crime Blotter 
• Crime Reports (does not seem to show recent homicides)
• Murder in Maryland, Washington, DC, and beyond

Recent Prince George's County News (17 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• rt @postcrime Maryland man charged in Valentine's Day killing of estranged wife http://bit.ly/9KYRKF
• GoryPG: Sonia Cobb, 39, 14-15 Feb 2010 (Updated, victim &accused killer identified by the Post @ http://bit.ly/9WTEoC) http://bit.ly/aPWhuv
• Gazette: Man hosp. after being shot in face in Suitland, taken to local trauma center with life-threatening injuries http://bit.ly/cbTxHF 
• rt @ABC7News Fatal Md. Shooting Investigated (4600 block, Suitland Road) http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw707225
• GoryPG (updated): Bulmaro Nucamendi-Ventura, 40 (0.007), 9 Feb 2010, 9:05 pm http://bit.ly/d6QrcH
• GoryPG (updated): Baba Camara, 47 (0.006), 1 Feb 2010, 2:48 am, suspect identified http://bit.ly/9K09jy
• Two Feb. PG homicides: Gazette now has victim's names; PG Police have not posted them on county website and denied my request for the names 
• Gazette: Takoma Park man wanted in Chillum killing; Police still searching for suspects in two February homicides http://bit.ly/clKIlz 
• Gazette: Seat Pleasant man arrested in Valentine's Day killing of wife; driving with body in passenger seat when stop.. http://bit.ly/9lt2bj 
• Gazette: Former Morningside police chief pleads guilty, could face jail time for illegally obtaining, selling a handgun http://bit.ly/aVOOL0
• Post: Metro officers injured in fracas at Addison Road Metro station http://bit.ly/bsldUf 

2010 Election

• rt @Tamara4Dist9 Glad to be joining the world of Twitter! I'm a cand. for Dist. 9 County Council: Visionary Leadership that Gets Results! ..

2010 General Assembly

• wtop: Md. Senate leader (Sen. 'Mike' Miller, D-27) attempts to boot GOP top staffer http://bit.ly/bsldUf 
• rt @marylandmoment Md. Senate turns back pay cut proposed by Harris: The Dem.-led MD Sen. on Wed. soundly rejected a... http://bit.ly/90tqQT 
• rt @ABC7News Sassafras Could Be Official Md Soil : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw707108 
• rt @MDReporter Bill would restrict revenue transfers from the transportation fund to balance budget... http://bit.ly/afLoGj 
• rt @MDReporter: Senate rejects GOP proposal for legislative pension cut votes to deprive lawmakers of pensions if they do wrong in office. 
• Diamondback: Staff editorial: Short of the goal line--Del. Jay Walker (D-26) seeks to dictate college football schedule http://bit.ly/bXsnqv

Recent Prince George's County News (16 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• GoryPG: Unidentified Woman, (0.009), 15 Feb 2010, 3:20 pm, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 10301, Lanham, 20706 (domestic?) http://bit.ly/aPWhuv 
• Post: Prince George's man calls police, confesses to wife's slaying, authorities say http://bit.ly/aeTRqq 
• rt @ABC7News Police Find Woman's Body In Car in Lanham: http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw706613 
• Examiner (AHenney) Man kills wife, supposedly after call to police http://bit.ly/bn5Z7k

Recent Candidate Filing

• Geraldine Valentino-Smith   
• Candidate for Delegate, District 23A
• Filing information:
• Valentino-Smith, Geraldine
• Democratic 
• Mailing Address 12127 LONG RIDGE L,  BOWIE, MD 20715
• Public 
• Juris. Prince George`s 
• EMail: geraldinevalentino@verizon.net
• Status Active
• Filed Regular - 02/09/10

Recent Prince George's County News (15 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• PGPolice: Police Locate Child and Make Quick Arrest in Abduction http://bit.ly/9cA3Og about 22 hours ago

2010 Election

• rt @insidecharmcity Report: Mikulski to retire? http://ow.ly/17COL about 13 hours ago
• rt @RedMaryland RUMOR: Mikulski to retire http://bit.ly/bZHbNb about 13 hours ago
• rt @NakiaTNgwala The "People's Campaign" Press Release is attached. We are so thankful for all your support. Thank ... http://bit.ly/9eAGKf about 15 hours ago
• rt @NakiaTNgwala I posted 29 photos on Facebook in the album "Nakia T. Ngwala's Announcement Conference" http://bit.ly/aVaU3f about 22 hours ago
• rt @lamarthorpe I'm Hosting DC Friends for Lamar Thorpe Happy Hour & Fundraiser. http://pingg.com/0DW0 about 22 hours ago

2010 General Assembly

• rt @MDReporter Lawmaker pensions become a partisan issue, as Harris prepares amendments cut down in the House.... http://bit.ly/dCVEiw about 13 hours ago
• rt @MDNews_WTOP Md. seniors, blind would get tax break under bill http://bit.ly/aeUK1W about 13 hours ago
• rt @RedMaryland Joe Vallarrio (D-27A) is set to kill another bill that would protect kids from sex offenders. Way to go Team Tort Lobby! about 16 hours ago

Other

• rt @PGSentinel Entry level reporter needed at Prince George's Sentinel. Send resume and clips to editorpgsentinel@yahoo.com. about 13 hours ago
• rt @SuiteMagazine Attention #DMV Nominate PG leaders for "Who's Who in PG County" @SuiteMagazine will honor top 100 http://tiny.cc/wq5Nm about 20 hours ago
• SouthLaurelNews: Snow Update From Councilman Tom DernogaFeb 14 10:30 AM (#7) http://bit.ly/bAmkaA about 22 hours ago

Recent Prince George's County News (14 Feb 2010)

• nbc4: PG's Glacier Avenue Is Well-Named; Residents feel left out by the county because streets have not been cleared http://bit.ly/ceS3Zy 

Public Safety

• GoryPG: Hans Harrer, 54, (0.008), 11 Feb 2010, 2:06 pm, Coolridge Road, 6700 block, Camp Springs, 20748, Shot by police http://bit.ly/cD1egV 
• GoryPG: Unidentified man, (0.007), 9 Feb 2010, 9:05 pm, 55th place, 5400 block, Riverdale, 20737 http://bit.ly/d6QrcH 
• GoryPG: Unidentified man, (0.006), 1 Feb 2010, 2:48 am, Red Top Road, 6800 block, Chillum, 20912 http://bit.ly/9K09jy 

2010 Election

• Examiner.com (JKitchen): Henry C. Turner Throws Hat into Executive Race http://bit.ly/aTwiJz 
• Examiner.com (JKitchen): Mathis to Announce Run for County Council (District 8) http://bit.ly/9ePnsD 
• Examiner.com (JKitchen): Nakia Ngwala Announces Challenge to Andrea Harrison, (Council District 5) http://bit.ly/aGoAfa
• Post: In MD, younger generation takes aim at older incumbents - Del Braveboy v Sen Currie, Del Ramirez v Sen Harrington http://bit.ly/cgeG4r
  

Recent Prince George's County News (13 Feb 2010)

• nbc4: Prince George's County Streets Snowed In; Several snow-packed, icy streets in PG County still haven't seen a plow http://bit.ly/9cCgd5
• Post: Washington area officials blasted on snowstorm response (last three paragraphs say opposite about PG) http://bit.ly/9NWI0b 
• rt @wusa9 PG Road Not Under County's Snow Removal List; Seniors Feel Frustration http://bit.ly/bIrAjd

Public Safety

• Post: Man killed by Prince George's police pointed gun at them Thursday was from Camp Springs http://bit.ly/byh9yY 
• rt @PGFDPIO Bowie & Capital Plaza Wal-Marts have roof problems due to snow overload. Call before you go Saturday to make sure they are open. 

2010 Election

• rt @NakiaTNgwala Nakia Ngwala Announces Challenge to Andrea Harrison - http://tinyurl.com/y85tuxg 

Education

• rt @marylandmoment Fewer school days being considered: MD officials considering cutting the number of required days ... http://bit.ly/bukvRI

Recent Prince George's County News (12 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (11 Feb 2010) http://bit.ly/d0APRt
• Post: Man shot by Pr. George's police identified http://bit.ly/9AETST
• rt @MDNews_WTOP Police kill man who pointed shotgun at them http://bit.ly/b613Ah 

2010 Election

• rt @lamarthorpe Come to "DC Friends for Lamar Thorpe Saint Patrick's Day Bash" Wed, March 17 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. http://fb.me/5KVJZJ4 
• rt @lamarthorpe Come to "hi" Tomorrow from 2:45 am to 5:45 am http://fb.me/8eRintb 
• rt @NakiaTNgwala NEWSFLASH: Change of plans due to inclement weather. Nakia T. Ngwala will broadcast live on... http://bit.ly/awRF8V

2010 General Assembly

• rt @MDNews_WTOP Md. House approves no raises for lawmakers http://bit.ly/cZNAzz
• Gazette: Salt could be jettisoned from road cleanup menu http://bit.ly/asWrrC
• Gazette: Despite budget woes, bond bills likely are a go; Presiding officers trade barbs over program http://bit.ly/aWrJwG 

Other Politics

• RedMaryland: O'Malley Campaign Contributor got $8.4 Million in State Contracts http://fwd4.me/FU0 
• Gazette: Experts: Snow response can make or break politicians; ‘Expensive' is stormy forecast for cleanup costs http://bit.ly/aLVTMo 

Education

• Gazette: After 50 years, priv. school on the brink; Parents, staff try to raise $25,000 to save Capitol Christian Acad. http://bit.ly/a5qy9v 
• Gazette: PG residents get creative to get out of neighborhoods Some takin1 day ago

Other

• rt @MarkNewgent How bout rollback of sales tx? RT @GovernorOMalley: Help small biz hit hard by this week's storms by shopping & eating at.. 

Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (11 Feb 2010)

Washington Post (County police reports, generally for January 25 -January 31, and municipal police reports which may cover earlier and later dates)

Gazette:

• County Police, Districts 1-6 (February 1 - February 7) 
• Weekly list of county murders
  
• Greenbelt
• Laurel

Mount Ranier (February 2-3, 8-9, 9-10, 10)

Police Press Releases (February 4 - February 10) Crime mapping

• 02/09/2010 Travel Advisory / Snow Removal Activity (2673)
• 02/10/2010 Police Investigate Homicide on 55th Place (2674)

Sheriff's News Releases (None posted since 7 Aug 2009)

See also three non-official sites with more user-friendly interfaces than the official site:

• Crime Blotter 
• Crime Reports (does not seem to show recent homicides)
• Murder in Maryland, Washington, DC, and beyond

Recent Prince George's County News (11 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• PGPolice: Police Investigate Homicide on 55th Place (2674) http://bit.ly/90d2Kg 
• Post: A man was shot and killed Tuesday in the Riverdale area of Prince George's County http://bit.ly/c3OjX8 

2010 Election

• rt @TeamRonMiller Was interviewed yesterday for an article about black Tea Party activists http://bit.ly/cGBST6
• Gazette: Record crime lows demonstrate hard work by county police (Letter from Karen Bune) http://bit.ly/bHG8gs
• Gazette:Two county men indicted in home invasions; Police say suspects viciously beat and robbed victims http://bit.ly/9mQDlE 

Education

• Gazette: School officials unsure when to add school days; Students will need to make up for this week's snow closings http://bit.ly/cRrdrr 
• Gazette: Grasmick to propose waiving 180-day rule for state schools http://bit.ly/bXBAFa 

Other

• SouthLaurelNews: PG County Snow & Ice Control FAQ Find If Your Street is County-Maintained Get A PG County St. Plowed http://bit.ly/cLyvuT 
• wtop: Roof collapses at Smithsonian warehouse in Md. http://bit.ly/ceLnsM 
• rt @WBJonline Despite snow and recession, Gaylord National Resort revenue up http://bit.ly/aZAEME 
• rt @WBJonline Last chance to nominate a WBJ Minority Business Leader. Deadline is Feb. 12. http://bit.ly/c7kUE8 
• Post: Prince George's Exec Johnson says snow removal getting easier http://bit.ly/9oaRoI 
• Post: Pr. George's Exec: Move cars, don't threaten snow plowers http://bit.ly/9B59WF 
• Post: Snow removal workers threatened in Prince George's, official says (southern area, outside the Beltway) http://bit.ly/a8LFV6
• Gazette: ‘They remind people of how things were'; Upcoming summit to address threats to region's historic tobacco barns http://bit.ly/diFQpY 
• Post: Public works spending rises with snow piles; Towns and cities expect to exceed snow removal budgets http://bit.ly/ace19x 
• Gazette: Hyattsville City Council split on BB&T building renovations; City seeks reallocation of YMCA grant money ... http://bit.ly/cuV654 
• Gazette: City officials not sold on secondhand goods store; Some worry new business could contribute to area crime http://bit.ly/a3iLGF 

Recent Prince George's County News (10 Feb 2010)

• rt @wbjsarah Home sales up in Prince George's, Montgomery County in January http://ow.ly/162GB 
• rt @DCAbloob RT@smithsonian Roof collapses at Smithsonian warehouse (Silver Hill Rd) No artifacts damaged. No injuries. http://bit.ly/cnXhhs 
• PGCounty: COUNTY GOVERNMENT CLOSED WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 With the exception of public safety employees (2241) http://bit.ly/caUs0C 
• PGCounty: COUNTY EXECUTIVE, GOVERNOR GIVE UPDATE ON SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS (2239) http://bit.ly/apsrLQ 
• rt @WTOP Md. Senate Prez (Sen. Miller, D-27) blasts Annapolis storm clean-up http://bit.ly/dAr8kG 
• PGPolice: Travel Advisory / Snow Removal Activity (2673) http://bit.ly/a31j8p 

Recent Prince George's County News (9 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• Sun: State police snow stats: The most vehicles stored by troopers were in PG County, where 33 vehicles were towed away http://bit.ly/aFZrXE 
• MarketWire: Information Builders Helps PGPD Fight Crime; Crime Fighting Technology Helps Deploy Officers More Effic ... http://bit.ly/bnwPf8 
• Albany Times Union: Man who witnessed mother's killing (in PG, see http://bit.ly/cJ4sI8) faces attempted murder charge http://bit.ly/cfrJcO 
• Examiner: Two men found dead in car in Bladensburg ,,, police believe carbon monoxide poisoning killed ... http://bit.ly/cYoETt 
• Gazette: Getting there is half the battle for emergency personnel; Snow-covered roads pose challenges for public saf .. http://bit.ly/bjCyyk 

2010 Election

• Post: In Prince George's, candidate Baker picks up a snow shovel http://bit.ly/bF3Csy
• rt @lamarthorpe http://www.actblue.com/page/thorpeformdstatedelegate/ http://fb.me/5EfUQXE

Other Politics

• rt @marylandmoment Prince George's cancels Tuesday Council session due to snow: http://bit.ly/dsnXxV 

Education

• Gazette: PG County high school sports schedule on hold; ... it's uncertain when games will resume http://bit.ly/aChzKY 
• rt @wusa9 Schools closed all week: Anne Arundel Co, Frederick Co MD, Montgomery Co, Prince George's Co, ...

Other

• WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATION ANNOUNCEMENT - PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY COUNCIL SESSION AND JOINT PUBLIC HEARING http://bit.ly/bwhpJl 
• Post: Prince George's health officials warn: Shovel snow at your own risk http://bit.ly/diUgGp 

Recent Prince George's County News (8 Feb 2010)

• Does PG County government speak with forked tongue? http://bit.ly/bl3FbV 
• COUNTY IS STILL IN STATE OF EMERGENCY http://bit.ly/doBvky 
• PG government hypocrisy continues: County tells residents to stay home, not drive, but tells employees to be at work at their normal time

2010 General Assembly

• rt @MDNews_WTOP Md. bill would have voters approve tax hikes http://bit.ly/da9B3x 

Other Politics

• rt @MarkNewgent MD's climate report paid for and written by climate activists based on flawed IPCC... http://bit.ly/dsiN8L 
• rt @MarkNewgent IPCC claims collapsing under weight of it's own fraud... http://bit.ly/cC9Yjb 

Education

• rt @McKMeg Prince George's County Schools closed tomorrow. 

Other

• Post: Prince George's proposes new historic designation list; "more than 130 properties" http://bit.ly/cectYV 
• rt @postmetro Former Montgomery County executive Doug Duncan's name has surfaced as a possible #Metro chief: http://bit.ly/d6VcVx
• Prince George’s County Snow Operations Update http://bit.ly/aXstH5

PG government hypocrisy continues

County tells residents to stay home, not drive, but tells employees to be at work at their normal time.

Does PG County government speak with forked tongue?

On Friday, February 5, County Executive Johnson declared a state of emergency, see the county's Press Update e-mailed at 3:07 pm on February 6 (but not posted on the county's press release page).

... Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson declared a State-of-Emergency, which went into effect yesterday.  In a State-of-Emergency delcaration, motorists should not drive or park on snow emergency routes or they are subject to a ticket and fine....

 Also the relevant Washington Post report.

On Sunday, February 7, the Gazette reported that a county spokesperson

"discouraged residents from driving until local states of emergency are lifted. She added that as plow drivers continue to work, the mere presence of motorists on roads can make their jobs more difficult.

"People were still out and they were still driving [Saturday], and trucks can't maneuver around the people," Hubbard said. "There's no reason that anybody should be going anywhere." ...

The county web site has no indication that the state of emergency has been lifted.   Although I regularly receive e-mails with county press releases (as above), I have not received any e-mail from the county saying the state of emergency has been lifted.  A search of Google news brings up various reports of the state of emergency, but no report that it has ended.

Nevertheless, the county government announced on Sunday, February 7, that

"The Prince George’s County government will be open Monday, February 8, 2010.  Liberal leave policies are in effect except for essential personnel.  All essential personnel to report to work at the normal time."

So, the county government is open, at least some people are required to show up for work, but at the same time, the county does not want people out on the roads and driving.

Do as I say, not as I do???

Recent Prince George's County News (7 Feb 2010)

• rt @marylandmoment Baker organizes PG volunteers to help clear the snow: In the wake of the monumental snow storm, ... http://bit.ly/a2jSZ0 
• Post: MD, VA jurisdictions may increase bus fares; PG officials did not return calls about fare increases or service... http://bit.ly/atOfRb 
• Post: O'Malley pledges budget fix for Prince George's (Wayne Curry, potential O'Malley challenger, in front row) http://bit.ly/bkPMCW 
• North College Park Informant: Not Signing Off Quite Yet.... http://bit.ly/a3ul84 
• Post: P.G. struggles to clear roads http://bit.ly/bT1u00
• Gazette: Snowstorm leaves thousands in Prince George's without power ... 12,000 households without power http://bit.ly/czjYJA 
• Post: Loss of federal sponsor hobbles D.C. area auto theft team (US Marshals pulled out, crippling program) http://bit.ly/9XsHmC 
• @pgpolitics Messages from PG-Politics and PrinceGeorges_Discussion lists are linked here. Should I add PGPublicEd? pgpolitics@gmail.com 

Recent Prince George's County News (6 Feb 2010)

• Gazette: Housing, Military eyed for Prince George's move; County continues effort to land MD department headquarters http://bit.ly/bNzGyF 
• WTOP: Doug Duncan interested in being Metro head http://bit.ly/cv3w3j 
• BaltBizJrnl: MD bill aims to solve great milk crate caper; 5 arrested in PG in 2009 for stealing $10 million in crates http://bit.ly/cfHoLF

Recent Prince George's County News (5 Feb 2010)

• rt @PG_South Grand jury indicts Suitland woman on attempted murder charge in allegedly trying to cut out woma ..: http://tinyurl.com/y9hsxd5 
• Gazette: Football legislation inflames athletic directors; Bill could mandate in-state matchups (Del. Jay Walker, D-26) http://bit.ly/dCKoyj 
• rt @CNSmd Gov. Martin O'Malley met with Prince George's County delegation Friday and heard concerns about the budget, job creation.
• rt @marylandmoment O'Malley's budget cut 44% of state's average costs for snow removal & cut snow aid to locals by 95% http://bit.ly/cGCzd0 

Recent Prince George's County News (4 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• Post: Woman accused of slashing open pregnant woman indicted on attempted murder charge http://bit.ly/8ZXgMu 
• rt @PGSentinel Crime Watch for Feb. 4 - http://shar.es/aNald 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Critical Missing Person Located http://bit.ly/acHCFS 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Robbery Suspect ID Needed - Panda Express, Brandywine http://bit.ly/cAOS5K
• Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (3 Feb 2010) http://bit.ly/9q4ekO
• Gazette: District 5 welcomes commander; New Maj. Craig Howard hopes to partner with recently developed communities http://bit.ly/9QXrgC
• Gazette: State criticized by Del. Vallario (D-27A) over ignoring sex offender evaluation law http://bit.ly/aMiOQJ

2010 Election

• PGSentinel:Sheriff candidate Darryl Morgan weighs in on tough questions (Note: Sentinel could not reach candidate Wood) http://bit.ly/amyawv 
• rt @lamarthorpe For those who didn't catch the update today: It''s Official! I'm a candidate for a 47th Dist. seat in MD: http://ow.ly/141Ks
• rt @lamarthorpe LAMAR A. THORPE JOINS RACE FOR 47TH DISTRICT DELEGATE SEAT http://fb.me/52pZ6j0 

2010 General Assembly

• rt @ABC7News MD Lawmaker Raises Shot Down : http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw702945 
• Gazette: State politicians discuss 2010 legislative projects; Bowie business leaders meet with state representatives http://bit.ly/aGdMYy 

Other Politics

• rt @DCAbloob RT @marylandmoment: Md. Dems complain to FCC about Ehrlich: The MD Democratic Party filed a complaint.. http://bit.ly/dlIkLw 
• Gazette: Sen. Miller (D-27) hints at retirement after next term; Senate president has been in office since 1971 http://bit.ly/b5Nsww.

Education

• Gazette: Thinking outside the boxes; Hite's boundary changes may do more than level enrollment, they could level aca .. http://bit.ly/byB4yt 
• Gazette: School board seeks help for boundaries; Schools solicit opinion regarding borders proposal http://bit.ly/cBar3l 
• rt @postmetro The story of a computer class with, ahem, no computers: http://bit.ly/90Wwdd 
• Post: Surrattsville High's computer class taught without computers http://bit.ly/9ILtvH 
• Gazette: School board picks new leaders; New leaders for academic and special education http://bit.ly/9kvr1J 

Other

• Gazette: County should focus on inner Beltway revitalization (Letter from Bradley E. Heard) http://bit.ly/agx5xz 
• Gazette: Intersections at Andrews aren't the only failing traffic issues (Letter from Donald Hirschfeld) http://bit.ly/dpvbF1 
• Gazette: Residents, activists call for more testing at landfill; ... meeting on alleged pollution at Brandywine site http://bit.ly/anhzrs 
• Gazette: Fire station elects first black female president (Landover Hills) http://bit.ly/cXNpWh 
• Gazette: Concrete batching plant clears hurdle; Circuit court upholds District Court approval; residents plan appeal http://bit.ly/ciepvX
• Gazette: Final public input meeting held on Route 450 plan; Combined retail, residential, new crosswalk signals, tra .. http://bit.ly/bHZlVH
• Gazette: Riverdale Park residents may get to ride U-Md. buses http://bit.ly/avKmI1
• rt @PGSentinel Hospital authority weighs future options for medical facilities - http://shar.es/aNahN 
• PGCoExec: Registration Required for Common Ownership Communities; Condos, Cooperatives and HOAs must filed by March 2 http://fwd4.me/ESy
• Gazette: Business leaders seek to tap into growing African markets; meeting sponsored by PG County Africa Trade Office http://bit.ly/buOYMo 
• Gazette: Snow-removal efforts dig deeper into budget; County used up allotted funds for cleanup in December http://bit.ly/aMg98o.

Recent Prince George's County Crime Reports (4 Feb 2010)

Washington Post (County police reports, generally for January 18 -January 24, and municipal police reports which may cover earlier and later dates)

Gazette:

• County Police, Districts 1-6 (January 25-January 31) 
• Weekly list of county murders
  
• Greenbelt  (January 20-January 27 )
• Laurel  (January 21-January 30 ) 

Mount Ranier (January 15-24, 25-28, 29-31, February 1)

Police Press Releases (January 28-February 2) Crime mapping

• 01/28/2010 Prince George's County Police Department Holds Promotional Ceremony (2668)
• 01/30/2010 Police Investigate Fatal Accident Involving Stolen Police Vehicle (2669)
• 02/01/2010 PGPD Investigate Homicide on Red Top Road (2670)
• 02/02/2010 Police Seek Assistance in Locating Critical Missing Person (2671)
• 02/03/2010 Critical Missing Person Located (Lewis) (2672)

Sheriff's News Releases (None posted since 7 Aug 2009)

See also three non-official sites with more user-friendly interfaces than the official site:

• Crime Blotter 
• Crime Reports (does not seem to show recent homicides)
• Murder in Maryland, Washington, DC, and beyond

Surrattsville High's computer class taught without computers

Surrattsville High's computer class taught without computers
Post, 4 Feb 2010 (Birnbaum)

Every day, students file into a computer class at Surrattsville High School that is taught without computers, without enough textbooks and with no permanent teacher.

The struggle to find a qualified computer teacher at the Prince George's County school, just a dozen miles from an education department that is investing millions in science and technology education, shows the basic problems that schools face even as reform rhetoric increases.

A teacher who was supposed to teach the computer technology class has been on extended medical leave, and the school system has had trouble finding a substitute with an adequate technology background, school officials said. Some of the 150 students in the course's six sections say they've had to teach themselves out of the book, but the classroom doesn't have enough books to go around.

"When I go to take the test, I basically go off prior knowledge," said Thomas Matthews, a junior in the year-long Information Systems class. Matthews took the class because he wants to be an engineer and design cars. "I just wanted to get more familiar with the technology," he said. "I wouldn't say I've learned anything in the class."

The class has had a long-term substitute since the beginning of the year. A qualified substitute taught the class for a few days in October but left for another job. Students spent the first quarter with computers, but no assignments or textbooks. Then the computers were removed because the substitute was unable to control the class and some students were damaging the equipment, students said.

Principal Kristi L. Holden said the computers were removed to protect the equipment. She also said the course could be taught without computers.

Textbooks arrived for the second quarter -- enough for classroom use, but not enough for students to take home -- and the substitute started giving assignments out of the book. But students say that the substitute never did any teaching.

The experience has frustrated parents and students.

"The students don't get a redo. This is it," said Thomas's mother, Wanda Matthews. "It's our job as educators, as parents, to make sure they get what they need the first time."

"I just think it was a waste of time," said Avery Jasper, a junior at the school who transferred out of the class last week. "I didn't learn anything. I didn't take anything from it."

Similar problems have plagued other Prince George's schools in recent years. During the 2007-08 school year, Largo High School had a long-term substitute Chinese teacher who didn't speak the language, and students in a computer graphics class never touched a keyboard.

On Tuesday, school officials said they have found a substitute teacher with a technology degree for the Surrattsville High class.

"He'll be placed in there next week," said William Barnes, director of the school system's high school consortium. Holden said the computers will be returned to the class next week, also.

Barnes said the course wasn't canceled at the beginning of the year because officials hadn't expected to have such a hard time finding another teacher. Once it became clear that there would be problems, Barnes said, it was already a quarter into the school year, and officials didn't want to reassign students' schedules, because doing so would "balloon" other classes.

Recent Prince George's County News (3 Feb 2010)

• rt @myfoxdc DUI Driver Involved in 2 Deaths Has Record: Beltsville woman - Previous record shows DUI Arrests http://bit.ly/cbXhxN 
• Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5) Rejects Proposal for Rejects Congressional Pay Freeze Until Budget Is Balanced http://bit.ly/bksPdY 
• EnvisionPrinceG: Study Shows Cell Phone Bans are Ineffective http://bit.ly/czxw56 
• Police Seek Assistance in Locating Critical Missing Person (2671) http://bit.ly/a5QgHc
• Critical Missing Person Located (Lewis) (2672) http://bit.ly/cJL6GA 
• wtop: Md. voters to decide on state constitutional convention http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1880076

Recent Prince George's County News (2 Feb 2010)

Public Safety

• rt @DCAbloob RT @wusa9: Police: Two Men Struck And Killed By Drunk Driver http://bit.ly/9EnjRT 
• Examiner: Promotions follow drop in P.G. crime http://bit.ly/cnJIPn 
• Examiner: Killer cop loses appeal (Keith Washington) http://bit.ly/cdcitl 
• Gazette: Man found dead Monday night in Chillum http://bit.ly/byr2DG 
• PGPolice: PGPD Investigate Homicide on Red Top Road (2670) http://bit.ly/dmpe5n 
• rt @ABC7News MSP Ordered to Turn Over Documents in "driving while Black" case http://clkurl.com/i.cfm/tw702131 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Police Seek Assistance in Locating Critical Missing Person http://bit.ly/buRfoP 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Suspect Wanted for Armed Robbery http://bit.ly/9tYclT 

2010 Election

• Examiner.com (J.Kitchen): Grade the Prince George's County Delegation http://tinyurl.com/mdlegislators 
• Post: Hogan won't run for Md. governor, clearing way for Ehrlich http://bit.ly/aEW9jM 
• rt @EnvisionPrinceG A Call for new State Senators http://envisionprincegeorges.org/blog/a-call-for-new-state-senetors/ 

Other Politics

• rt @matthewrnewman: "O'Malley out of touch, out of money...but will never run out of excuses." -Sen Alan Kittleman 

Other

• Post: 40 years after Earth Day; Anacostia River shows decades-long failure to improve water quality, ecosystem http://bit.ly/c5pyrq 
• Post: Crews from WSSC cleaning up sewage spill at Greenbriar Wastewater Pumping Station in Greenbelt http://bit.ly/bZqBTr
• rt @EnvisionPrinceG PG Criticized for Superblocks http://envisionprincegeorges.org/blog/prince-georges-criticized-for-superblocks/
• rt @EnvisionPrinceG Come to "Envision Prince George's 21st Cent. Town Mtg" Sat., March 20, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Throu ... http://bit.ly/bu93wc