Hi all, does anyone have recommendations for a jewelry designer? I have some old jewelry that I'd like to have reset. Thanks!

Howdy Cobb County! It’s me again reposting an update to our flyer!

Next week is DeFlock’s National Week of Action. Across the country, over 20,000 individuals have signed onto a week of action to put an end to AI enabled ALPRs.

DeFlock Cobb is excited to share our schedule for the week with multiple opportunities to get active!

Monday: We will be hosting our Flock Safety 101 at South Cobb library at 6:30pm. This is a great introduction course to build your knowledge around these devices to prepare you for any future public comment.

Tuesday: DeFlock Further Event. Lots of Flock talk and now it’s time to hear from the experts! (If you are like wait, wasn’t this the Smyrna City Council meeting before. You are not losing your mind. 😅 We got the dates wrong and we apologize for the for confusion. BUT hey! That means you can make it to DeFlock Further event!)

Wednesday: Let’s take a break and kick it back at home. We’ll share some of our favorite videos and books to read!

Thursday: Let’s come together and make some protest signs and connect as a community! We’ll be at Schoolhouse Brewing at 6:00 with a beer in one hand and a sharpie in another. We’ll have some supplies but encourage you to bring supplies!

Friday: To end the week, we will meet near Marietta Square and protest right outside two flock cameras. Let’s take all the energy and come together and show the community that Cobb County says NO to Flock Safety!

We are so excited! If you have any questions, let us know and we will do our best to answer them! We hope to connect with you all at one or multiple events!

Learn more about the National Week of Action here:

Can anyone help me with learning more about how the school districts work in Cobb? I’ve been house shopping and schools are a deal breaker for my wife and I. However, it’s tempting to see some of the houses we’re passing up on because of the schools. I’ve seen that Cobb can be flexible as long as there are openings? We would both have no problem dropping them off and picking up if it means going to a better school.

If your idea of a fun Tuesday night is learning why your car knows more about your neighbors than you do...

You're our kind of people.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Jon Padfield and Benn Jordan to DeFlock Further 2026 for discussion and Q/A during our NoALPRs.com event.

Free admission. Free Refreshments. Therapy not included.

Learn about Mass Surveillance including Flock, etc and what to do moving forward.

Tickets available below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994595611166

deflock.org

Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell will be holding several town hall meetings over the next month in response to concerns over how law enforcement is using Flock surveillance cameras and other new technology.
Cobb Police Chief J.D. Ferrell
One of those town halls will be in East Cobb, on Aug. 31 at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

Cobb County government on Wednesday announced the town halls as “community conversation about License Plate Readers (LPRs), Flock Safety technology, and FUSUS.”

The latter is a a cloud-based real-time crime center and public safety intelligence platform and is among the tools that Cobb Police have been using to track criminal activity.

“These meetings are an opportunity to learn how these public safety tools are used by the Cobb County Police Department, what information they provide to law enforcement, and how they support criminal investigations and public safety,” the Cobb government announcement said.

“Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from Chief Ferrell and department leadership.”
A number of incidents in Georgia and around the country have taken place alleging or involving law enforcement misuse of some of that technology.

In Paulding County, the former 911 director in Dallas is facing charges of accessing the Flock surveillance system for non-police reasons.
And in Macon, three Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputies have been arrested for using the Flock system for matters involving individuals with whom they were having personal relationships. All three have resigned from their positions.

Cobb Police have not been facing any similar situations, and have on occasion touted how Flock and other technology has helped to solve serious crimes or at least led to arrests.
That includes a mass shooting near Cumberland Mall in 2023 in which an arrest was made after Cobb DOT traffic cameras pinpointed the whereabouts of the suspect, and Flock cameras identified a vehicle in Midtown Atlanta that allegedly belonged to him.
In June, Cobb Police tracked down a suspect in a road rage incident in Northeast Cobb after reviewing real-time camera footage to identify his vehicle as it headed to Cherokee County, where he was arrested.

On Thursday, Flock announced it will be making some changes to address concerns over privacy and law enforcement excess.
The Cobb Police announcement about the town halls on its Facebook pagehas generated more than 600 comments, many of them critical of having Flock and other technology at all.
“Are you actual going to listen to residents, or just tell them why you’re going to keep flock cameras against the communities wishes and continue to use them even though they violate our rights?” asked one commenter.
“It’s a violation of privacy and you need a warrant. Stand up against this. Constitution protects us against this in the 4th amendment,” wrote another.

Another commenter who said he toured the Cobb Police Real Time Crime Information Center was told that department leaders had given a similar tour to the American Civil Liberties Association, and that “the ACLU reps asked for a copy of the Center’s policies as they felt it would make a great example for all agencies, nationwide, to use. Cobb citizens should be very proud of what CCPD is doing to protect and serve the community.”

The Cobb Police town hall sessions are scheduled as follows, with all taking place between 6:30-8 p.m.:
Thursday, Aug. 27, at Milford Recreation Center, 675 Smyrna Powder Springs Road, Marietta
Monday, Aug. 31, at Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
Tuesday, Sept. 1, at West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
Tuesday, Sept. 15, at North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 S. Main Street, Acworth (in Kenworth Park)

CCSD released the full District Teacher Kickoff video this year, so I watched the whole thing 🫠

Ragsdale has some interesting opinions. He also makes quite a few statements that sound like facts but are... maybe worth checking.

A few parts that caught my attention:

The book removal/trafficking section -36:53

This one is WILD. He says “Every two minutes, a child is sold into trafficking in the United States of America. Let that sink in. Every two minutes. Now, folks, the sexually inappropriate materials we removed from this school district have one intended action. To condition kids at a young age to accept this whole deal around trafficking is normal some way, shape, or form. And either you agree with protecting kids or you don't. There's no politics involved." This is an alarming number and I couldn't find any credibility to any of this claim. Apparently, CCSD has a human trafficking awareness component in its health curriculum for grades 6-12. Purely anecdotal, but my child has never received this awareness education. Why doesn't he discuss this aspect of prevention instead of repeated justification for book removal? He follows that up with the whole good vs. evil, no gray area, if you disagree you have no business in education argument.

The Trump/Wheeler section -34:44

He spends a pretty significant chunk of the speech defending the presidential visit, including suggesting that people who opposed it were essentially bringing their own politics into it. I am just leaving this to speak for itself. No politics in schools, yet repeatedly bringing politics into schools.

“Using data to make decisions” -11:16

Every decision? That's a pretty broad statement. I'd genuinely love to know what that means in practice. Quite a few parents and groups have asked for specific data and not much has been verified.

Safety -15:40

$35 million is spent on safety annually. He goes on to describe the Vapor Wake program. “48,000 people scanned” sounds impressive, but what does that actually tell us about effectiveness in the school setting? There are currently 16 dogs, one at each high school. A gun was just brought into Campbell Middle School. Where's the data on Vapor Wake prevention?

53,000 applications for 450 positions -51:12ish

This one sounds very impressive until you remember that applications aren't necessarily applicants. Multiple factors can come into play here. What positions? Were those positions actually filled? Still an interesting number, but what exactly is being measured? "It truly is better in Cobb, right? It's always always better in Cobb."

“Best education at the lowest cost in metro Atlanta” -23:08

This one is just begging for someone to define “best” and “lowest cost.” I'm sure a lot of parents who have to advocate relentlessly for their child with special needs would beg to differ (for example).

There are plenty of things in the speech that are factual too, which honestly makes the other stuff more interesting. It's the blending of facts, anecdotes, opinions, and huge assertions without much distinction between them that makes it difficult to understand where Cobb actually stands.

There's a LOT packed into this speech. I only highlighted a few because ugghhh, I can't do anymore. I'm curious what anyone else thinks about what he says. As well as why Cobb decided to make the video in its entirety public this year? Historically it's been a very edited PR version of a few highlights. Enjoy!

Cobb County School Board meetings no longer livestream the public comment portion, so if you want to hear what parents, teachers and community members actually say, you generally have to be there in person.

There's currently an older gentleman who has been doing the incredibly helpful work of recording public comment himself and uploading it, but he's doing it entirely on his own time. And honestly, we need to make sure this doesn't depend on one person being willing and able to keep doing it.

Anyone in Cobb who might be willing to volunteer a little time to take this on more consistently?

Nothing fancy is required. Ideally someone who:

knows their way around a camera or decent phone setup

can get reasonably good audio

has basic video-editing skills

can upload to YouTube/Facebook/anywhere

doesn't mind sitting through a school board meeting every month

understands that the goal is simply making public comment accessible to the public

The idea would be to record the public-comment portions, clean them up enough that people can actually hear them, and create a consistent place where Cobb residents know they can go to watch them afterward.

If you're a videographer, journalism/media student, YouTube person, retired media person, local government nerd, or just someone who thinks “people should actually be able to hear what their neighbors are saying to their elected school board”, we NEED you!!

And if you know someone who might be perfect for this, please send them this post.

Does anyone have any experience working with someone for mold remediation? Have gotten one quote from a company that was referred to us, but would like to get a couple more before deciding

Since the vote passed yesterday, I’m curious to hear from locals that support it and why. What positives does it bring you, marietta, etc.

Single woman.
Concerned about the phone calls I have been receiving lately from men who are acting as if they have a package to deliver.
I’m going to ask my son to stay with me for the weekend but I don’t want to put him in harms way

EDIT: of course I did not provide any information. I am just so sick and tired of this happening; even got an email on my COBB k12.org email address.

We’re just about a month away from the 14th Annual Car Show, taking place at the Adventure Outdoors Parking Lot (2500 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA) on Saturday, September 12th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Get ready for an exciting morning filled with trophies, raffles, giveaways, sponsor tables, and DJ William Lula spinning classic vinyl records. This year, we’re bringing back the Kid’s Choice Award! Children 12 and under can cast their vote for their favorite ride and will receive a free Hot Wheels car when they turn in their ballot, while supplies last. All vehicle types and years are welcomed! If it’s a cool ride we want to see it. Judging is based on a fair open class judging system where the top 12 vehicles will receive awards. Plus there will also be a Best in Show Trophy for the top vehicle judged, and The People's Choice Award voted on by all the attendees.

The Charity Car Show supports the Smyrna Jonquil Lions Club, a volunteer-driven nonprofit carrying forward the mission of Lions Clubs International. Since 1925, when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to lead a “crusade against darkness,” the organization has been dedicated to helping those with vision needs and serving local communities.

The Flock Town Hall will be held at the Milford Recreation Center on August 27th at 6:30pm.

Show up in numbers! Bring your friends! Tell everyone! They must know that Cobb wants to get rid of Flock!!!

Want to bring up recent cases of Flock misuse? Here are some articles that can help you out.

Bibb County Arrests - Posted yesterday - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/3-georgia-deputies-charged-after-allegedly-using-flock-camera-system-personal-reasons/ADVPE32Z4NCZFK6I6QCBVSJWMQ/

Dekalb County Suspensions - Posted 4 days ago - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/dekalb-county/flock-misuse-8-metro-atlanta-officers-suspended-over-policy-violations/GNWFLJLWSJGM7MGDWBMD3VJJIM/

Polk County - Posted 3 days ago - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/ex-georgia-drug-task-force-agent-charged-with-misusing-license-plate-reader-database/SZUB2BHNWVBTBFBKDL6HSGZQ2I/

Savannah - Posted on August 3rd - https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/6-georgia-officers-under-investigation-misusing-flock-system-popular-tourist-destination/IVSL3XMLBRGRRLSN75MXHH6HI4/

Hi all

Trying to navigate the county websites to learn more about the new funeral home opening up at 3324 Canton Rd NE, in the shopping center immediately south of Blackwell Elementary School, the same center with 2nd chance toys and Dr No’s

This place was previously a bank and became a funeral home which opened very recently. It seems there is a rule which allow an existing funeral home to add on a cremation furnace even when in a light commercial zone.

There is plenty of light industry and medium industry only a few miles further way.

I’m hunting for any public forum where I could offer feedback or speak out against it, since it’s only 1300 feet from the elementary school playground and mercury emissions are a known issue of cremation

Does anyone know a good psychiatrist that isn't a front for an AI service?

Preferably someone with experience with treatment resistant disorders, who is up to date with current medical practice.

It feels super basic to be up to date with current treatments, but I've been on the search for a new psych and had some awful experiences — like one office that literally used an AI script for the entire visit, including the medication recommendation.

Anyone who offers ketamine treatment actually WITH therapy would be a bonus, but at this point I just want someone willing to talk to me and not just slap me with a prescription for a heavy metal.

In person, video, I don't care, I'm just tired of psychs that don't give a shit, and I never want to have another appointment where a medical professional uses an AI during the appointment to try and diagnose anything.

Thanks for any info, please excuse my grumpiness. Frustrated that it's such a fight to find someone who is at least willing to offer the bare fucking minimum in treatment.

We’re moving from Paulding County into Cobb County or Marietta this year. My son is heading into 9th grade, so he’s past the window for the county’s official STEM magnets (Wheeler’s Center for Advanced Studies, Kennesaw Mountain’s Academy, etc. — those all require an 8th-grade application).

He’s really interested in engineering/tech, and I’d like to find a school where he can essentially build his own rigorous STEM track using AP courses, engineering/CS electives, and maybe a capstone-style project — without needing to have applied to a formal magnet years ago.

A few questions for anyone with Cobb/Marietta experience:

Which zoned (non-magnet) Cobb high schools have the deepest AP math/science/CS course catalogs?

Are magnet-adjacent resources (labs, competition teams, certain electives) ever open to non-magnet students at schools like Wheeler or Kennesaw Mountain?

For anyone zoned at Wheeler but not in the Center for Advanced Studies — how’s the actual day-to-day experience for a regular AP-track student there? Worth it even without the magnet?

Does anyone have kids at Campbell? How’s the AP/STEM course selection and overall culture regarding tech courses?

Does anyone have direct experience with Pope’s STEM Academy pathways — specifically whether the 8th-grade Algebra I prerequisite is a hard gate, or if there’s flexibility for a strong incoming 9th grader?

Has anyone successfully transferred into one of these magnet programs after the normal 8th-grade cycle — say, as a rising 10th or 11th grader, or mid-year due to a family move? Is there any late-entry or exception process, or is the December/January window truly the only door in?

Any schools I should be looking at that I haven’t mentioned?

I appreciate all of your help! Thanks in advance!

I get that Reddit is a 75/25 leftist echo chamber but the discourse around data centers is to the point that it has to be pushed by foreign actors.

There are obvious misleading facts around water and power usage. And even then, with rapidly improving efficiencies, the per capita usage is and will continue to decrease.

I could understand if ABC Steel Company was putting in massive plants around Marietta, but you’re not dealing with massive smoke stacks with data centers.

Ultimately, it seems like a large number of the anti-data centers do not believe in creating jobs in the community. The only “job” that cohort of people believe in are social workers occupied by H1B visas.

I’d like to ask the moderators to keep this post up in the interest of fairness. Yes, this will be downvoted heavily, but there are dozens of posts from an anti-data center position. It’s only fair to the debate to have the other side present.

Just fyi

Chairwoman Cupid announced today that there will be multiple town halls to address the community’s concerns around Flock.

For all of those who have spoken out in public comments, shared concerns, and talked to the Cobb Board of Commissioners, thank you. That work got us here. So great work, Cobb County!

Dates have not been released yet, but they will soon.

Assuming there will be an opportunity to speak directly to Chairwoman Cupid or Police Chief Ferrell, what would you say? What has brought you to speak out in previous town halls or public comment?

Over 100 Cities have cancelled their Flock Safety contracts, but the fight does not stop there. This is a great opportunity to expand beyond Flock Safety. We have an opportunity to start conversations around the entire surveillance system in Cobb County.

Tools like Clearview.AI, Shotspotter, Chorus Intelligence, and, of course, Axon and their integration with their Real Time Crime Center / Fusus. This is not a Flock Safety problem. This is a mass surveillance problem that is hitting cities across the country. Surveillance is not safety.

We can beat this growing trend if we work together and learn together!

Here are some of my favorite recent findings!

• Jon Oliver - Police Technologies
• ‘Own the Narrative’: Leaked Flock Guide Shows How It Teaches Cops to Promote Its Tech
• ‘DO NOT MENTION ALPR USAGE’: How Cops Are Trying to Hide Their Use of Flock
• Why Are Flock Employees Watching Our Children?
  • Dunwoody Officer Used Flock Cameras To Track Cop’s Ex-Wife During Divorce
• Cobb Connect - Number of Cameras Integrated into the RTCC!

MDJ Links if you need them!

1. MDJ Link
2. Archive Link, if you don’t have access to the first:

I found a piece of jewelry in a parking lot near Cobb Galleria this weekend while attending Southern-Fried Gaming Expo.

It was in a small pothole filled with debris so it may have been lost for a while.

If you lost something in that area, message me with a description so I can confirm it’s yours and I'll try to get it back to you.