The

CITIZENS REVIEW
September 2004
live in and the names of your representatives, learn about candidates and much more.

Vol. 20

Newsletter of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, Inc.

Voter Apathy at Alarming Highs in Summer Vote

Democracy Is Not A Spectator Sport
Nevertheless the majority of registered voters did not participate in the summer elections. Voter turnout at Jackson School was about 30% for the July 20 Primary and Special Election compared to a citywide turnout of 30.65%. Turnout at Jackson was 18% for the August 10 Runoff Election compared to an overall turnout of only 17.31%. Its not surprising that Secretary of State Cathy Cox asked this unsettling question: Was there an election today? The lack of voter participation is perplexing. Even so, we will continue to provide information on future elections with the expectation that more citizens will become engaged. The General Election will be held on November 2. The ballot will include elections for President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, State House of Representatives, District Attorney, Clerk of Superior Court, Solicitor General, Fulton County Sheriff, Fulton County Tax Commissioner, and Surveyor. The ballot will contain Constitutional Amendments and other questions.

October 4 Deadline to register to vote November 2 General Election (7AM to 7PM) November 23 Runoff (if necessary)

Apathetic Voters Need Prodding

By ROBERT TRIM Cobb County Political Consultant

I am a campaign consultantone of the many people responsible for the telephone calls, advertisements and mailers that I hear so many complaints about. If the whiners have a better method of reaching voters, let me know. The fact is, potential voters don't come to forums and rarely attend neighborhood socials to meet candidates. The majority never even bother to vote. State and legislative races are seen as a low priority and not worth the time. Voters can't be bothered. Worse, many only bother to vote for canIf you cant get to the polls on November 2, there are other didates at the top of the ticket when they do feel so moved opportunities to cast a ballot. You can vote absentee by to go to the polls. Unfortunately, this cavalier, uninformed picking up absentee ballot applications at the Country attitude is just the problem we in politics are trying to overStore, the fire station at the corner of come. It is the local politician who Northside and West Conway, the truly affects your drive to work, your public library on Northside Parkway, classroom size or your tax bill. These or online (see below). You can also positions don't pay much, and although vote early (advance voting without a they are called part time, they don't reason) from October 25 through Ocend when the legislative session is P GO DEM tober 29 from 8:30AM to 5:00PM at over. Folks, if you are going to register the Fulton County Government Cento vote, I would hope that you would ter, 141 Pryor St. (404-730-7020) or want to be educated about the issues the North Annex at 7741 Roswell Rd. Your support is appreciated... and candidates you have to choose (770-551-7676). On October 30 and from. As for the complaints about November 1 you can go to one of the campaign literature and telephone government centers above to vote but this calls, maybe if more people would absentee on the spot; however, you choose to become engaged in the pois the must give a reason why you cant litical process, less indirect contact vote on November 2. You can go only poll would be needed. The problem with online (myfultoncountyga.us or politics and government is the same as that sos.state.ga.us) to register to vote, education. We have citizens who can't request an absentee ballot application, be bothered to skip Starbucks one day counts! view a sample ballot in midto go vote, but always have time to September, find out what district you complain. Get over it and go vote.

Ratepayers Will Get Help from Penny Sales Tax

BY CLAIR MULLER Atlanta City Council Member, District 8

I am sure everyone is aware that the City of Atlanta raised the rates for water/sewer service in January of this year. The increased rates were necessary to pay for a huge sewer upgrade mandated by the Federal courts after Atlanta was sued for violation of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Atlanta plan, estimated to cost over $3 Billion, must be completed by 2014. The rates approved in January estimated increases of 45% in 2004, 45% in 2005, 11% in 2006, 11% in 2007 and 11% in 2008. These increases are huge. Atlanta has been lobbying diligently for Federal grants to help offset them. Boston, San Diego and other cities have received Federal funds for sewer fixes and we are hoping Atlanta can also receive grants. Unfortunately, as of January, we had only received about $2 Million in Federal grants and rates had to be put in place to continue the program and avoid delays and fines such as the fines placed on Atlanta in the 1990s. Atlanta lobbyists were told many times in Washington that our Georgia delegation expected the City of Atlanta to increase rates prior to consideration of Federal grants. We also heard many times that our Georgian delegation expected the passage of a sales tax like the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) that Columbus, Georgia passed to pay for their sewer upgrades in the 1990s. Unfortunately, a SPLOST must be put on the ballot by a county (Columbus-Muscogee is a consolidated government so did not have this problem) and Fulton County refused to allow the question to be put on the ballot for the voters. Atlanta, with bipartisan help, was able to get the General Assembly to approve a new kind of sales tax, a MOST (Municipal Option Sales Tax), which could be put on the ballot by a city for the voters to approve. The MOST legislation from the General Assembly specified that Atlanta could put the question on the ballot to add a penny to the sales tax for a period of four yearsbut it could be renewed by the voters. Only two additional four-year periods could be authorized by referendum under this new law, for a total of twelve years. (NOTEthe school sales tax will expire June 30, 2006 so the City of Atlanta will be at the 8 cent sales tax level for only 21 months. The Atlanta Public School administration says that they will not try to get their penny renewed by the voters.) It was estimated that if Atlanta could levy a penny sales tax for sewers, that approximately 40% of the tax collected would come from visitors or workers who do not live in Atlanta. On July 20, 2004, the question of adding a penny sales tax was approved by the voters of Atlanta by 75% to 25%. The increase in the sales tax goes into effect in October, 2004. The City will not receive its first check from the State of Georgia until mid-December. The new rates for 2005 will be adopted by the Council in early December, which means that we will not have any sales tax history upon which to rely. The sales tax will be factored into a rate adjustment using conservative forecasts performed for us by Georgia State Universitys Fiscal Research Center. What this means is that we dont know right now how much we can reduce the next increasebut it will be reduced.

Due to the tiered rate structure, the 2004 rate represented a weighted average increase of 38.7% over 2003. When we first started pursuing the sales tax, it was estimated that the next increase of 37% in 2005 could be reduced to a 10% increase with the implementation of the sales tax. Now we are hearing even better news. Based upon the sales tax revenue forecasts from Georgia State and the projections of a consulting engineer who conducted a financial feasibility study of the system, the 2005 rate increase could actually be cut to around 3.5%. The rates adopted earlier this year also included increases programmed for 2006, 2007 and 2008, although these rate increases were substantially lower than those for 2004 and 2005. The actual rates needed for those years will be determined later, but clearly the sales tax will reduce the need for these increases substantially; how much will depend on actual tax collections. Grants that Atlanta might receive from Washington would also be used in future years to take down the increases. So hopefully increases like the 2004 increase will not be seen again. Although we will be able to give substantial rate increase relief in 2005, there are several proposals pending that may be factored into the rate for 2005. We are studying the issue of whether residential buildings on single meters are treated fairly with the new rates because individual units do not have the opportunity to get a lower rate by conservation. There is another proposal held in committee that would give a greater discount to low-income seniors. There is also a proposal to remove the minimum charge for water. Any of these proposals, if approved, could influence the manner in which the rate increase will affect individual water system customers.

Outdoor Watering Restrictions

Fulton County residents must water according to their address, in accordance with the Drought Management Plan of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The plan eases outdoor watering restrictions Fulton had in place for residents in unincorporated areas, by eliminating the time-of-day limits. Residents with even-numbered addresses can water on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. No watering is allowed on Friday. Exceptions include any water use necessary for business purposes, such as professional landscaping, irrigation contractors, nurseries and garden centers, and commercial car washes. Watering violations should be reported to the Fulton County TELL line at 404-730-TELL. Violations of restrictions can result in fines up to $1000. For more information on the water restrictions and exemptions, call 404-730-7400. For the state water conservation plan, check the website of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at www.ganet.org/dnr/environ

Whats At Stake? Parks, Parks and More Parks!

BY CEASAR C. MITCHELL

Atlanta City Council Member, Post 1 At-Large

as the best way to enhance investment in existing greenspace, expand the number of public parks, and ensure a consistent commitment to greenspace management. Fundamental to this new approach would be the creation of a sustainable public-private partnership. However, the proposal was met with considerable resistance by the City Council for various reasons which included both substantive and technical objections. The impetus for the disagreement between the Council and the Mayor actually originates with a state law that only allows the state legislature to create a quasi-governmental authority, even if such entity has purely a local purpose. The park authority legislation as initially drafted included several appointments by state officials to the park authority board, and no such appointments by the Atlanta City Council. Many Council Members felt that, beyond being dubious policy, the creation of a park authority was essentially a landand powergrab on the part of State government. Other Council Members, including myself, while having some concerns regarding the role of State government, did not ascribe purely untoward motives to the drafters of the park legislation. We objected on the grounds that the creation of an Authority for the purpose of owning, controlling, managing and expanding our parks is a policy issue of seismic proportions, and as such should be the subject of extensive education, discussion, input and debate on both the City Council and neighborhood level. Plus, there were simply too many unanswered questions and unexplored options. For example, is a park authority necessary, or would a parks foundation or citywide conservancy suffice? Could we utilize the Atlanta Development Authority or the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority to accomplish the same purpose? Would a business enterprise or special revenue fund within city government meet our needs? Needless to say, the Council sent a clear message by flatly rejecting the proposal as being at least premature, even over the Mayors veto. But should the half-baked discussion have ended in an apparent stalemate? Absolutely not. As policy makers we owe the citizens of Atlanta much more than the spectacle of uninformed diatribe. We are obligated to hear the arguments, understand the issues, ask the right questions, and devise opportunity-based policy. Plus, we must include citizens in the process. Toward this end, I convened a number of neighborhood activists, government officials and business leaders to take a trip to Chicago in order to learn more about park authorities first hand. My goal was to resuscitate the policy discussion related to our parks in a manner indicative of Atlantas collaborative and inclusive spirit. Just recently, this same group, which has become a steering committee of sorts, met to begin the process of devising a plan of action for engaging City Council and the community in a productive parks discussion. This group has committed to work aggressively over the next several months to take this issue to the people. I predict that this groups efforts will prove useful as we create concrete measures and methods for better managing and expanding our citys greenspace. The stakes are high. Cleaner air, clearer streams and higher quality parks for Atlantas citizens all weigh in the balance. So stay tuned. Great Parks: Good Medicine For Youth second in seriesnext issue of Citizens Review

First article in a three-part series As a young boy growing up in Atlanta, parks were central to my existence. Parks were spaces where organized sports provided me with physical activity, a sense of teamwork, and a feeling of accomplishment. Parks were also the places where I swam in public pools almost every other day during the summer Tucson Park on the west side and Candler Park on the east side. Oh the joy! During the Ceasar C Mitchell by Jenny Boone school year, West Manor Park and Recreation Center was my babysitter from 3:00PMto 6:00PM. My father was an Atlanta Police officer and my mother was an Atlanta Public Schools teacher. Both were dedicated to their calling, and neither was reluctant to go the extra mile for the citizens they served. That meant long days for them. So West Manor Park was my parents best friend. Parks activities kept me and my brother engaged, away from the negative influence of the streets, and safe from mortal harm. They were at the center of my world as a youth. As an adult, parks still are important to me as they are a place to congregate with family, be entertained, and engage in physical activity. Atlanta has a number of great parks and recreation centers. But as Atlanta continues to grow, we must commit to making a greater investment in these public assets, and initiate a plan to create more of them. Atlanta ranks near the bottom tier of comparable cities in terms of the greenspace amount reserved for parks. From an environmental standpoint, Atlanta has been designated as a nonattainment area by the Environmental Protection Area. Also, it is painfully clear that we remain squarely in the crosshairs of our clean water obligations. Further, our Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has an annual budget of approximately $10 million dedicated specifically to the maintenance and operations of our parks and recreation centers. Compared to the City of Chicagos Park Authority with an annual budget of nearly $350 million, our entire general fund budget of just over $450 million appears laughable in comparison. There must be a better way. In 2002, Mayor Shirley Franklin astutely convened a wellintentioned group of greenspace experts and business leaders to evaluate and make recommendations to improve our citys parks. This group recommended the creation of a park authority

Neighborhood Briefs
HelpWanted
To design a new Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Associations Website or maintain the current site through www.neighborhoodlink.com/atlanta/mountparan If you are interested in helping with this worthwhile neighborhood project, and having a lot of fun, please email It can be what you make it!

Update 1175 West Conway

We reported in June on the ecological disaster that occurred at 1175 West Conway in February. The Civic Association had formed a Task Force (Alan Leet, Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Brenda Smith) to work with the City to address this troubling situation and to investigate how it was allowed to ever occur. We believe that the property owner has violated a number of city ordinances and state law, and created an environmentally and structurally dangerous situation by bringing hundreds of truckloads of gravel on to the property to elevate and widen a driveway. The Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission has ordered recompense in the amount of $49,320, and the City is pursuing other legal action against the property owner. Councilwoman Clair Muller is working diligently on our behalf to encourage the responsible City departments to compel the property owner to remediate this property. However, the wheels of the legal system are turning very slowly. Our Task Force is concerned that this situation is doing environmental damage each day it is allowed to continue. We are hopeful that the City will act with the appropriate degree of urgency, and that we will be kept advised of the status of this matter so we can then share that information with the neighborhood. We hope to have some good news shortly or we will be requesting community wide involvement as we seek to have this property restored. Laws were violated leading to the massive destruction of trees and property in our neighborhood, and we want to ensure that it does not happen again.

City Continues Expansion of Recycling Program

The Department Public Works continues expanding its curbside recycling program. Mixed paper is the latest addition. Residents can now recycle magazines and catalogs, junk mail, office paper and envelopes, telephone directories, boxboard. Residents are asked to put mixed paper in a large envelope or brown craft paper grocery bag to keep it separated from newspaper. Please be sure that your recycling bin is covered before putting it on the street. Newspapers and other debris blown by the wind from bins that are left uncovered regularly "trashes" the neighborhood.

Northside Youth Organization

Signup for NYO Girls Fastpitch Softball and Boys Baseball is the first week of November and the first of December at the Dowis Building. Call (404) 256-1483 for specific days and times.

Why Did the Swans Cross the Road?

By Susan Smith

Swans by Susan Smith

My husband, Jay, purchased a pair of white mute swans two years ago as a thirtieth anniversary present for me. They have successfully and happily lived on the lake behind our house on Harris Trail. I know many of you have

They cannot fly. So they must have walked the 1/4 mile through the homes on Harris Valley and onto the lake. We have no idea why they would leave since they are being fed here. We wanted to alert the neighbors that they do walk across streets as they cannot fly. Please do not feed them in the hopes that hunger will bring them back to us. They are used to people but are not entirely tame. They are not viscous and won't attack anyone. Swans sometimes have that reputation. They may be looking for a nesting site. If they make nest it would be a four-foot square patch of messy pine straw on the ground. We would want to know if they have made a nest. We are told we could grab their eggs and bring the pair home. This would probably keep them home. The biggest risk to them would be dogs, foxes, coyotes and large snapping turtles. The female was almost killed last year by a thirty-pound turtle that we captured. We miss them terribly, and just ask that people leave them alone, don't feed them, until they decide to come home. Please contact us with any news or concerns about them (or any ideas on this weird behavior). If we get them home and you ever see them wandering, please shoo them back across the street to us. Call me at (

enjoyed watching them from our street. For the second time in a month, they have wandered off and have taken up temporary residence in the Klaus/Kuranoff lake at the end of Monte Carlo. A year ago, they were spotted in that lake, but apparently returned home on their own. We didn't know where they had been. Last month they disappeared again, and after talking to several neighbors, we got a tip about their new temporary residence. They had been gone about a week. We captured them with great difficulty, at our expense. They were thin but healthy and hungry. We brought them home and fattened them up (we feed them daily). But nowa month laterthey are gone again.

September 2004

The Crime Report

The Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association produces this public safety report for the benefit of our neighborhood. If you see suspicious activity, or are the victim of a crime, call 911 and then report the details for this newsletter to our Security Patrol (404)310-7361 or Jo Ann Rau (

Security Patrol Activity

During the months of May through August, Officers Doug Cole and Jim Hendrix

Security Patrol Information

The Mt. Paran Security Patrol is a neighborhood-funded patrol staffed by retired Atlanta police officers. The officers patrol our neighborhood and the Randall Mill Civic Association neighborhood Monday through Friday and additional weekend hours as crime patterns dictate. The patrol checks doors and windows daily while you are out of town and picks up newspapers. The fee to join the patrol is $150 a year and covers the time period from January 1 to December 31. The fee for new residents will be pro-rated. Subscribers receive a mailbox decal, telephone stickers and access to the security hotline as well as daily surveillance of your house and property. For information on joining, or to meet the patrol officers, call (404)310-7361. Be sure to leave a message during off-duty hours and either Officer Cole or Officer Hendrix will call you back.

Logged 5808 miles patrolling our neighborhood Made 2236 house checks for traveling subscribers Responded to 61 alarm calls Investigated 18 suspicious persons or autos Investigated 3 break-ins (house under construction) Investigated 2 incidents of vandalism Investigated 1 incident of larceny Found 2 open doors

May: Someone threw a large rock into the rear window of a parked car on Davis Drive. June: For about two weeks neighbors on several different streets reported seeing a bobcat (lynx). The owner who lives off West Paces Ferry Road eventually captured the animal. Three nude males were reported ringing doorbells in the early morning hours on Broadland Road. They disappeared by the time police arrived. July: Burglary on Harris Glen while homeowners were out of town. A front bedroom window was broken out. Some items were reported missing but there are no suspects. Burglary on Regency Road (off Randall Mill) around 11:30 AM. The rear window of house was smashed in but nothing of value was taken. A neighborhood workman saw the suspect leave in a green Toyota truck with GA plates 553 ZLG. The truck was stolen out of Cobb County. August: Burglary on Sentinel Post Road before Noon. A window was broken out of the sunroom on the side of the house. The perpetrator then broke out a window in a French door to gain entry to the house. The homeowner arrived home to find the truck described above in the driveway with the motor running. After turning off the alarm, the homeowner was confronted by a black male who ran from the
Continued on Page 2Crime Report

More Crime News: Know the law about teen curfew

Security Patrol Activity
Continued from Page 1 Crime Report

City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances

ARTICLE V. OFFENSES BY AND AGAINST MINORS
Sec. 106-227. Curfew--Authorized. It is unlawful for any minor 16 years of age or younger to loiter, wander, stroll or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places, vacant lots or any place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority to be at such places between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on any day and 6:00 a.m. of the following day; however, on Fridays and Saturdays, the effective hours are between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of the following day; and provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply in the following instances: (1) When a minor is accompanied by such minor's parent, guardian or other adult person having the lawful care and custody of the minor. (2) When the minor is upon an emergency errand directed by such minor's parent or guardian or other adult person having the lawful care and custody of such minor. (3) When the minor is returning directly home from a school activity, entertainment, recreational activity or dance. (4) When the minor is returning directly home from lawful employment that makes it necessary to be in the places referenced in this section during the proscribed period of time. (5) When the minor is attending or traveling directly to or from an activity involving the exercise of first amendment rights of free speech, freedom of assembly or free exercise of religion. (6) When the minor is in a motor vehicle with parental consent for normal travel, with interstate travel through the city, excepted in all cases from the curfew. (Code 1977, 17-7002) Sec. 106-228. Same--Responsibility of parents. (a) Generally. It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian or other person having custody or control of any child 16 years of age or younger to permit or by insufficient control to allow such child to be in or upon the public streets or any other places listed in section 106-92 within the city between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on any day and 6:00 a.m. the following day, or on Fridays and Saturdays, between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. the following day, except in circumstances set out in subsections (1) through (6) of section 106-192. (b) Violation. Upon conviction of violation of this section for the first time, a person shall be given a warning citation. Upon further convictions, a person shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 and costs, or imprisonment in the city jail for not more than 60 days, or work on the public streets or work on the public works of the city for not more than 60 days, or be subject to any one or more of the punishments, subject to all limitations contained in the Charter of the city. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. (Code 1977, 17-7003)

scene and sped away. The homeowner gave chase but the suspect got away. Chattahoochee river park off of Whitewater Creek Road: A woman walking her dog along the river around 8:30AM encountered a black male rummaging through her car when she returned to the parking lot. She turned the dog loose and the perpetrator ran to his vehicle and sped away. The vehicle is described as a black pickup truck with a silver toolbox in the back. There is a yellow scrape mark on the passenger side. This is the second time the woman has encountered this man in the parking area. City of Atlanta police have made the park rangers aware of these incidents. Update: According to the Mt. Paran Security Patrol, during the last week of August the Roswell police captured the suspect described in the burglaries above while he was burglarizing another house. They also recovered the stolen Toyota truck. Atlanta police detectives are working with Roswell police and expect to clear the burglaries that occurred in this area.

If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft Call:

Equifax1-800-525-6285 Experian1-888-397-3742 Trans Union1-800-680-7289

More Crime News: Be Careful Now, Not Sorry Later

The Neighborhood Handyman
By JAMES J. SCAVO, ESQ.

Only the Latest New Scam

A friend was called from VISA, and his wife was called the next day from MasterCard. The scam works like this: The person calling says, "This is <name>, and I'm with the Security/Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by <name> bank. Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona? When you say "No", the caller says, "Then, well be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company weve been watching, and the charges are always just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (tells you your address), is that correct?" You say, "Yes." The caller continues..."I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control #. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number and asks you to repeat it back to him. Here's the important part of how the scam works. The caller then says he needs to verify that you are in possession of your card. He'll ask you to turn your card over and look for some numbers. He says, "There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are the last four of your card number and the next 3 are the 'Security Numbers' that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. "Read me the 3 numbers." After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "Thats correct. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No" the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back, goodbye." You actually say very little, and they never ask for, or tell you, the card number. But after my friend was called, he called the 1-800 number on his card within 20 minutes to ask a question. Is he glad he did! The real VISA Security Department told him it was all a scam and that a new purchase of $497.99 was charged on his card in the last 15 minutes! The moral: Never tell anyone your credit card security numbers on the phone.

You look around your house and it looks pretty good but some freshening up would help. There is a knock on the door. Before you is an individual telling you that they are prepared to perform "handyman work," including painting. The question is, do you hire them or not? Perhaps the best advice to be given about painting your house or getting work done is to stay away from the "knock on the door" contractor and deal only with reputable companies, including those referred by or associated with established businesses such as Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. home improvement divisions. This is not to recommend any particular company. But to proceed outside established channels can be risky. Before you decide to allow the individual knocking on your door to perform work for you, you should seek to find out if the contractor has any references. Do you know anything about the background of the individual(s) who have asked to do work at your house? Have they had issues with others for whom they have performed services? The best approach is to speak to several references. Ask the contractor for references at his last several jobs performed in the neighborhood, together with names and phone numbers of those for whom the jobs were performed. Then, consider whether the individual who is asking to do work in your house has business licenses to perform the work they are being asked to do. Also, consider whether they are insured in the event they cause an accident on your property. Even with the above said, if you determine to hire the people who knock on your door, carefully consider the question of any advance payment. For example, it is not unusual for a contractor who is hired after a knock on the door to request an advance payment for "materials." It is foolish to provide money directly to the contractor. While Georgia law makes it a crime for a contractor to divert money paid to them for materials from one job to another, nevertheless, criminal prosecution on this point may not get you your money back, get the job done, and certainly is not time-effective. So, if you decide to hire someone who knocks on your door and they need money for materials and you subsequently decide to advance the money, at least never advance it directly to them. Instead, have them go to the paint store, etc. and have the paint store representative etc. contact you directly with the supplies to be purchased and the amount to be paid. Then pay the paint store directly by credit card, avoiding the money sifting through the hands of the contractor. Even at that point, however, remember the contractor has the supplies and you are hoping they return to your house with them. Assuming the contractor returns to the house with the purchased supplies (your chances of having this happen are better if they have a job that they expect to get paid for), the next question becomes future payment of the contractor for services rendered. It is ill-advised to let one of these contractors knocking on your door get out in front of you on payment. Frankly, it is best to avoid advancing a fraction of the payment equal to the fraction of work done. It is always better to hold money back to assure they return, complete the job and complete it satisfactorily. Remember also that people who you have invited into your house or onto your property to perform a service have opportunity to do harm. Theft is possible. It is foolish to give the contractor keys to the house or allow open access throughout your house. Confining contractors to selected areas while you are present is your best policy. Keep an eye open for things that may be missing (from jewelry to license plates off your car). Unless you catch them in the act that which they take with them when they leave the property, may never return.

Fire Side Chat

By CAPTAIN KEITH SCHUMACHER FIRE STATION #27 B-SHIFT, 4260 NORTHSIDE DRIVE

A big thank you to those in our community who supported the 2004 Atlanta Fire-Rescue Boot Drive. City-wide efforts brought in over $90,000 which was divided between the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (www.GFBF.org). The Sickle Cell Foundation (www.SickleCellAtlaGa.org) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.MDA.org). We are still seeking vacant buildings and houses that are scheduled for demolition in the Northwest Buckhead area. These houses are an excellent chance for your firefighters to practice rescues and firefighting tactics. If you know of any house that is about to be razed, please let us know. As always, please feel free to stop by and see us. We are here to serve you and it is nice to spend some time with our customers when there is not an emergency. Take care and STAY SAFE!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to keep you informed about what is going on at Station #27 and within your fire-rescue department. We are continuing to have some very positive changes. You may notice some dramatic change in our uniforms. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin has implemented very positive changes in our uniform policy. We have introduced the use of shorts, polo type shirts and detail (tee) shirts with the daily Class C uniform. This brings us more in line with other fire service agencies nationwide. These uniform changes have caused a dramatic improvement in morale and are more practical and functional for fire rescue work. Also, all members must now wear the official Atlanta Fire-Rescue identification while on duty. These changes will also result in a cost savings to the citizens of Atlanta. Recently, a camera crew from the Fire and Emergency Television Network spent time with Engine #27. FETN is available by satellite to fire departments nationwide for training and up to date technical information. FETN was here to produce a special presentation on the use of our Hose Tender truck and the special considerations of firefighting in the types of homes in our community. The FETN crew was able to get footage of several long driveways, bridges, gated properties and large homes. One homeowner was nice enough to let us take video inside of her home, under construction. This was an excellent opportunity to point out many of the considerations that are not found in most common homes. The program should air in October on FETN. Atlanta Fire-Rescue broadcasts programming on Comcast channel #20 within the city limits of Atlanta. This channel is primarily used for training directed at the on duty personnel in the fire stations. Due to agreements with FETN, the signal is scrambled to homes when FETN is being broadcast to the stations (sorry). Each day from 7AM to 9AM, and again from 4PM to midnight, programming on AFD-TV 20 is directed toward you, our customer. These programs are intended to keep you informed of what is going on within our department. Mr. Dana Wright is our Cable Programming Manager and he does an excellent job with his very limited budget. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin even has his own show where he explains the latest news from Headquarters. Please tune in to AFD-TV 20 and check us out. We encourage those who use electric security gates to invest in an emergency access rapid entry system. Valuable time can be lost while a security gate locks out emergency crews. For information about the system that we use, visit www.knoxbox.com Snakes alive ... No, really! The beautiful Mt. Paran-Northside community is the perfect environment for many of our slithering friends. Recently, a resident came to Station #27 seeking to identify a snake that he had caught in his yard. Upon opening a foam cooler, the snake was immediately identified as a copperhead. The copperhead is a venomous pit viper, which can inflict an extremely painful and damaging bite. They are very common in this area. A local snake expert was contacted who responded and collected the snake. Please do not try to catch or kill a snake if you do not know what you are doing. For more information, visit www.reptileeducation.com

Get Prepared for Emergencies

By ANN LUKENS

I am a neighbor on Musket Ridge. I am very involved with our Metro Atlanta American Red Cross. I am a disaster team member who responds to local emergencies such as home fires, storm and tornado damage, flooding, etc., and a community disaster Education speaker. Please pass along the message that September is National Preparedness Month. We are encouraging families to make their home safety and emergency plans, prepare a kit with emergency supplies, and practice these plans with their families. House fires are the number one disaster for which Red Cross is called, and far too often people are injured or killed because their home safety equipment did not work properly or there wasn't any. People are also frequently killed or injured because they go back into a burning building to rescue someone else, without knowing that person was already safe. I have seen this many times in our local area, in homes and apartments ranging from the very poor to the very rich, and it is always tragic. The American Red Cross website www.redcross.org has downloadable brochures in multiple languages for people to use as guides in their planning. Open the website and select the bar that says "Together We Prepare". You'll find links to many different brochures. For those who have physical limitations or are older, the "Emergency Checklist for People with Mobility Problems" is especially helpful. There is also a very good brochure specifically on disaster planning for homes with pets. For any group of neighbors, schools, PTA's, churches, businesses or other organizations, the metro Red Cross can provide a community disaster education speaker to present a seminar on preparedness planning and answer questions, as well as demonstrate sample emergency and preparedness kits. We try to prepare each presentation to meet the specific needs of the group; for example employees or residents of high rise buildings, families with small children, tornado season, etc. First Aid and CPR classes are available on a regular basis at the Chapter. If you would like further information on any of these services or about the Red Cross in general, call (404) 846-8794 or email me at

More Neighborhood Briefs

Poll Workers Needed for North Fulton Precincts
Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections needs more poll workers, especially in the northern part of the county. Upcoming elections include the November 2 General Election, and the November 23 General Election runoff (if needed). Poll workers must be county residents; at least 16 years old; and able to read, write and speak English. Also, attendance at a training class is required before the election. The election workday begins at 6AM and ends about 8:30PM. A clerk earns $100, an assistant manager earns $120, a provisional manager earns $120, and a chief manager earns $190. If interested call 404-730-7020.

Our Neighborhood Hosts 2004 Christmas House

The 2004 Christmas House, an annual benefit for the Childrens Alliance Theatre, is located at 979 Crest Valley Drive. A new home built for Mr. & Mrs. Bob Faircloth, designed by Harrison Design Associates, the house will be open for touring from November 20 until December 12. The Preview Party will be Friday, November 19. Closed Mondays and Thanksgiving Day, the hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00AM5:00PM, Tuesday evening 6:00PM 8:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM5:00PM and Sunday 1:00PM 5PM. Parking will be at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Advance tickets are $12.50, and $15.00 at the door. Please support the Childrens Alliance Theatre with your patronage or by volunteering at this years Christmas House. For more information, email Jan Coton at jancoton@ aol.com

Looking for a Special Volunteering Experience...

The Georgia Holocaust Commission, in conjunction with the KSU Foundation and Kennesaw State University, has brought to Georgia the internationally acclaimed, award winning exhibition Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. This important free exhibit, attracting school children as far away as Alabama, is accepting applications for volunteers and docents. For further information please call (678)797-2083. Esther Margol

Events and Activities at Chastain Horse Park

The Third Annual 24 Carrot Gold Dinner, a gourmet sensation prepared by six of Atlantas premier Executive Chefs will be at the Chastain Horse Park Clubhouse Friday, October 1 at 6:30PM. Benefiting Chastains therapeutic riding programs for students with physical and mental disabilities and children-at-risk, this Dinner continues to serve a higher purpose than to leave long-lasting memories. Executive Chefs participating are Jamie Adams of Veni Vidi Vici, Gary Mennie of Canoe, Richard Blais of Bazzaar, Julie Busch of dick and harrys, Tom McEachern of Horseradish Grill, and Joshua Perkins of Brasserie LeCoze. Space is limited to 88 guests. For more information, call (404) 893-5738. Save the date for Miracles Happen V, a black tie/blue jean affair to be held on Saturday, March 19, 2005. Chastain Horse Park wishes to express its deep appreciation to the many neighbors who have supported our programs by contributing to the horse parks annual fund. We have been installing the brass plaques on our fence line at the Powers Ferry and W. Wieuca Road intersection, and we hope to see many more over the next several months. Please stop by and take a look! For information on putting your name on the fence line, please contact Kathy Farrington at (404) 252-4244 ext 32.

Have Fun While Supporting Your Firefighters

If you are a golfer or businessperson who would like to support the firefighters of metro Atlanta, please consider sponsoring or playing in the Fifth Annual Fire Emerald Society Golf Classic. The FESMA Classic will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at Wolf Creek Golf Club. $65 per player includes lunch. This fundraising event helps FESMA continue their work of taking care of firefighters and their families. For more information email www.FireEmeraldSociety.com about playing, sponsorship opportunities and team applications. Captain Keith Schumacher

Great Food, Fine Wine and an Evening of Fun

Spend an Evening in Brittany at the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, October 15 to benefit the Atlanta Chapter of the March of Dimes. Event Chairperson, and The Highlands neighbor, Debbi Scarborough has planned the event around four Master Chefs from the Brittany region that Delta Air Lines will be bringing to specially prepare chosen courses. The evening will also feature both a fabulous live and silent auction hosted by WXIAs Wes Sarginson. Guenter Seeger will be this years recipient of the Culinary Salute. This salute annually honors an outstanding citizen who has displayed distinguished leadership and devoted service to the Culinary Community. For Tickets & Sponsorship information: contact Tracy Wilbanks, The March of Dimes, 404-350-9800 ext. 221; ticket prices begin at $250. Debbi Scarborough

In Memoriam
We are saddened by the recent deaths of two members of the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association board of directors. Bob Hurst served as president in 1995 and 1996. Claus Halle was elected to the board in 2000. We will miss these two fine community leaders and offer our sincere condolences to their families on behalf of the Mt. ParanNorthside neighborhood. Editors note: special thanks to all the contributors in this issue. Email with ideas, events, tips and photos for the next issue of The Citizens Review.

Oh, Where Have All the Illegal Signs Gone?

By Mary Louise Floyd Board of Directors, Keep Atlanta Beautiful

September heralds the first of aggressive new measures that will improve Atlantas quality of life. Illegal signage in the public right-of-way will become a punishable crime. This summer District 6 Councilmember Anne Fauver authored legislation that fines violators $100 per sign or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five days. A violator is defined as the primary beneficiary of a sign. A sign is defined as any handbill, poster, paper or written communication, and public right-of-way means the area within ten feet of public streets and sidewalks. This law applies to signs affixed to utility poles as well as signs staked into the ground. This amendment to City Code 138-13 was unanimously approved by City Council and Mayor Franklin. Councilmember Fauver sponsored this legislation as a response to the public outcry against the proliferation of these signs in Atlanta. Earning the pejoratives of street spam, vertical litter, and bandit signs, these signs are major contributors to the visible pollution blighting Atlantaindeed, the American landscape. As innocuous as a lost doggie or estate sale sign may seem, its presence on a utility pole or staked into the right-of-way invites more signage. In addition, these signs are potentially dangerous distractions to drivers. Like me, there are many civic-minded Atlantans who snarl and grow fangs and claws when they see these signs. Access Steve Gowers webpage Watching the Neighborhood to learn how he leads Midtown against illegal signage. Peggy Denby, a fellow Keep Atlanta Beautiful Board Member, boasts a sign-free Ponce de Leon and environs because of her aggressive efforts. Chris Touchstone makes a daily 5AM sweep in the LindbergPiedmont Road area. In our neighborhood, there are Carol and Paul Muldawer, who remove scores of signs weekly. We give our tacit approval of these signs when we do nothing to remove them from the right-of-way on our property and from the utility poles on our property. Is it too much to ask that we

call the violators and inform them of the law? If you need encouragement, put street spam into Google and read how citizens nationwide are working with local governments to de-spam their communities. On a broader scale, you ask, what does illegal signage have to do with green space, the concern de jour? A lot. In the long run (which really is not so long when you consider the population growth in Atlanta and major U.S. metros), we need communal green space before the next generation asks, Why didnt you? Our leaders are forward-thinking: Mayor Franklin has said that she is committed to parks and civic pride as ways to improve Atlantas quality of life, Councilmember Lamar Willis took the graffiti bull by the horns and conquered it with cogent legislation, Former Govenor Roy Barnes green space initiative awarded Atlanta $5.4 million to save disappearing landscapes, and the Arthur Blank Family Foundation has pledged $7.6 million in 26 grants for parks and green space inside I-285. But what soothing escape from the hurly-burly of city-pace is green space if it is littered with commercial signage? One questions the meaning of green space if it is bestrewn with the black, white, and offensive multi-colors of signage. Thanks to Anne Fauver, this issue now looks to law enforcementand our citizen-level on-going commitment. Councilmember-at-Large Mary Norwood has a host of projects underway that are aimed specifically at improving Atlantas quality of life, among which is her SUPERB Project. She remains our major tour de force in her indefatigable energy, multitasking intelligence, and undaunted commitment to A Better Atlanta Is a Cleaner and Safer Atlanta. Keep Atlanta Beautiful seeks to work with City Council, Atlanta law enforcement, the Department of Transportation, public and private schools, and corporate and non-profit enterprises in accomplishing longterm, systemic and sustainable solutions to Atlantas visible pollution. Through education, ownership, and enforcement, we aim to create a city-wide attitude of Wow! Thats MY city! Stay tuned and become involved. You WILL see commitments made manifest in a cleaner, more beautiful Atlanta. Contact me if you want to become involved. Floyd3@mindspring.com

Meet Lisa Borders Our New City Council President

Nearly 100 neighbors attended a June event on Garmon Road to meet Lisa Borders, candidate for Atlanta City Council President. In a field of four candidates, Lisa made the runoff with the most votes. She won the August runoff election by 1229 votes! Lisa possesses a strong business background along with a unique combination of focus, vision and leadership qualities. We wish her great success as she strives to meet the many challenges that lie ahead.
Lisa Borders in each photo with neighbors by Sheldon Schlegman

September Gardening Tips

By PIKE FAMILY NURSERIES

Help Needed to Update Database

There are 946 homes in our association database, and 573 paid members. Membership Chair Debbie Goot depends on current members to help keep her informed and the database up to date. If you see new homes being built or have new neighbors moving onto your street, please take a minute to introduce yourself and get contact information to send to Debbie Goot at Shell send them a welcome to the neighborhood letter with information about our Association and Security Patrol. If you are not a current member and would like to join, send $25 to the Mt. ParanNorthside Citizens Association, with the form below. The Association maintains a large email list so our neighbors can be informed immediately of important issues and crime alerts. Email addresses are protected and will not be shared. Check one: __Address Correction or __Annual Dues($25) Please email form information to or send to Debbie Goot , Atlanta, GA 30327 Last Name_________________First Name(s)_____________ Address___________________________________________ Telephone _____________Email_______________________

September is a transitional gardening month. Although the fall season is on the horizon, it does not officially arrive until September 22. The first part of the month usually remains hot, humid and summer-like. As fall progresses, air temperatures mercifully begin to cool. This is good news for gardens and gardeners alike because fall is an ideal time to plantjust about anything. That little nip in the air is invigorating and makes working in the landscape a lot more comfortable. Shrubs, trees, perennials, cool season annuals and vegetables, spring blooming flower bulbs, fescue seed and ryegrass seed will all flourish when planted in the fall. Lets take a look at this months gardening calendar: After the 10 of the month, renovate your fescue lawn. You can start from scratch and plant your entire yard with fescue seed or you can overseed an existing fescue lawn to fill in bare spots or thinning turf. Improved turf-type fescues like a special Atlanta Blend performs best in the southeast. It will take about 14 days for the seed to germinate. Apply a winter conditioning fertilizer to established fescue lawns after the 15th This type of plant food fortifies the grass and helps to prevent winter injury. If you sow fescue seed in the fall, use a starter fertilizer instead. Starter fertilizers encourage vigorous root growth and quick greening. Towards the end of the month, apply a pre-emergent product (crabgrass preventer) to your lawn to prevent poa annua (annual bluegrass) and certain other winter weeds. If you plan to sow fescue seed this fall, do not use a pre-emergent. It will prevent both the weed seeds and the grass seed from germinating. September is a great time to apply lime to all types of turf grasses except Centipede. Test your soil annually to determine the pH level. Our clay soil is naturally acidic. Lime decreases the acidity and helps to correct pH levels. The correct pH levels allow grasses and other plants to obtain the nutrition they need for a healthy existence. Plant cool season vegetables in late SeptemberBroccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, spinach and more will be available for fall planting. If you have houseplants or tropical plants outdoors, wash the plants with an insecticidal soap solution and apply a systemic insecticide to the soil before moving them indoors for the winter. This should take care of any lingering pests. Fertilize rose bushes to encourage a final flush of blooms. Cooler temperatures often revive rose bushes. They produce new leaves and blooms that can last until first frost. Plant chrysanthemums for fall color. Perennial garden mums are available in a wide array of colors and sizes. When massed together, they produce eye-catching color in the fall landscape. Buy spring flowering bulbs after Labor Day. Store them in a cool, dry location for several weeks, like the fruit/vegetable compartment in your refrigerator or a cool basement. Do not store bulbs in plastic bags or they may rot. Use paper or mesh bags instead. Plant the bulbs when soil temperatures are in the 60s or less. This usually occurs around mid-October.
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New Officers Take Reigns of Garden Club

Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club officers for 2004-5 are Judy Jones, President; Olivia Evans, Vice President; Susan McCaffrey, Treasurer; Suzanne Waring, Recording Secretary; and Juli Owens, Corresponding Secretary. Angi Evert and Ann Woodruff are Landscape Chairmen. Mt. Paran Woods Garden Club is a non-profit, community service organization which designs and maintains our neighborhoods three pocket parks. Contact Membership Chairman Sally Hanna (4 if interested in joining.

Return Service Requested

MT. PARAN-NORTHSIDE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 724153 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 31139 OFFICERS President/Brenda Smith Vice President/Communications/Jo Ann Rau Vice President/Membership/Debbie Goot Vice President/Security/Angelia Evert Secretary/Jean Smith Treasurer/Jim Carter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandra Adair, Yolanda Adrean, Sharon Giles, Al Goodgame, Greg Lyles, Dick Perkins, Alan Leet, Pamela Tremayne, Dana Scavo, Glenn Sturm, Karen Swim, Marci Vincent, Richard Wilson. EX-OFFICIO (PAST PRESIDENTS) Lynne Moscow, Sheldon Schlegman, Robert Hurst (d), Edward Floyd, John R. Martin (d), Robert Miller, H. Clay Moore, Jr., J. Martin Turbidy Editors: Lynne Moscow and Jo Ann Rau Design & Typeset: Jo Ann Rau WEB SITE

Pre-Sorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3207

www.neighborhoodlink.com/atlanta/mountparan

Association Newsletter and Crime Report Inside

Youre invited to a Neighborhood Celebration

Sunday, September 26, 2004 5:00 - 7:30 PM at the home of Crissy and Chris Klaus 1330 Monte Carlo Drive, off Garmon Road

To reserve your place, please send a check for $15 per person by September 20, payable to the Mt. Paran-Northside Citizens Association, and mail to Marci Vincent, 1266 W. Paces Ferry Road, Suite 552, Atlanta, GA 30327
Space is Limited, Reserve Early! Adults Only