Sponsoring sobriety: only Montgomery County

Apparently public drunkenness is a problem in MoCo — but don't worry, only in Long Branch, Takoma Park and Langley Park.

That's why the county took up the issue with an "inebriation prevention initiative," which called for the establishment of a "sobering center."

The program was in response to pleas for help from business owners in those areas, understandably concerned about the health of their businesses.

And today, the County Council committee will discuss the initiative’s progress at a Rockville meeting.

One of the committee’s findings: 96.3 percent of those taken to the sobering center (who otherwise would be taken to hospital emergency rooms) have been male.

Now, this initiative employs three case workers and operates 10 hours a day, six days a week. I’m all for preserving hospital ERs for those who are truly in need, but the “sobering center” has got to require a decent amount of funding.

Maybe 96.3 percent of the funding should be taken from the tax dollars of men in the target areas. Any takers?

-JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor

"I'm more enlightened!" "No, I am!"

Moco Exec Ike Leggett tells WMAL-AM radio that the reason Moco has embraced illegal immigrants (rather than withholding public services) is because of "enlightened leadership."

You can imagine that leaders in Prince William County, Va. — where legislators are "cracking down" on illegals — don't agree.

Red Maryland blog points to new laws in Arizona that discourage companies from hiring illegal immigrants; reports indicate many illegals have left the area for greener pastures.

Who's the winner here?

-JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor

Where everyone (at the designer-discount store) knows your name

A Filene’s Basement opened Wednesday morning in Columbia.

In yet another area where many of the residents seemingly can afford to pay full-price, the new designer-discount store will offer Ralph Lauren sweater sets and the like for just $29.99.

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Although it's been six years since I lived in Howard County, when I visit now, it looks like a rival sibling of a Montgomery County town.

You know what I mean — how you can't walk 25 yards without passing a Panera Bread or seeing a little kid decked out in Crocs.

It used to be a refuge, with less traffic, less development, less pressure, less people.

Anyone love the new Columbia?

-JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor

Montgomery menus

Undeterred by the legal setback of similar legislation in New York City, Montgomery County officials are moving forward with a proposed bill that would require chain restaurants to post nutritional information on menus.

For example, Ruby Tuesday locations in the county would be forced to disclose that its "Handcrafted Classic Cheeseburger" weighs in at a whopping 1,074 calories and 78 grams of fat.

The next step is a public hearing at the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Do you think the law should move forward?

—BEN MOOK, Assistant Business Editor