Can Clayton lure new businesses?
A few new businesses are trickling into Clayton County. At a time when much of the attention is focusing on problems in the school system, it’s refreshing to learn new jobs are being created. Read my latest blog entry on Wordpress
Home > Clayton.Talk > Archives > 2008 > November > 24
Monday, November 24, 2008
Students in trouble
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nine out of 10 Clayton students have had someone approach them about a gang, says Superintendent John Thompson in an article in the AJC .
None of us should like those odds, except perhaps the gangs. Until recently, I admittedly had no idea a symbol spray painted on a street near our house was gang related. One neighbor did and thankfully had the county remove it the same day, although having paint removed was the easy part, I’m sure.
Would you recognize the signs (and/or symbols) that your child may have been asked to join, or may already be involved in, gang activity?
According to the The Citizen, some may carry “gang bibles” that are “Filled with handwritten information that needs to be known about the gang, including what certain symbols mean, where the gang originated and who its founders and leaders are.”
Some other warning signs to look for include: drug/alcohol use; abrupt personality and/or behavioral changes; changes in clothing patterns with a preference towards a particular color, sports or team logo; use of hand signs and/or signals as an alternate way to communicate; tattoos or branding of the body with distinguishing designs, logos or names; withdrawal from family or an unusual desire for privacy; associating with troublemakers and/or secretive peers and frequently staying out late, breaking curfew rules and/or laws. This comes full circle back to parental involvement on every level, which is a problem for many Clayton students.
Also remember that our commissioners passed law in 2005 stating those 17 or younger must be off the streets by 11 p.m. every night. Friday and Saturday they are allowed to be out until midnight, with exceptions made for those who work, attend school events or are under parental supervision. Violators are fined up to $1,000 and parents are fined the same if the child is involved in unsupervised activities.
Contact the Clayton County Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit if you suspect gang activity.
Have you any noticed gang related activity in your neighborhood?
Other news:
Advance voting takes place 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 24, 25 and 26 ONLY at various locations. The Special Election is Tuesday, December 2. Absentee ballots are available online.
If unable to vote in person, FAX or MAIL your absentee ballot to the Board of Elections. Local elections include school board Districts 1 and 9, and the runoff between incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin.
Wishing you a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Clayton!
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Kimberly Allen
