JuiceBlender: Federal Court Kills MoCo & Baltimore Abortion Laws, Police Union Referendum Rejected, More Costco Debate

Below Maryland Juice flags a few stories and updates you may have missed, starting with news coverage of a recent legal battle in the pro-choice vs. anti-abortion debate. Some of these controversies are not yet settled, so we'll let you know how they go (see below):

JUICE #1: FEDERAL COURT OVERTURNS MOCO & BALTIMORE REGULATION OF ANTI-CHOICE CLINICS - In 2010 the Montgomery County Council passed a law intending to prevent anti-abortion centers from providing misleading information to visitors. The law, which was proposed by former Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, required the centers to post signs noting that they did not employ staff with medical licenses and to therefore consider seeing a medical professional. Baltimore City around the same time also adopted a similar law. The Washington Post reports that a federal appellate court struck down both the MoCo and B'more laws (excerpt below):

MoCo JuiceBlender: Council Passes Ambulance Fee (Again), Lockheed Welfare Rejected, Wheaton COSTCO Update & More

Below Maryland Juice provides a mish-mosh of recent policy decisions from Montgomery County elected officials. Indeed, the political scene has been feisty in MoCo lately, as a number of proposed laws have generated controversy. The County's cable news show produced a segment outlining some of the changes. Watch the news segment and see our news round-up below:

TOMORROW: Montgomery County Council Debates Leggett's Controversial Corporate Welfare Plans for Lockheed & COSTCO

PLUS: Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez & Kensington Residents Sound Off

[ WATCH THE COUNTY COUNCIL SESSION LIVE ONLINE ]

CORPORATE WELFARE ON THE COUNCIL AGENDA: Tomorrow, the Montgomery County Council is taking up a package of budget items requested by County Executive Ike Leggett. Two readers flagged that at 10:20 am TOMORROW, the Councilmembers will be taking up items #62-63, labeled simply Economic Development and Economic Development Fund:

UPCOMING EVENTS: Democratic Rallies & Parties in MoCo, HoCo, PG, Talbot // PLUS: Dream Act & COSTCO Fundraisers

UPDATE: We've added two invitations to the event round-up below. The first is the Maryland Democratic Party's Gala next Monday. The second is Montgomery County's annual peace luncheon. Details below.

Here's a random blend of invitations to upcoming events that may be of interest to Democratic or politically agnostic Maryland Juice readers. With six months to go until the November General Election, it appears that Maryland Democrats are getting ready to fire up the base:

EVENT #1: PRINCE GEORGE'S DEMOCRATIC UNITY RALLY- THU 5/10

Please join the Cardin Campaign, Maryland Democratic Party and Obama For America for a Prince George's County Unity Rally as we show our support for President Obama and Team Maryland in 2012

Featuring:

• Senator Ben Cardin
• Senator Barbara Mikulski
• Comptroller Peter Franchot
• Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer
• Representative Donna Edwards
• County Executive Rushern Baker

Thursday, May 10th - 7:00pm
IBEW Local 26, 4371 Parliament Place, Lanham, MD
RSVP:  http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpstss

EVENT #2: MONTGOMERY DEMOCRATIC UNITY RALLY - MON 5/14

Montgomery County Unity Event: Please Attend. Show Your Support for Maryland Democrats

What - Montgomery County Unity Event with Gov. O'Malley, Sen Cardin, John Delaney and our Maryland Elected Officials
When - Monday, May 14th, 6-8PM
Where - Casey Community Center, 810 S. Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg MD

RSVP: https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpb33l

EVENT #3: IMPACT SILVER SPRING BASKETBALL WITH DOUG GANSLER - SAT 5/5

Community leaders, elected officials, beverage company representatives, Silver Spring families and others will gather for an afternoon of fun and some lighthearted competition this Saturday, May 5, as IMPACT Silver Spring, Maryland soft drink bottlers and the American Beverage Association (ABA) come together to host a local celebrity basketball game!

The Maryland non-alcoholic beverage companies will also announce a partnership with IMPACT Silver Spring to expand athletic programs and promote the importance of a healthy, balanced and active lifestyle.  The Washington GreenHawks will be on hand to entertain the crowd and take to the court for some basketball action. All attendees can enter a free drawing to win an iPod Touch!

When:            Saturday, May 5, 2012,  2-4 PM (3:30 PM  Program)

Who:              Ronnie Galvin, IMPACT Silver Spring
                       Seth Goldman, Honest Tea
                       Doug Gansler, Maryland Attorney General
                       Long Branch Athletic Assocation youth participants
                       Local community leaders          
                       Representatives of Maryland soft drink companies and the ABA
                       Washington GreenHawks

Where:          Long Branch Community Center Gymnasium
                      8700 Piney Branch Road
                      Silver Spring, MD 20901

Join us earlier in the day for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation's annual Long Branch Unity Festival!

EVENT #4: MOCO DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE SPRING BALL - SAT 5/12

Attend the Annual Spring Ball And Awards Gala

The Annual Spring Ball is our most important fund-raiser. The money goes to support Democratic ideals and candidates in Montgomery County. You can help by donating unique items for the Silent Auction. Jewelry, wine, spa treatments or other glamorous items always do well!

You can also help by buying and placing an ad of congratulations, recognition or thanks in the Spring Ball Program. Most of all, you can help by attending. Remember: First Pay – First Seating basis.

Click Here to RSVP

When: Saturday May 12, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center 5701 Marinelli Road, Rockville 20852.
What: A fabulous evening of fun: A Reception, Both Live and Silent Auctions, Dinner and Dancing 

Amount: $100 per ticket.

EVENT #5: DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF TALBOT COUNTY W/ WENDY ROSEN - WED 5/16

EASTON STAR DEMOCRAT:  Wendy Rosen, the Democratic nominee for the 1st District Congressional seat, is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. May 16 at Londonderry Retirement Community on Port Street.

The Democratic Women's Club of Talbot County meeting is open to the public. Rosen is challenging incumbent Congressman Andy Harris, R-Md.-1st.

Lunch will follow a question and answer session with Rosen. Lunch reservations are recommended and are available until May 7 through Natalie Caccia at 410-822-4812....

EVENT #6: YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF MD ANNUAL FUNDRAISER W/ MIKE MILLER  - SAT 5/5

SAT 5/4 from 2-4 pm: Join us at the 4th Annual Blue State Bash fundraiser in support of the Young Democrats of Maryland as we continue our hard work across the state to engage young voters and elect Democrats. This year’s Blue State Bash will be held in Howard County at the home of Delegate Guy Guzzone.

We're pleased to share that Senate President Mike Miller will be our keynote speaker, so we know we'll be in good company. We hope to see you there!

Individual tickets are $30 and can be purchased online via http://ydmaryland.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=747

EVENT #7: DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR DREAM ACT DEFENSE - SAT 5/5 

CASA Dream Act Fundraiser

Friday 5/4 - 9:00pm until 2:30am

COCOCABANA BAR & GRILL

2031 University Boulevard East, Hyattsville, MD 20783

What is the DREAM Act? Maryland’s new in-state tuition law, or the “Maryland Dream Act” as it is often called, allows a specific category of students to qualify for in-state tuition at any two-year community college or four-year university in the state of Maryland regardless of their immigration status.

• http://www.casademaryland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1368
• http://www.educatingmarylandkids.org/

This fundraising event will be the Biggest Latin Social Dance in the area of MD, DC, & VA. Where everyone is welcome to be part of a great community where the main purspose is to make an impact with our future generation and to support those that are already part of the DREAM.

We will have a lot information for you about CASA's work with the community and the DREAM Act. Also, dancing lessons, special shows, and performances through the whole night!

Workshops and times:
Bachata foundation: 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm w/ Yulio & Autumn
Bachata inter/Adv: 9:30 pm - 10:00 pm w/ Yulio & Autumn

Latin Social Dance: 10:00 pm - 3:00 am

Yulio's TBR Entertainment will be keeping you on the dance floor all night long with the hottest Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha-Cha, and more...

Shows Program:

11 pm Salsa performance w/ Omario & Margarite from the "SALSA PROJECT VA MD DC"
Slideshow photos and videos...
Presenting the DREAMERS...
12 am Bachata performance w/Yulio & Serena
Speech from one of the Maryland Dreamers

DONATION:
$10.00 minimum voluntary donation

EVENT #8: KENSINGTON COSTCO LEGAL DEFENSE DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER  - SAT 5/5 

SUBJECT: Westfield Wheaton Costco Gas KHCA Legal Defense Dance Party

Juice, it would be great if you could give the event below a little promo. After three years of doing battle with billion-dollar bullies, we need all the help we can get. For more information, check out our YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SouGIX5uiDc
 
You are invited to a Dance Party at Kenmont Swim and Tennis Club!

Members and non-members are invited!

This Saturday May 5, 2012 - 7:30pm

The Kensington Heights Civic Association (KHCA) is sponsoring a Dance Party to raise funds to support the opposition to the Costco mega gas station proposed for Westfield Wheaton

$15 donation requested/$5 for children
in the Kenmont Clubhouse (2900 Faulkner Drive, Kensington)

Refreshments and good dance music provided; you supply the fun! This event is open to all (Kenmont membership not required), so bring your friends and family!

RSVP (so KHCA knows how many to expect) to Karen Cordry, karenc425@aol.com

EVENT #9: MARYLAND DEMOCRATIC PARTY GALA MON 5/7

VIP Reception 6:00 PM

General Reception 6:30 PM

Dinner 7:00 PM

Martins Crosswinds
7400 Greenway Center Drive
Greenbelt, MD 20770

RSVP

EVENT #10: ANNUAL MONTGOMERY COUNTY PEACE LUNCHEON  - SAT 5/19

Don’t miss Montgomery County’s annual Peace Luncheon, Sat., May 19, 11:30 a.m.  RSVP today at info@peaceactionmc.org.

Keynote speaker: the fabulous David Swanson, who will inspire you and give you hope and energy for our long struggle for peace.

Delicious Middle Eastern food, great speaker—and all to benefit two terrific organizations, one that provides services for rural Afghan women, the Afghan Women’s Fund (www.afghanwomensfund.org) and the other the national office of Peace Action (www.peace-action.org). We will present  the Maryland Peace Maker Awards, and the amazing MoCo Peace Players will make an appearance.

Suggested donation: $25 (includes lunch).

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville. Directions here:  http://www.uucr.org/directions.php 

Everyone is invited, but please be sure to RSVP to info@peaceactionmc.org so that the organizers can ensure enough food for everyone!

Sponsored by Peace Action Montgomery, the UUCR Social Justice Committee, and Pax Christi.