September 25, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
During Hispanic Heritage Month, District 4 celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that continue to strengthen and enrich DeKalb County.
From music and art to food, family, entrepreneurship, education and public service, Hispanic heritage is an important part of the story that makes our community so vibrant and diverse. This month offers an opportunity to celebrate, learn, honor and appreciate the many cultures and traditions that help bring our communities together.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from District 4!
DeKalb County Marks 25 Years Since September 11
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson observe a solemn moment during the County’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Additional photos show Commissioner Johnson with DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick and Fire Rescue Chief Melvin Carter, and a uniformed service member at DeKalb County’s 9/11 Memorial.
DeKalb County gathered on Sept. 11 for its annual 9/11 Memorial Remembrance Ceremony, marking 25 years since the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and forever changed communities across the nation. Hosted by the DeKalb County Police Department and DeKalb County Fire Rescue, the ceremony brought together residents, elected officials and public safety personnel at the DeKalb County Public Safety Complex in Tucker.
The observance began at 8:46am, the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Police officers and firefighters stood in formation as attendees remembered those who lost their lives and honored the first responders and everyday citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the hours and days that followed.
The ceremony took place at DeKalb County’s 9/11 Memorial, which features a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center alongside an 11-foot steel phoenix created by sculptor and retired Marine C.J. Miller. Conceived by DeKalb firefighter Doug Harms and built with support from local businesses, public works crews and law enforcement, the memorial was dedicated on the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2011. This year’s observance therefore marked both the 25th anniversary of September 11 and the memorial’s 15th anniversary.
Clarkston International Rice Festival Celebrates Culture and Community
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined residents, community partners and local organizations at the Clarkston International Rice Festival, celebrating the cultures, traditions and community connections that make Clarkston unique. Bottom right, from left: Community Outreach Coordinator Nicole Herranz, Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks and Commissioner Johnson.
The Clarkston International Rice Festival brought residents and visitors together for an afternoon celebrating the cultures, flavors and traditions that make Clarkston one of DeKalb County’s most diverse communities. Hosted at the Clarkston Community Center, the festival highlighted the many ways food can bring people together across cultures and generations.
The celebration featured international cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses and vendors, family activities and opportunities for community organizations to connect with attendees. With rice serving as a shared ingredient across cultures around the world, the festival offered a fitting centerpiece for an event built around connection, exchange and appreciation for Clarkston’s global community.
Centered on the message “Celebrate Culture. Share Rice. Build Community,” the festival showcased the people, traditions and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to make Clarkston such a distinctive part of District 4.
District 4 Tours Claratel Behavioral Health Facilities
District 4 Community Outreach Coordinator Nicole Herranz joined a tour of Claratel Behavioral Health facilities to learn more about its behavioral health, recovery and developmental disability services, including a new 27,000-square-foot facility currently under construction.
District 4 Community Outreach Coordinator Nicole Herranz recently toured Claratel Behavioral Health facilities to learn more about the organization’s community-based services supporting mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use recovery, with a focus on expanding access to care for underserved communities.
During the visit, attendees heard from Claratel CEO Fabio Van Der Merwe and members of the organization’s executive leadership team, connected with participants from its Peer Support Program, and toured both the Kirkwood Center and DeKalb Crisis Center. The visit also included a hard-hat tour of a 27,000-square-foot facility currently under construction that is expected to become the largest adult intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism treatment and community access center in Metro Atlanta.
District 4 is proud to support Claratel’s mission and appreciates the opportunity to learn more about the programs, people and facilities helping residents access behavioral health services throughout DeKalb County.
Georgia Tech Welcomes Public Officials for Government Leaders Day
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined community and government leaders at Georgia Tech’s Government Leaders Day, celebrating civic partnership, campus tradition, and a spirited game day in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech welcomed public officials and community leaders to campus Sept. 19 for Government Leaders Day, an opportunity to connect with Institute leadership and learn more about Georgia Tech’s work, priorities and impact across the state. For Commissioner Johnson, a proud Georgia Tech alumna with an engineering degree from the Institute, the day also carried a special personal connection.
The day began with a reception at Lyman Hall before attendees headed to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field for Georgia Tech’s noon matchup against Mercer. Government Leaders Day is part of an ongoing tradition of bringing local, state and federal officials together with Georgia Tech representatives to strengthen relationships and share updates about the Institute’s work in education, research, innovation and service.
The Yellow Jackets capped off the day with a 44–11 victory over Mercer in front of more than 50,000 fans.
PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show Returns to DeKalb
Families gathered at DeKalb Peachtree Airport for a day of aviation excitement and hands-on learning during the PDK STEM Expo and airshow.
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport welcomed the community back on Sept. 19 for the return of the PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Aviation Expo, continuing a tradition that has connected the airport with residents and aviation enthusiasts for more than four decades. Returning after a one-year hiatus caused by airport construction, the 2026 event celebrated America’s 250th anniversary while highlighting aviation’s role in the nation’s history, innovation and future.
Throughout the day, Commissioner Johnson and Community Outreach Coordinator Nicole Herranz, along with other visitors, explored aircraft displays, aviation exhibits and hands-on STEM activities designed to introduce young people and families to the science, technology and career opportunities behind flight. The program also featured aerial demonstrations by historic and modern aircraft, military flybys and performances by aviation teams including the U.S. Army Golden Knights.
Good Neighbor Day is designed not only as an aviation showcase, but as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between DeKalb–Peachtree Airport and the surrounding community. This year’s expanded celebration brought together aviation history, education and family activities while giving residents an up-close look at one of DeKalb County’s most distinctive transportation and economic assets.
Commissioner Johnson Visits American Medical Response
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson tours American Medical Response facilities and meets with members of the AMR team to learn more about the people, equipment and operations supporting emergency medical services in DeKalb County.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson recently visited American Medical Response (AMR) to learn more about the emergency medical services the organization provides to residents throughout DeKalb County. Working in partnership with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, AMR supports the County’s 911 ambulance system through emergency response and advanced and basic life support transportation.
During the visit, Commissioner Johnson toured the facility and got an inside look at the people, equipment, supplies and preparation that support emergency medical response across the county. AMR’s medical professionals and staff work alongside DeKalb County and other public safety and healthcare partners to help ensure residents receive timely care when emergencies occur.
Commissioner Johnson thanked the AMR team for welcoming District 4 and sharing more about the operations and partnerships behind DeKalb’s EMS system. Understanding how these services work together helps support continued access to the emergency care and resources residents depend on.
DeKalb Honors Master Police Officer Gale Karabeika for 50 Years of Service
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently honored Master Police Officer Gale Karabeika with a proclamation recognizing an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of service with the DeKalb County Police Department. Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson presented the recognition on behalf of the Board, describing Karabeika’s career as more than a profession — a legacy built through five decades of consistently showing up, serving others and helping open doors for the women who followed her into law enforcement. Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson also marked the occasion by presenting Karabeika with a District 4 “Difference Maker” swag bag in recognition of her extraordinary service and lasting impact on DeKalb County.
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined the celebration, highlighting Karabeika’s sincerity, dedication to public service and the significance of women serving in areas where they have historically been underrepresented. Police Chief Gregory Padrick also praised Karabeika’s leadership and the example she continues to set for officers throughout the department, particularly women entering a field long dominated by men.
Karabeika also holds a historic place in DeKalb County as the first female police officer to join DKPD, helping pave the way for generations of women who followed.
In accepting the recognition, Karabeika thanked County leaders and colleagues and shared that, even after 50 years, she still enjoys coming to work every day for the DeKalb County Police Department — adding that she hopes to continue serving for a few more years.
DeKalb Breaks Ground on New SPLOST Fire Station No. 16
DeKalb County is moving forward with construction of a new Fire Station No. 16 at 4242 Eastside Dr. in Decatur, marking another investment in the County’s public safety infrastructure through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program. The new station is part of a larger effort to modernize DeKalb County Fire Rescue facilities and strengthen emergency response capabilities for residents and surrounding communities.
Fire Station No. 16 is one of three new fire stations moving into construction alongside Fire Stations No. 5 in Tucker and No. 27 in Lithonia. In May, the Board of Commissioners approved a construction contract covering all three facilities, with the projects designed to provide modern, efficient environments for fire service personnel while enhancing emergency response capacity throughout DeKalb County.
The project continues DeKalb County’s investment of SPLOST funds in public safety infrastructure, one of the major priorities of the County’s original SPLOST program.
FODAC Celebrates 40 Years of Keeping People Moving
FODAC President/CEO Chris Brand speaks during the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration, which highlighted four decades of helping adults and children with disabilities access mobility equipment, assistive technology and greater independence.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) is celebrating 40 years of service in 2026, marking four decades of helping people with disabilities gain greater mobility, independence and quality of life.
Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks also attended the anniversary celebration and delivered a proclamation from Commissioner Johnson recognizing FODAC’s 40th anniversary and four decades of service to adults and children with disabilities.
Formally incorporated in 1986, FODAC grew from a volunteer effort begun by Ed and Annie Butchart, who started collecting and repairing home medical equipment for people in need. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach while continuing its core model of collecting, refurbishing and redistributing equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices to adults and children with disabilities.
Today, FODAC provides more than $15 million annually in equipment and services, helping individuals attend school, maintain employment and live more independently. Its 40th anniversary celebration offers an opportunity to recognize the volunteers, partners, supporters and staff who have helped sustain that mission across four decades.
Commissioner Johnson to Join Stone Mountain Ambassadors for “A Year in Review”
Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson will join the City of Stone Mountain’s Ambassadors meeting as guest speaker.
📆Wednesday, September 30
⏰6:30 pm
📍Stone Mountain City Hall, 875 Main Street
During her presentation, “A Year in Review,” Commissioner Johnson will share an update with attendees while returning to a community where she has a long history of public service.
Before joining the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, Johnson served on the Stone Mountain City Council and was a founding appointee to the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority. Her community involvement has also included service with the Stone Mountain Historic Society, Stone Mountain Community Garden and ART Station board.
SPLOST II Resident Review Committee to Discuss Finance, Budget and Procurement
The DeKalb County SPLOST II Resident Review Committee will meet for a discussion focused on finance, budgeting and procurement. County Chief Financial Officer Dianne McNabb, Office of Management & Budget Director T.J. Sigler and Chief Procurement Officer Michelle Butler, Esq. will lead presentations examining key processes behind the management and oversight of SPLOST II funds.
📆 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 6:30–8pm
📍 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030
The Resident Review Committee was established to strengthen transparency and accountability surrounding SPLOST II investments while helping residents stay informed about how voter-approved funds are managed and projects move forward. Residents who cannot attend in person may also watch the meeting live through DCTV.
Memorial Drive Revitalization Efforts Move Toward Action
Momentum continues to build around efforts to revitalize Memorial Drive as County leadership, business and property owners, the DeKalb Chamber and other partners work to move from planning toward coordinated action. Following the recent meeting between Memorial Drive property owners, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, the CEO’s office is bringing County leadership together to establish priorities, clarify departmental responsibilities and strengthen coordination around the corridor.
Work connected to the proposed Community Improvement District and/or Business Improvement District is also moving forward. Nickel Works Consulting will facilitate a Sept. 30 tour to Macon, giving participating Memorial Drive property owners an opportunity to see how an established improvement district operates in practice. The visit will be followed by an Oct. 14 wrap-up meeting for Memorial Drive business and property owners to review findings from the current work, discuss next steps and continue expanding participation among corridor stakeholders.
At the same time, County leaders are examining several of the quality-of-life and redevelopment concerns raised by property owners, including public safety, coordination between Police and Code Compliance, homelessness and longstanding problem properties along the corridor. Among the ideas under consideration is whether an increased or satellite police presence could help address public safety concerns. Commissioner Johnson has also continued conversations with County leadership about improving coordination among departments so concerns reported by businesses and property owners receive a more unified response.
The work builds on DeKalb County’s broader Memorial Drive Revitalization Corridor Plan, which calls for coordinated public-private partnerships, economic investment and strategies to strengthen the long-term vitality of the corridor. Commissioner Johnson remains focused on keeping that work moving forward and translating years of planning and community input into visible progress along Memorial Drive.
