PIOs deem property crimes major concern

The Cobb County Police Department’s Public Information Unit held a media roundtable today at police headquarters in Marietta, Ga. that was attended by area journalists, police public information officers (PIOs) from several jurisdictions, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) representatives.

At center stage was getting breaking news information to media in a timely manner so the public can be informed on safety and security issues.

Chief Cox has been police chief for less than a year.

When asked how the department was doing adopting community policing recommendations made in a 2017 report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Cobb Police Chief Tim Cox said, “I think we’re doing real good. We’ve moved down that report rather well. Are we perfect? No... but I think we’ve made great strides, and we’ll continue to work on some of those issues.”

The recommendations said Cobb needed improvements in staffing, leadership, training, and employment diversity. Also, it identified the need to develop trust, transparency, and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community.

Glenn Daniel of the sheriff's office said he spends a lot of time on mugshot requests from media.

A GBI official, Nelly Miles, was in town and spoke at the Roundtable.

PIOs from multiple area police agencies were at Roundtable to answer questions.

Property crimes are more of a problem in our area and crimes against persons are rarities, according to officers who advised citizens to protect themselves in their homes. Property crimes include burglary, larceny, theft, arson, shoplifting and vandalism, according to Wikipedia.

Acworth and other jurisdictions are implementing Camera Connections whereby the police can log into home security systems and obtain surveillance video. Some believe that this will lead to the state having more access to private information. Others think that police having access to home surveillance systems is too intrusive, and it muddies "evidence" waters. 

PIO Delk said the best way for media to get info on breaking news is to use cellphone or social media portals.

When asked about the relationship between media and police being less about breaking news and ambulance chasing but more about investigation and analysis, PIO Sgt. Wayne Delk said the media’s main priority should be informing the public from timely information released by departments, filing public information requests or doing warrant searches.

Delk said he had no updated information on two officers accused of sexual improprieties last year.

Area PIOs were friendly and in a good mood hours after a reported officer involved shooting while a warrant was being served which happened earlier in the day when a suspected murderer was killed during a SWAT standoff.

Pic of the day...

In Marietta, Ga.

Ring captures UPS truck allegedly stolen in Atlanta suburb

Update: Police have confirmed that this truck was not stolen. The homeowner's Ring  camera captured two UPS employees working their route.

This is a Ring freeze frame photo from a surveillance camera courtesy of a homeowner who lives near Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

The video shows the UPS driver getting out of his truck and another person getting on the truck and driving away. The video has been given to police.

New immigrants meet Trump congratulations with silence

The tile floor in the room was a telling representation of the diversity of new citizens.

Right after 200+ immigrants took an oath to defend the Constitution in Metro Atlanta yesterday, there was complete silence after President Trump's recorded congratulations message was played on a TV monitor. Not once did Trump mention the United States.

After Trump talked badly about some immigrants, he then welcomes “legal” ones into the family.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/09/15/trump-new-citizen-welcome.cnn

"It was like hearing crickets," said one new citizen, remarking how quiet it was in the room after Trump's message.

Trump gave a very nationalist speech, saying that now, as Americans, immigrants have the same history and should have the same traditions, values, and ideals. He urged new citizens to "assimilate into our way of life."

 New citizens signing up to vote.

Immediately following the new citizen's ceremony, immigrants were asked to sign up to vote which is one of the main rights Americans in a democracy possess.

New citizens waiting to register to vote.

One elderly woman in a wheelchair only had to mark an X on her form to be eligible to vote.

April Walker of  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Atlanta said new citizens had made a choice to come here from over 31 countries.

Scenes from welcoming video montage shown at ceremony: "Faces of America."

To compare Pres. Obama’s welcoming message to Trump’s, go to https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/former-president-obamas-video-congratulating-newly-sworn-us-citizens/2017/09/15/f850a274-9a1c-11e7-af6a-6555caaeb8dc_video.html

Russians checking out my blog....

Just to let you know, 87% of my past week’s views have come from Russia. What’s up with that?

Everyone needs heroes.

Who was your childhood television hero?

As I watched an interview with Tom Hanks about his new movie where he channels Mr. Rogers in a peaceful neighborhood, I thought about the characters on TV from my childhood.

My favorite show was Mighty Mouse. I remember him saving female mice who were tied to railroad tracks by mean villains. 

Then there was Kingfish, Step-in-Fetchit, and Rochester. And Tonto and Popeye and Rocky and Bullwinkle and Captain Kangaroo. 

Those were the real glory days of television.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/18/walmart-shooting-several-wounded-attack-duncan-oklahoma/4228530002/

These were the shows which shaped my views of heroes, morality, and fantasy. Wonder how they did...

Racial groups mostly divided at Trump’s ATL events

Is there anything wrong with this picture?
(Attribution: Twitter)

President Trump and Vice President Pence appeared in prosperous Buckhead for a fundraising event Friday at the Whitley Hotel (formerly the Ritz Carlton) in Atlanta, meeting with the business community, and then showed up at the Ga. World Congress Center to kick off “Black Voices for Trump.”

Since I didn’t attend either event but signed up for the kickoff,  I’ve curious of what was said to both audiences. I can’t find what was said at the posh fundraiser, but have the link to the black audience event below.

Ironically, both crowds were not very ethnically diverse. Rich whites attended the first event, while a majority black group was at the second.

Just shows how economically divided the scenario turned out.

Just highlights the racial divide.

Would be nice if they could get their groups together by ending discrimination by race and class.

Or maybe make it a lot less politically noticeable.

CHECK IT OUT: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/watch-president-trump-speaks-at-black-voices-for-trump-launch.html

Pics of the day...

King County, Washington was named after MLK in 1986.

The county seat is Seattle, Washington.

The population of King County, known for its technology millionaires and billionaires, is 66.23% White, 16.55% Asian, and 6.17% Black. 

Discrimination and greed keeping non-whites, millennials, and poor from decent housing

Cracked concrete, tripping hazards and drainage issues can signal major problems with entrances, yards, and driveways that are sometimes covered up (camouflaged) by "flippers" who don't issue disclosures with listing documents.

If you're non-white and not knowledgeable about real estate, you can be easily conned into buying a money pit, i.e. bad real estate investment wrapped in a pretty package deemed a dream home. And discrimination cases are not easy to win if they go to court!

If you're employed but don't make enough money to afford at least a $600k house, you may not be able to obtain a decent, valued, accruing, real estate asset in America, so screw the dream of home ownership if you're not willing to do your homework!

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is not a good deal!

Sinkholes, trash pits, and inert waste landfills can be costly to correct.

Banks and investors are not in the business of making sure you don't buy a money pit. As a matter of fact, they probably hope you do so they can make more money off your mistake.

Rotting railroad tie walkways and steps can be dangerous and costly to removed and replace.

Buyer, beware when it comes to a house that has been "flipped" or a foreclosure because chances are that if the house is o.k., the land maybe a sinkhole which may require from $40k-100k or more to fix. 

Pine straw, hay, and leaves may cover up depressions in land and roots from trees, like water maples that can damage plumbing and foundations. Trees and overgrown bushes can harbor snakes and coyotes.

Trust me:  I learned the hard way which cost me $60k in repairs when I bought a property 25 years ago in Georgia but now am able to counsel you and my son on what not to buy during this "seller's" market.

But I'm not a realtor, the real estate salesmen who should be able to counsel you on such matters but often only wants to make a quick sale! 

Never fall in love with property. Real estate is an investment that you sometimes have to live in.  Ask yourself, what would another knowledgeable investor do?

Remember: you're not the real property owner unless there's no mortgage, and either way, you will be liable for repairs, codes, and taxes. When buying real estate, trust no one,  and please do your due diligence because you'll be indebted for a lifetime for bad judgment mistakes.

(Photos by Kurk Johnson)

If you fear housing discrimination, take a look at this:
https://www.democracynow.org/2019/10/22/keeanga_yamahtta_taylor_race_for_profit?fbclid=IwAR1Tbe7nmsTsaT8v-rORVfkt9zhg7XahN5syTOTfZTqAXZMQlaezLfClfDs

Pic of the day...

                                            From 2019 Vow Bridal Show, Atlanta, Ga.

Pic of the day...

Why does Trump’s base hate journalists? I took this pic outside grocery store in Marietta, Ga.

Microsoft partners with HBCU Connect to diversify Seattle workforce

Video:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tKi5v1ukU6M
A recruitment and networking event was held last night in downtown Atlanta which partnered HBCU Connect and Microsoft at Tech Square on Spring St.

The event focused on pairing Black professionals and HBCU grads with several Microsoft team members who are seeking qualified software developers and technology geeks to work in their headquarters in Redmond and Bellevue, Washington.

Even though many qualified technology professionals have jobs, they are always looking for better opportunities. One wonders what problems could be solved if all these folks started their own companies, but that takes money!

Will Moss, CEO of HBCU Connect headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, said it would be great if all the attendees could land jobs with Microsoft. It was unclear whether Microsoft is actually hiring or just needs to perform recruitment procedures to meet federal guidelines.


A large number of registered people didn't show up, but their resumes were put into a database that will be used to set up prospective interviews with Microsoft team members. Some Microsoft priorities included hiring workers to help on mobile mapping application projects and program management.

Some attendees were asked to write code to solve a specific problem.

According to some news reports, Seattle's black population is dwindling.  It also has a history of "whites only" housing covenants which segregated communities. Some say Seattle "was built for and by whites." https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/seattles-vanishing-black-community/

Team members say working at Microsoft is good for folks who want to affect millions of people with software they have developed, want to solve monumental problems, manage teams, brain storm, and work within flexible schedules.

"Be your authentic self." Diversity, inclusion, belonging are key monikers at Microsoft.

While talking about headquarters outside Seattle, one employee said there's not a huge population of African Americans in the area, but when you see them, it's a great feeling. 

"I really love the workplace where I don’t have to put on a 'hat' for anybody," said Cordell Jones. Business casual rules. He says employees are encouraged to be their truly authentic selves, and Microsoft is focused on diversity and inclusion.

When I asked about challenges that blacks at Microsoft face, the importance of mentorship ruled. The main challenge for African Americans at Microsoft as in any major corporation is getting hooked to a great mentor you can talk to. Even though every job has its frustrating moments, workers must be able to solve problems on teams manned by people with diverse skill sets from multiple cultures while continuing to support themselves and their families.

Employees say Microsoft is wide open with opportunities, and if you're not happy with one team after you're onboard, you can always transfer within the company which usually can take place after three years.

For more information, go to HBCUCONNECT.com

Vow! Bridal Show starts tomorrow in Atlanta

  

The 2019 Vow Bridal Show starts tomorrow and will feature 45 pages of exhibitors within America's Mart, Building 3 on John Portman Blvd. in downtown Atlanta. The show, which ends Thursday, is only open to registered wholesale members. 

It’s official: people are still falling in love, planning to get married, and are spending big dollars on gowns made in China, the US and beyond. The 2020 bride will look lovely in a gown or pants suit or whatever the designers have deemed excitingly romantic.

Bill and Lisa Stryker of Stryker Bridal Sales have everything bridal merchandiser’s need - from gowns, veils, bras, and bra cups.

Scott Gould of Kittychen Couture says he has a wide selection of dresses which he sells wholesale to Mart buyers.

Bilingual sales representatives and some fittings will be available.

For more information, go to:  https://www.americasmart.com/markets/vow-bridal-september/#/

Sublime horror: Climate change is destroying Mother Earth

Not even grass can thrive where shaved by man.

From the UN:

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme and greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is likely to surpass 3 degrees centigrade this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people are being affected the most.

Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies. The pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to renewable energy and a range of other measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts. Climate change, however, is a global challenge that does not respect national borders. It is an issue that requires solutions that need to be coordinated at the international level to help developing countries move toward a low-carbon economy.

To strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, countries adopted the Paris Agreement at the COP21 in Paris, which went into force in November of 2016. In the agreement, all countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees centigrade. As of April 2018, 175 parties had ratified the Paris Agreement and 10 developing countries had submitted their first iteration of their national adaptation plans for responding to climate change.

What can we do about it?
 https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Climate_Action_Support_Trends_2019.pd

Open letter to the police...

Dear Officers,

I know I have been openly critical of the police, but I just want to stop and comment a moment about how members of your profession have acted during very trying times this past week.

You will probably say that danger is never far from your minds, but with all the shootings, stabbings, houses being blown up, and civil unrest going on, regular folks like me have come to the realization that we really do need security and protection from hate-filled and organized perpetrators. 

The conundrum is that we are all humans, but some of us are very dangerous and up to no good. Whether this is happening because they had a bad family life, are mentally ill, are power hungry, or don't fear punishment, we still need to limit assault weapons which can kill and maim hundreds of people going about their daily lives.

We need to rehabilitate incarcerated persons and give them a way to live and options when released from prison walls. 

We need to change the dynamic and relationship between the police and the community.

I'm willing to take that step. This thank you, however, doesn’t in anyway condone police brutality. 

May blessings and safety follow you daily.

Tomi Johnson

White male wearing ball cap robs bank in Metro Atlanta

The Cobb County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a robbery by intimidation that occurred on Monday, August 5, 2019, at 4:40 p.m. The location of the incident was 2675 Windy Hill Road in Precinct Three.

Uniform officers responded to the Wells Fargo bank in reference to a robbery by intimidation. The suspect entered the bank and presented a demand note asking for currency. An undisclosed amount of cash was given to the suspect. The suspect fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40-50 years old, wearing a ball cap and glasses.

The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3945.