REGIONAL BRIEFING

MARYLAND

Foie Gras Upsets Takoma Park

The Takoma Park City Council unanimously approved a resolution recently to oppose the production and sale of foie gras, which is French for "fatty liver" and is produced by force-feeding geese and ducks. The resolution also encourages residents "to avoid supporting this extreme form of animal cruelty."

The move, a few weeks ago, came at the urging of Mayor Bruce Williams.

Animal rights advocates contend that ducks and geese used in foie gras production are treated inhumanely and that the dish should be outlawed.

A proposal in the Maryland legislature earlier this year sought to ban selling foie gras but died. Some chefs argued that the delicacy was safe and could not be replaced for those who enjoy it. The bill never went beyond a Senate committee.

At least six states have considered foie gras bans, but only California has outlawed it.

Williams said the Takoma Park council might consider prohibiting stores and restaurants within city limits from stocking foie gras.

-- Associated Press

Woman Gets 3 Years for Fraud

A 43-year-old bookkeeper was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from a Cub Scout pack and a PTA in Howard County, as well as from one of her firm's clients.

Angela E. Hiltz of Mount Airy was the volunteer treasurer of the Scout pack and the PTA, but instead of safeguarding their money, she stole $23,233 from the Scouts and $29,244.10 from the PTA, according to the U.S. attorney's office.