cosfobserver, Author at South Fulton Observer

Cedar Grove Community Launches Environmental Justice Initiative

30Jan

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Cedar Grove, Community

Cedar Grove Community Launches Environmental Justice Initiative

According to Eliese Fisher, president of the Cedar Grove Community Association (CGCA), the group is becoming “the force that our community needs.” For years, the association has provided information and taken action on a variety of issues facing its residents. This year, it’s tackling environmental justice. In a recent email to area residents, the association shared that the Cedar Grove community is currently facing a number of challenges that are having an immediate and potentially long-term effect on the health, safety and wellbeing of residents. According to the association, these challenges include warehouses, lack of preparedness for the effects of climate change and the Bishop Road landfill, which has been burning for months. While climate change has been a hot button topic at the n...

Reality TV Series to Follow Women of South Fulton’s Municipal Court

29Jan

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Courts, Entertainment, Government

Reality TV Series to Follow Women of South Fulton’s Municipal Court

Last June, the Atlanta Voice first shared the story of South Fulton’s municipal court, the first to be run exclusively by African-American women. The story and accompanying photo became a viral sensation and now a reality television series is in the making. Good Caper Content, the true crime programming division of ITV America, has inked an exclusive development deal with Chief Judge Tiffany Carter Sellers, solicitor LaDawn Jones and public defender Viveca Famber Powell. The series, tentatively titled “Women in Black,” will be executive produced by Kathryn Vaughan, Good Caper Content’s president. It will follow court cases and provide a glimpse into the women’s lives. “Being the first court run by all women, and the first court run by all African-Americans, gives us the unique opportunity...

South Fulton Takes Steps to Minimize Black Ice

29Jan

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Government

South Fulton Takes Steps to Minimize Black Ice

Members of the City of South Fulton’s Public Works Department and Jacobs Engineering are confident in their ice management plan. The city’s offices and facilities are closed today, but crews reported at 7:00 a.m. and have an ample supply of materials to address icing issues. Crews are monitoring four zones to ensure that priority roads are pretreated in advance of freezing temperatures expected this evening. Four sand spreaders are on standby. Operations and maintenance staff with an extended subcontractor will be on watch and ready to respond until the threat of inclement weather has passed. The mix of rain and snow expected is currently falling in the northern parts of Georgia. And while snow in South Fulton is unlikely, the city’s public works director does have concerns about black ic...

South Fulton: Library Event Lineup for February

27Jan

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Events, Libraries

South Fulton: Library Event Lineup for February

This February the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has scheduled a wide range of events at South Fulton libraries for patrons of all ages. Take advantage of free tax preparation assistance, GED study sessions, yoga, chess and coding classes for children and much more. This month marks the return of ONYXCON to Wolf Creek Library. Additionally, Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. and Urban Film Review will present a celebration of cinema and black history. GLADYS S. DENNARD AT SOUTH FULTON LIBRARY 4055 Flat Shoals Road, Union City, GA 30291 404.613.3092 Yoga Fridays at 12:00 p.m. Learn the power of yoga in relieving stress and the path to healthy living. Sessions for adults are led by Nikki Foster. Registration is not required. VITA Tax Preparation Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. T...

‘Skeleton Crew’ Opens Feb. 12 at Southwest Arts Center

23Jan

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Arts, Events

‘Skeleton Crew’ Opens Feb. 12 at Southwest Arts Center

True Colors Theatre Company's first production of 2019 is a timely one. Skeleton Crew, written by Dominique Morisseau, examines how government and the economy affects hardworking families from the perspective of characters living in Detroit. Auto plant workers Faye, Shanita, Dez and Reggie face harsh realities and hard decisions when the future of their employment becomes uncertain. The play mirrors the experience of many Americans today, and those who struggled through the Great Recession of the 2000s. The characters are played by Tonia Jackson (Faye), Enoch King (Reggie), Anthony Campbell (Dez) and Asia Howard (Shanita). Jackson, King and Campbell have appeared in True Colors' productions in the past. Skeleton Crew marks Howard's debut with the company. True Colors' production of Skele...

South Fulton Passes ‘Ban the Box’ Legislation

23Jan

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Government

South Fulton Passes ‘Ban the Box’ Legislation

The South Fulton City Council passed Ordinance 2019-004, its "Ban the Box" legislation, at the regular meeting on Jan. 22 with a vote of 6 to 1. Sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem and District 7 Councilman Mark Baker, the legislation prevents prospective city employees who have previously been convicted of a crime from being automatically disqualified during the selection process. The legislation does not prohibit the city's hiring managers from asking questions about an applicant's criminal history during the interview stage. Additionally, background checks will still be used to screen applicants where there is a statutory duty to do so. The legislation also extends to companies that enter into a contract with the city in the amount of $25,000 or more. It requires them to extend the same grace t...

Star-Studded Event Marks Official Opening of Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

17Jan

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Business, Food

Star-Studded Event Marks Official Opening of Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

Last Thursday, the stars shined a little brighter as South Fulton resident Gocha Hawkins celebrated the official grand opening of her upscale breakfast cafe, Gocha's Breakfast Bar. The star-studded event was co-hosted by Hennessy VSOP Privilege and featured some of the cafe's signature dishes, including shrimp and grits, "Krunch-Tastic" french toast, "Better Than Yo Momma" biscuits and candied maple bacon. Mayor William "Bill" Edwards, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker and Councilwomen Catherine Foster Rowell and Carmalitha Gumbs joined Hawkins for the ribbon cutting ceremony, as did South Fulton Chamber President Dyan Matthews and Merlin Knight, vice president of membership services. Other special guests included Rasheeda Frost ("Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta"), author Monyetta Shaw, Malaysia Pargo...

Bryant Re-Elected School Board President; Next Community Meeting Jan. 15

9Jan

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Government, Schools

Bryant Re-Elected School Board President; Next Community Meeting Jan. 15

The first official school board meeting of 2019 resulted in newly elected officers, with outgoing School Board President Linda Bryant being re-elected to the post for a two-year term. “It is my pleasure to continue as president of our school board, especially now when strong, steady leadership is needed,” said Bryant. “The board is charged with selecting the district’s next superintendent and this is our highest priority. We will soon be asking our community for input through a survey and seeking feedback through other channels.” Bryant, who represents District 4, joined the school board in 1993 and is in her seventh term of office. She represents areas in the City of South Fulton, as well as Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, Fairburn, Palmetto, Union City and southwest Atlanta. Brya...

Mayor Edwards Delivers First ‘State of the City’ Address of 2019

8Jan

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Government

Mayor Edwards Delivers First ‘State of the City’ Address of 2019

Earlier today, Mayor William “Bill” Edwards gave his first “State of the City” address of 2019 hosted by the Cascade Business and Merchants Association. He proudly announced that South Fulton is “successfully moving forward.” The mayor shared a long list of the city’s accomplishments, including the hiring of a permanent city manager and executive leadership team, the adoption of a $109 million budget, and the onboarding of 38 new police officers and 15 firefighters. Edwards celebrated the completion of the city’s transition away from the county, thanking county officials for their efforts in helping the city to get to where it is today. He also announced to loud applause that the city has repaid its $12 million tax anticipation note and is now debt free. During his address, Edwards ...

Councilwoman Gumbs Collects over 500 Dolls for Underserved Children

20Dec

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Community, Government

Councilwoman Gumbs Collects over 500 Dolls for Underserved Children

This year, more than 500 dolls were collected for underserved children at Bring Out the Dolls. Hosted by Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs and AIME, LLC Founder Tracy Rolle, the annual event rallies the South Fulton community around the “reason for the season.” The dolls will be distributed through a partnership with Help a Child America. “Knowing that you have made a child's Christmas a little brighter is one of the best gifts you can receive,” said Gumbs. “We are grateful to all of our partners and donors who make this annual event a success. The generosity and compassion shown by our community members are what make South Fulton a wonderful place to live.” Residents of South Fulton and neighboring municipalities joined Gumbs and Rolle at St. James Live! on December 12 for the “party with a ...

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