Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—More than 700 children received Christmas gifts on Saturday, Dec. 17, at DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson’s 24th Annual Tree of Love. An army of smiling volunteers braved the chilly, rainy weather to be part of this year’s event, passing out presents during a drive-through at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. said the community event is one that he looks forward to every year as people in the community “adopt” needy children and young people for the holidays by fulfilling their wishes for requested Christmas gifts. “It’s about giving back and recognizing our community neighbors and…

STONECREST—District 3 City Councilwoman Alecia Washington took the oath of office during a public ceremony and celebration on Friday, Dec. 16. Washington was previously sworn in during a private ceremony by U.S. Federal Judge Eleanor Ross at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta on Nov. 17. At the community celebration, Washington thanked her family and supporters for her Nov. 8 election victory. She filled the unexpired term of Jazzmin Cobble, who stepped down and was elected mayor. Washington told supporters that she is eager to serve. She promised to push for improvements in District 3 including inviting residents…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Five people are facing charges of domestic terrorism, trespassing and other offenses after clashing with police at the site where the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center will be built in a heavily forested area in unincorporated DeKalb County. The protestors were ordered to be held in jail without bond during their first appearance court hearing, the DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said on Wednesday. “I strongly believe in the right to peacefully protest for what one believes is right and just,” Boston said. “However, I draw the line at violence, destruction of property, and threatening and causing harm…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson announces the operating schedule for the Christmas and New Year holidays at all tax office locations on Memorial Drive, Clairmont Road, and the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Customers are reminded that online service and kiosk options are available after business hours and on weekends year-round. Holiday schedule: Dec. 23, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Dec. 26 Dec. 30, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Jan. 2 “With the holiday season upon us, we are reminding customers that most property tax and motor vehicle services are available online…

ATLANTA –The MARTA board of directors recently recognized long-serving board members from Atlanta and Clayton County who stepped down or reached the end of their term and elected new board officers for 2023.  Atlanta board members Robbie Ashe and Reginald Snyder announced at the December board meeting that they will be stepping down from the board, and Clayton County member Roberta Abdul-Salaam’s term is ending, effective in January. Ashe, a former chair, served on the board for 12 years, Ms. Abdul-Salaam for seven, and Snyder for two.  “MARTA would not be the system is it today without the leadership and…

DECATUR, GA—On Saturday, Dec. 17, DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host the 3rd Annual Stuff the Bus Holiday Toy Drive to help provide toys to underserved children at Christmas. The event is open to anyone wanting to donate new, unwrapped toys to and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lots of two locations: Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, and the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. “Many residents have yet to recover from the financial hit their family took due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County will open warming centers for residents to use this weekend. Warming centers will be open in the following DeKalb County locations on Dec. 16, Dec. 17, and Dec. 18, beginning at 8 p.m.: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294 Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, GA 3034 Anyone staying in the warming centers must follow the county’s COVID-19 protocols that include wearing a mask, social distancing and…

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce held a Member Appreciation breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 14, closing out its monthly meetings for 2022 with every attendee sharing informative updates. The event was held at the Stone Manor Events Facility, located at 3113 Stone Mountain Street in the city of Lithonia. Members had a chance to pitch their businesses, professional backgrounds, share updates and network. Board President Gregory Williams and membership Chair Andrew Chamblin thanked members and guests and urged them to invite others to join the Chamber in 2023. After a months-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the Chamber is relaunching…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 13 approved a Video Surveillance Ordinance that will require convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system. “With the ongoing violence and crime DeKalb County is experiencing, particularly at gas and service stations, the approval of this ordinance couldn’t be more dire,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The ordinance will be a valuable tool in deterring crime and serving justice to anyone who engages in criminal activity at a DeKalb gas or service station.” Convenience stores and other high-risk businesses must be in compliance…

Congressman Hank Johnson’s office is inviting interested high school seniors in the Fourth Congressional District to apply for the $40,000 Future of STEM Scholars Initiative Scholarship. The program is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend an Historically Black College or University(HBCU). Applications will close on Jan. 31, 2023. The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) is a scholarship program for students who plan to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.) The American Chemistry Council has partnered alongside HBCU Week Foundation, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and Chemours to make the program possible. In addition to…