🌱 'Blower Bill' Gains Traction + Dr. Calvin Watts Reinstated

Hello, friends. Rose Mendez here with your Thursday edition of the Johns Creek Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Today we'll cover these stories and more:

But first, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 72 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. The state legislature in Georgia is working to prevent the restriction of gas-powered devices, specifically leaf blowers, by returning the "blower bill" from the House to the Senate. The bill's author argues that by blocking potential bans at the state level, the landscaping industry will be protected from unnecessary expenses on electric blowers, which he believes are inferior. However, opponents of the bill claim that gas-powered blowers are noisier than electric blowers and that local governments should have the freedom to deal with the issue as they see fit. (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
2. Despite the controversy surrounding Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts' proposals to address violence in public schools, the nearby Gwinnett County School Board has renewed his contract. The superintendent's support of a program that allowed students accused of violent behavior to remain in the classroom had drawn criticism from teachers, parents, and students. However, the board voted 4-1 in favor of retaining Watts and monitoring his policies for Georgia's largest school district. (11Alive News)
3. Members of Impact Johns Creek, a nonprofit that aims to increase the civic footprint of Black residents in Johns Creek, have decided to organize their own Juneteenth event, separate from the one announced by Mayor John Bradberry. The city’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee had previously recommended that the city partner with Impact Johns Creek for the event, but residents expressed concern that the city might take over the planning process. The nonprofit will host its own celebration to ensure that the event is culturally appropriate and sensitive. (Subscription: Appen Media)

Today in and around Johns Creek:

• Free Outdoor Fitness - Fitness 108 At Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park (10:30 AM)
• Opening Day Baseball Kick-Off Party At StillFire Brewing In Suwanee (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce is ready and willing to answer any questions you might have about the community and its people, businesses, and attractions on Facebook. The chamber fosters leadership development, works to build connections in the business community, and seeks to ensure the community's overall growth and development. (Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Are you playing the lottery? The Georgia Mega Millions jackpot has increased to an estimated $355 million ahead of next Friday's drawing on Apr. 7! (11Alive News)
• Members of a task force set up to offer guidance for Atlanta's new public safety training center, dubbed "Cop City," are calling for greater transparency surrounding the project. The estimated $90 million project has faced protests and criticisms, with task force members and representatives from the ACLU and NAACP expressing concerns about the project and the police response to public opposition. (Axios Atlanta)

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Featured events:

• OLD Milton Beverage GRAND RE-OPENING (Mar. 31)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact (Apr.1)
• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (Apr. 1)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek (Apr. 1)
• 4wk series Salsa Dance Tues / 4wk Bachata class Wed @ HDC Dance Starts Apr. 4th & 5th (Apr. 5)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (Apr. 9)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!