Atlanta

Atlanta’s Transportation Committee Looks into Ways to Improve the City’s Transportation Issues

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Atlanta’s Transportation Committee met on July 31 at City Hall to discuss the ongoing issues with transportation in the city. Members listened to various proposals including one to amend Article III, “General Rules of Vehicle Operation” section 150 of the code of ordinances. City Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd introduced this new legislation in hopes to regulate the use of motorized play vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.  The new ordinance would allow authorities to impose penalties to include fines of $1,000, to anyone who violates regulations that are directly related to the operation of, parking, stopping, standing, placing or maintaining any all terrain vehicles (ATV), or other motorized play vehicles. The $1,000 fine would be for first offenders. The second offense faces a $2,000 fine and possible vehicle seizure that includes certain stipulations.

City Councilman District 10, Clarence T. Martin says, “It’s a great start to generate a discussion,” and agrees that something should be done however, he is aware that there is a long way to go and many details to be ironed out before any rule changes can be made.

Atlanta is a growing city and will continue to grow. With that comes certain transportation issues that the city plans to deal with and make improvements on in order to accommodate the growth.

Aaron Watson, Councilmember Post 2 At-Large, embraces the transportation challenges Atlanta faces, and he loves his city. “We have a lot of cars. There are a lot of people who want to be here and it’s a great city. We love this city, we make it a great city so there’s going to be a lot of people wanting to get here and I can’t blame them for that,” Watson said.

The committee is also discussing the future use of rail cars and possibly expanding the MARTA system as ways to provide improvement.

 

Atlanta Community Food Bank Coordinates Cooking Classes

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Simple Abundance Cooking Classes are held a few times a year at the Cook’s Warehouse. Proceeds from the participating students support the community food bank.

On July 22, Simple Abundance welcomed Chef Chris Hall, of Muss & Turner’s; Local Three Kitchen Bar & Grill in Atlanta, who demonstrated how to prepare a full course meal that consisted of, White Gazpacho with Crab, Toasted Almonds and Basil. Next, the chef prepared Tybee Island Shrimp with Summer Squash Risotto, Arugula and Tomato Jam; for dessert a Summer Berry Trifle.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) was founded in 1979. It allots food to more than 600 non-profit agencies and serves families and individuals in 29 metro and North Georgia counties. It has been supporting different programs throughout the years. Atlanta’s Table is one of those programs which has operated under the ACFB.

Food distribution is the mission of the food bank. By partnering with the Cook’s Warehouse and Atlanta’s hospitality industry, the agency has adopted a unique way to not only raise funds but to bring the community together and allow them to learn cooking skills from some of the finest chef’s in Atlanta, through the Simple Abundance Cooking Classes. The chef’s selflessly donate his or her time because they support the cause and the mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

For more information about the class, contact the Atlanta Community Food Bank or you can register on line at www.acfb.org/simple-abundance-cooking-classes.

City Leaders Organize Rally for Justice and Change in Columbus, GA.

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In the wake of the death of young Trayvon Martin, the city of Columbus in Georgia was among 100 cities nationwide that rallied for justice on July 20. Neither rain nor heat was enough to keep hundreds of people from gathering at the Consolidated Government Building to support their community leaders and receive inspiration and motivation to ignite change for the current “Stand Your Ground Laws.”

Georgia supports a castle doctrine or law that essentially gives people the right to protect themselves with deadly force. The meaning of self-defense is different for each state that recognizes this law. What might be considered grounds for murder in one state just may turn out to be protecting one’s self interest in another. In the case of John White on August 9, 2006 in Long Island, NY the law failed.

The city leaders in Columbus, GA not only disagree with the George Zimmerman verdict but also disagree with the way the laws seemingly fail the African American community across the board. They are pushing to see the laws repealed so that there is true equality for all people of all races. In addition, the city leaders want to see significant growth in the number of registered voters and more organization within the African American community.  They are calling for a call-to-action.

Edward DuBose, NAACP Georgia State Conference President spoke at the rally.