🌱 New Tree Ordinance Approved + Zoo Atlanta Gets New Vet Center

Hey, hello! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Atlanta Daily. Keep reading for the most important things going on these days in town. In today's issue, we have these stories and more:

• New tree ordinance in Atlanta
• Fuzzy's Taco Shop acquired in $80 million cash deal
• Zoo Atlanta getting new veterinary center

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds and fog may break. High: 71 Low: 60.

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. On Monday, the Atlanta City Council approved several revisions to its tree ordinance. The updates to the ordinance were unanimously passed by the council; the first updates the city has seen in years. The ordinance will create new rules regarding where trees can be planted throughout Atlanta. This is just one small issue in environmentalist's ongoing efforts to protect the natural beauty of Atlanta. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
2. Atlanta restaurant Fuzzy's Taco Shop has been acquired for $80 million in cash. Dine Brands Global Inc., the parent company of IHOP and Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, has purchased the fast-casual taco restaurant from a private equity firm in Atlanta. Fuzzy's Taco Shop has 138 restaurants in 18 states, and generates around $230 million per year. The restaurant franchise hopes the new acquisition will help further expand the the chain. (Subscription: The Business Journals)
3. An Atlanta fifth grader is donating 1,000 dolls for children who are underrepresented. Zoe Oli and her mother have a company – Beautiful Curly Me – which designs and sells dolls for black children. This holiday they are donating their beautiful dolls to charities across the Atlanta metro for little girls who don't often get to see themselves in toys and merchandise. The charities will deliver the dolls in time for Christmas. (WSB Radio)
4. An Atlanta police officer and the suspect he was pursuing were both injured after a car slammed into them. The officer was attempting to arrest an armed suspect who had fled from the authorities on foot after being stopped at the Exxon Gas Station on Jonesboro Road. During the chase, a driver – who is suspected of being drunk at the time – crashed into the individuals. The suspect was injured and the officer was critically injured in the crash. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
5. Zoo Atlanta is getting a new and improved animal veterinary facility. By the end of 2024, the zoo will be home to a new animal health center over 10 times larger than the current one. Presently, Zoo Atlanta is operating out of a 1,600-square-foot facility which is decrepit and lacking in the equipment needed to provide the animals with the care they need. The new animal health center is expected to break ground in April of 2023. (SaportaReport)

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Today in Atlanta:

• Toddler Storytime: Winter Wonderland At Atlanta History Center (10:00 AM)
• Bourbon & Blues Wednesday: Blues Karaoke At Ten ATL (6:00 PM)
• Whiskey & Waffles Happy Hour At Apache Cafe (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Falcons player Chris Lindstrom has been nominated as the Walter Payton Man of the Year! We're rooting for you! (Atlanta Falcons via Instagram)
• Puppies are great, but there are tons of adoptable adult dogs as well! These pooches are slightly older, which means no teething or house-breaking, but plenty of fun and love! (Atlanta Humane Society via Facebook)
• MARTA is holding customer appreciation holiday celebrations all month at various branches! Events include carolers, hot chocolate, giveaways, and more. (MARTA via Facebook)
• Mayor Andre Dickens recently signed legislation to rename Frankie Allen Park to Bagley Park. The new name will honor a former black community. (Atlanta City Council via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

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Events:

• Minority Men's Health Program (December 8)
• Winter VibeZ: For all the Feelz (December 8)
• Terminus Ballet presents "A Christmas Carol Told Again" (December 9)
• Urban Nutcracker Presented by Ballethnic Dance Company (December 10)
• Georgia Festival of Vendors 2022 (December 10)
• Mother Lode Holiday Hullabaloo Pop-up Market (December 10)
• Holiday Sneaker Brunch (December 11)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "HOLIDAY IN" (December 17)
• Holidays on Stage and Screen (December 17)
• Grown N' Sexy House Party (December 17)
• 2022 Holiday Basketball Camp (December 30)
• Atlanta New Years Eve Dinner & Dance Party @ Hilton Atlanta Northeast Dec 31, 2022 (December 31)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.