Friday, July 31, 2020
Chatham County Board of Commission Chairman Al Scott issued a county-wide State of Emergency that will go into effect at 12:01 A.M. on August 1, 2020.
"The County-wide State of Emergency orders that all persons wear a mask or face covering in public spaces to include commercial establishments, public places, government buildings, and any time people gather in groups of 10 or more. Masks or face coverings are required to properly cover the nose and mouth," a County spokesperson says.
This is in addition to any existing mask mandates that currently exist, such as in the City of Savannah.
The Mayor of Bloomingdale, however, has made statements to the effect that he is instructing Bloomingdale Police not to enforce the county order.
The order comes as Gov. Kemp renewed his own executive order which overrules any local mask mandate, through Aug. 15 — again setting up a possible court showdown.
All restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other establishments must require employees to wear masks or face coverings at all times when having face-to-face interactions with the public.
"Masks or face coverings are also required in religious services and are to be self-regulated," the County says.
"Physical/social distance of six feet between persons is required to the extent that it is possible. Additionally, everyone is to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer regularly."
“I have spoken with all the Mayors and the Director of the Coastal Health District and we are in agreement masks or face coverings need to be worn to help protect the residents and visitors of our County, said Chairman Al Scott. "Even with the majority of our residents and visitors wearing masks, it could take eight weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
The order also outlines the circumstances in which a person does not have to wear a mask or face covering.
a) When wearing a mask or face covering causes or aggravates health conditions;
b) When wearing a mask or face covering would prevent receiving personal services;
c) When a person is five years old or younger;
d) While engaged in an organized sports activity sponsored by a school, the County or a municipality within Chatham County and the sponsored sports activity is conducted in a manner that meets or exceeds the standard set forth by the school, County or City league requirements.
Commercial establishments that have "continuous and repeated infractions will be declared a public nuisance and the business may be shut down through the duration of this order. Violation of this order by any person is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day an establishment is in violation or fails to comply with this order, will be considered a separate violation," the County says.
This order will remain in effect until September 30, 2020, unless rescinded or extended.
"The County-wide State of Emergency orders that all persons wear a mask or face covering in public spaces to include commercial establishments, public places, government buildings, and any time people gather in groups of 10 or more. Masks or face coverings are required to properly cover the nose and mouth," a County spokesperson says.
This is in addition to any existing mask mandates that currently exist, such as in the City of Savannah.
The Mayor of Bloomingdale, however, has made statements to the effect that he is instructing Bloomingdale Police not to enforce the county order.
The order comes as Gov. Kemp renewed his own executive order which overrules any local mask mandate, through Aug. 15 — again setting up a possible court showdown.
All restaurants, retail stores, salons, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other establishments must require employees to wear masks or face coverings at all times when having face-to-face interactions with the public.
"Masks or face coverings are also required in religious services and are to be self-regulated," the County says.
"Physical/social distance of six feet between persons is required to the extent that it is possible. Additionally, everyone is to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer regularly."
“I have spoken with all the Mayors and the Director of the Coastal Health District and we are in agreement masks or face coverings need to be worn to help protect the residents and visitors of our County, said Chairman Al Scott. "Even with the majority of our residents and visitors wearing masks, it could take eight weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
The order also outlines the circumstances in which a person does not have to wear a mask or face covering.
a) When wearing a mask or face covering causes or aggravates health conditions;
b) When wearing a mask or face covering would prevent receiving personal services;
c) When a person is five years old or younger;
d) While engaged in an organized sports activity sponsored by a school, the County or a municipality within Chatham County and the sponsored sports activity is conducted in a manner that meets or exceeds the standard set forth by the school, County or City league requirements.
Commercial establishments that have "continuous and repeated infractions will be declared a public nuisance and the business may be shut down through the duration of this order. Violation of this order by any person is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day an establishment is in violation or fails to comply with this order, will be considered a separate violation," the County says.
This order will remain in effect until September 30, 2020, unless rescinded or extended.
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Effective this weekend, the City of Tybee Island will issue citations to anyone found on the sandbar at the south end of the island, near the crossovers for 18th Street, 19 Street and Chatham Avenue.
Citations for beach rule violations carry penalties up to $1,000.
"Please heed signage in this area warning of significant drowning danger," says a City of Tybee spokesperson.
"It may look like an easy walk over to the sand bar, but the tides turn before beachgoers can reach the other side. Once the tide changes, within minutes strong rip tides can knock an adult off their feet and carry them away in just a few inches of water. Water weighs 65 pounds per cubic foot and can overwhelm even the strongest swimmer. Unfortunately, people drown on the sand bar each year."
Citations for beach rule violations carry penalties up to $1,000.
"Please heed signage in this area warning of significant drowning danger," says a City of Tybee spokesperson.
"It may look like an easy walk over to the sand bar, but the tides turn before beachgoers can reach the other side. Once the tide changes, within minutes strong rip tides can knock an adult off their feet and carry them away in just a few inches of water. Water weighs 65 pounds per cubic foot and can overwhelm even the strongest swimmer. Unfortunately, people drown on the sand bar each year."
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The Savannah African Art Museum is calling for submissions for their virtual art exhibit, “…And The Children Speak,” which aims to provide a platform where children’s voices about the pandemic and current events can be expressed through their art.
Beginning in March, the lives of children changed in a myriad of ways. From the absence of routines – attending school, engaging in outdoor activities, the arts, playing with friends, visiting loved ones, graduations and proms – to the explosion of disturbing video images that crossed their TV screens, depicting world-wide peaceful and violent protests, displays of solidarity and antagonism, opposing views of history and race matters being passionately discussed. The past several months have indeed impacted the nation’s youth.
“We at SAAM believe that art is a voice, a recording of history, and the retelling of a story or experience. It’s a scream, it’s a whisper — both entitled to be heard. It’s an invitation for conversation,” SAAM Education Coordinator Lisa Jackson said.
“We are extending an invitation to children through the age of 18 to send us a copy of their art giving voice, telling their story, recording their experience of the past few months for our virtual exhibit entitled, ‘…And the Children Speak.’
Participants may submit art in the form of a sketch, painting, collage, quilt, sculpture, a performance (e.g., dance, singing, spoken word), or written word (e.g., poem, short story). Submissions also can be a collaborative effort with friends, family, classmates, or other groups.
All submissions should be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “And the Children Speak Submission” no later than Sept. 30 following the guidelines below.
• All submissions must include the title of the art (if named), artist’s name, age and city/state/country; and the name of the group, school, club or organization that collaborated on the submission (if applicable). Entries should adhere to the following formats:
• Images must be submitted in a digital format as a jpeg, png, or pdf in high resolution
• Written word submissions must be photographed and then transcribed in a digital format (jpeg, png, or pdf) when submitted.
• Video submissions must be submitted in MP4 format with a maximum length of 2 minutes
For additional information or inquiries, please email Jackson at [email protected] or call 912-721-7735.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org.
For information about upcoming events and the museum’s collection, follow SAAM on Facebook @SavannahAfricanArtMuseum.
Beginning in March, the lives of children changed in a myriad of ways. From the absence of routines – attending school, engaging in outdoor activities, the arts, playing with friends, visiting loved ones, graduations and proms – to the explosion of disturbing video images that crossed their TV screens, depicting world-wide peaceful and violent protests, displays of solidarity and antagonism, opposing views of history and race matters being passionately discussed. The past several months have indeed impacted the nation’s youth.
“We at SAAM believe that art is a voice, a recording of history, and the retelling of a story or experience. It’s a scream, it’s a whisper — both entitled to be heard. It’s an invitation for conversation,” SAAM Education Coordinator Lisa Jackson said.
“We are extending an invitation to children through the age of 18 to send us a copy of their art giving voice, telling their story, recording their experience of the past few months for our virtual exhibit entitled, ‘…And the Children Speak.’
Participants may submit art in the form of a sketch, painting, collage, quilt, sculpture, a performance (e.g., dance, singing, spoken word), or written word (e.g., poem, short story). Submissions also can be a collaborative effort with friends, family, classmates, or other groups.
All submissions should be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “And the Children Speak Submission” no later than Sept. 30 following the guidelines below.
• All submissions must include the title of the art (if named), artist’s name, age and city/state/country; and the name of the group, school, club or organization that collaborated on the submission (if applicable). Entries should adhere to the following formats:
• Images must be submitted in a digital format as a jpeg, png, or pdf in high resolution
• Written word submissions must be photographed and then transcribed in a digital format (jpeg, png, or pdf) when submitted.
• Video submissions must be submitted in MP4 format with a maximum length of 2 minutes
For additional information or inquiries, please email Jackson at [email protected] or call 912-721-7735.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.savannahafricanartmuseum.org.
For information about upcoming events and the museum’s collection, follow SAAM on Facebook @SavannahAfricanArtMuseum.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
This afternoon, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson had a forceful response to Gov. Brian Kemp's recent executive order overturning any local ordinances requiring mask usage.
However, while saying Kemp has overstepped his authority, Johnson stopped short of announcing a specific legal challenge to the governor's authority.
"We are prepared to defend our position," he said, essentially challenging the state to make the next move — for now.
(Editor's Note: A few hours after the Mayor's press conference, Kemp announced the state is suing the City of Atlanta to overturn its mask mandate, which is similar to Savannah's.)
"Gov. Brian Kemp issued an order attempting to invalidate Savannah's mask requirement by stripping local authority... across the state, including Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Rome, Hinesville, and the Governor's hometown of Athens-Clarke County," said Johnson. "Here, nothing has changed."
Referring to his immediate reaction Wednesday night on social media, Johnson said, "I was so angry last night that I expressed exactly what I felt. And admittedly I know I may not have said it in the kindest, gentlest, sweetest way, or in a way my mother would approve of. But it clearly, unequivocally reflects my frustration."
The Mayor continued, "I am not going to mince words. We believe that Gov. Kemp is overstepping his authority. With that said our emergency declaration still stands... We will continue to follow the science. We will continue to provide masks for free to whoever wants them and needs them. We will continue to mandate them and continue to require them in our city."
"Masks are not a political statement, masks are a public health tool — a necessary public health tool," he said.
Referring to what he calls "mixed messages" from the Governor, Johnson said,
"We have continually done everything we could to be good partners with our Governor.... How can we take care of our local needs when our state ties our hands behind our backs and says to ignore the advice of experts and in some cases, their own advice?"
The numbers, the Mayor says, speak for themselves.
"Today we have had almost 3,000 total cases. Last Thursday we had 2116... We have added 879 cases in just one week," he said.
As of yesterday, there were 148 people in local hospitals with COVID-19. "On June 16, exactly one month ago, just 30 people were hospitalized," Johnson said.
Johnson said large retailers like Walmart and Kroger are "showing us the way" with recent decisions to require mask usage by all customers.
When asked if he has been commiserating with other like-minded mayors, he said "All night long."
"I liken it to an episode of the Twilight Zone," he said of their continued "bewilderment" at the Governor's behavior and mixed messages.
However, while saying Kemp has overstepped his authority, Johnson stopped short of announcing a specific legal challenge to the governor's authority.
"We are prepared to defend our position," he said, essentially challenging the state to make the next move — for now.
(Editor's Note: A few hours after the Mayor's press conference, Kemp announced the state is suing the City of Atlanta to overturn its mask mandate, which is similar to Savannah's.)
"Gov. Brian Kemp issued an order attempting to invalidate Savannah's mask requirement by stripping local authority... across the state, including Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Rome, Hinesville, and the Governor's hometown of Athens-Clarke County," said Johnson. "Here, nothing has changed."
Referring to his immediate reaction Wednesday night on social media, Johnson said, "I was so angry last night that I expressed exactly what I felt. And admittedly I know I may not have said it in the kindest, gentlest, sweetest way, or in a way my mother would approve of. But it clearly, unequivocally reflects my frustration."
The Mayor continued, "I am not going to mince words. We believe that Gov. Kemp is overstepping his authority. With that said our emergency declaration still stands... We will continue to follow the science. We will continue to provide masks for free to whoever wants them and needs them. We will continue to mandate them and continue to require them in our city."
"Masks are not a political statement, masks are a public health tool — a necessary public health tool," he said.
Referring to what he calls "mixed messages" from the Governor, Johnson said,
"We have continually done everything we could to be good partners with our Governor.... How can we take care of our local needs when our state ties our hands behind our backs and says to ignore the advice of experts and in some cases, their own advice?"
The numbers, the Mayor says, speak for themselves.
"Today we have had almost 3,000 total cases. Last Thursday we had 2116... We have added 879 cases in just one week," he said.
As of yesterday, there were 148 people in local hospitals with COVID-19. "On June 16, exactly one month ago, just 30 people were hospitalized," Johnson said.
Johnson said large retailers like Walmart and Kroger are "showing us the way" with recent decisions to require mask usage by all customers.
When asked if he has been commiserating with other like-minded mayors, he said "All night long."
"I liken it to an episode of the Twilight Zone," he said of their continued "bewilderment" at the Governor's behavior and mixed messages.
Late Wednesday evening, Gov. Brian Kemp extended his state of emergency executive order to expressly forbid local governments in Georgia from mandating mask usage in public spaces with their own ordinances.
The order, at least for now, overturns local mask laws in Savannah, Atlanta, and a few other municipalities.
"It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us," responded Savannah Mayor Van Johnson in a social media post.
In Kemp's view, Johnson says "It is officially every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can. In Savannah, we will continue to keep the faith and follow the science. Our masks will continue to be available."
The City of Savannah's ordinance had required mask usage in any public space, and outdoors when social distancing could not be observed.
Still, many local businesses had not been enforcing the mandate anyway, which had drawn the attention of the Mayor days before.
Now, there will be virtually no way to enforce mask usage unless private businesses require them.
The exact portion of the Governor's order involving masks says "any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinance, rule or regulation that requires persons to wear face coverings, masks, face shields, or any other Personal Protective Equipment while in places of public accommodation or on public property are suspended to the extent that they are more restrictive than this Executive Order."
However, the order does contain broad language allowing school districts more leeway in the use of masks should they choose to open this fall with some form of in-person education.
Kemp's addition to the order came the same day that CDC Director Robert Redfield called for universal mask wearing as the only way to bring COVID-19 under control.
Also, in a widely lauded move, Walmart issued a statement saying that all customers must wear masks while in stores.
Kemp's order also came the same day President Trump visited Atlanta to tout a new infrastructure project on I-75. When a maskless Trump disembarked from Air Force One to greet Kemp on the tarmac, Kemp was seen to take his mask off.
Over the past week, Kemp had been traveling the state on the "Wear a Mask Tour," urging the personal decision to wear a mask.
The order, at least for now, overturns local mask laws in Savannah, Atlanta, and a few other municipalities.
"It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us," responded Savannah Mayor Van Johnson in a social media post.
In Kemp's view, Johnson says "It is officially every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can. In Savannah, we will continue to keep the faith and follow the science. Our masks will continue to be available."
The City of Savannah's ordinance had required mask usage in any public space, and outdoors when social distancing could not be observed.
Still, many local businesses had not been enforcing the mandate anyway, which had drawn the attention of the Mayor days before.
Now, there will be virtually no way to enforce mask usage unless private businesses require them.
The exact portion of the Governor's order involving masks says "any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinance, rule or regulation that requires persons to wear face coverings, masks, face shields, or any other Personal Protective Equipment while in places of public accommodation or on public property are suspended to the extent that they are more restrictive than this Executive Order."
However, the order does contain broad language allowing school districts more leeway in the use of masks should they choose to open this fall with some form of in-person education.
Kemp's addition to the order came the same day that CDC Director Robert Redfield called for universal mask wearing as the only way to bring COVID-19 under control.
Also, in a widely lauded move, Walmart issued a statement saying that all customers must wear masks while in stores.
Kemp's order also came the same day President Trump visited Atlanta to tout a new infrastructure project on I-75. When a maskless Trump disembarked from Air Force One to greet Kemp on the tarmac, Kemp was seen to take his mask off.
Over the past week, Kemp had been traveling the state on the "Wear a Mask Tour," urging the personal decision to wear a mask.
Friday, July 10, 2020
SCAD today announced that Fall 2020 classes for SCAD Savannah and SCAD Atlanta campuses will be delivered primarily virtually, with some exceptions to address the needs of certain programs and students.
The move is in response to the "current hotspot" status of COVID-19 cases in Georgia. SCAD Lacoste will remain closed for the Fall 2020 quarter.
Students in Savannah and Atlanta will be given two options: continue to engage in virtual learning from home, or return to campus to access physical resources.
The statement notes that the current plan is to open designated spaces for students who want access to labs and studios with specialized equipment. "Of course the future opening of buildings will be dependent on circumstances at the time, and this plan may change," the statement notes.
Protocols will include mandatory face coverings, temperature-taking stations at every building, reduced occupancy on SCAD buses, and enhanced sanitation, as well as residence halls being reduced to 33% of capacity for fall. More information on housing options will come later.
SCAD also addressed the announcement made by ICE which would revoke visas for international students who study entirely online. "SCAD cares deeply about our international students, and at this very moment, we are working diligently with government officials and other universities to clarify the details of this unexpected announcement," they say. "These actions are still subject to change, however, and it is too early to release guidance to students, whose welfare remains our highest priority."
SCAD urges students to visit its FAQ page for more information.
The move is in response to the "current hotspot" status of COVID-19 cases in Georgia. SCAD Lacoste will remain closed for the Fall 2020 quarter.
Students in Savannah and Atlanta will be given two options: continue to engage in virtual learning from home, or return to campus to access physical resources.
The statement notes that the current plan is to open designated spaces for students who want access to labs and studios with specialized equipment. "Of course the future opening of buildings will be dependent on circumstances at the time, and this plan may change," the statement notes.
Protocols will include mandatory face coverings, temperature-taking stations at every building, reduced occupancy on SCAD buses, and enhanced sanitation, as well as residence halls being reduced to 33% of capacity for fall. More information on housing options will come later.
SCAD also addressed the announcement made by ICE which would revoke visas for international students who study entirely online. "SCAD cares deeply about our international students, and at this very moment, we are working diligently with government officials and other universities to clarify the details of this unexpected announcement," they say. "These actions are still subject to change, however, and it is too early to release guidance to students, whose welfare remains our highest priority."
SCAD urges students to visit its FAQ page for more information.
The Savannah-Chatham public school system will postpone in-person instruction for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, SCCPSS Superintendent Ann Levett announced Thursday in an email to teachers.
In the email, Levett acknowledges the recent spike in COVID-19 cases as the reason for the postponement, adding, "Disappointing, I know."
"We learned many lessons from our sudden thrust into online learning in March. We are better prepared for the launch of virtual learning this time," says Levett. "We have opened a new E-Learning School, purchased a learning management system, and secured about 14,000 Chromebooks (on order). To ensure you are ready for the start of this year using a virtual approach, we will likely recommend school year calendar adjustments to allow adequate time for professional development on the learning management system, social-emotional learning, Title IX, new learning software, online teaching, and a number of other areas/topics. We will propose a later start date for students."
While the school year will begin with a virtual model, Levett says instruction could move to in-person if conditions improve.
This plan will be presented to the Board on July 16, where it's expected to be supported.
In the email, Levett acknowledges the recent spike in COVID-19 cases as the reason for the postponement, adding, "Disappointing, I know."
"We learned many lessons from our sudden thrust into online learning in March. We are better prepared for the launch of virtual learning this time," says Levett. "We have opened a new E-Learning School, purchased a learning management system, and secured about 14,000 Chromebooks (on order). To ensure you are ready for the start of this year using a virtual approach, we will likely recommend school year calendar adjustments to allow adequate time for professional development on the learning management system, social-emotional learning, Title IX, new learning software, online teaching, and a number of other areas/topics. We will propose a later start date for students."
While the school year will begin with a virtual model, Levett says instruction could move to in-person if conditions improve.
This plan will be presented to the Board on July 16, where it's expected to be supported.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Next weekend, Telfair Museums will present a Free Family weekend where all Chatham County residents will receive free admission to the Jepson Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 17 through 19. Face masks are required.
Visitors are invited to tour current exhibitions at the Jepson Center including Collecting Impressionism, interact with exhibits in the museum’s TechSpace gallery, reflect on the recent Juneteenth holiday, participate in touch-free activities led by Telfair’s education team, and more.
The three museums reopened June 26 after a three-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event is presented in partnership with the City of Savannah. For more information on admissions and safety procedures, visit telfair.org/hours-admission.
Visitors are invited to tour current exhibitions at the Jepson Center including Collecting Impressionism, interact with exhibits in the museum’s TechSpace gallery, reflect on the recent Juneteenth holiday, participate in touch-free activities led by Telfair’s education team, and more.
The three museums reopened June 26 after a three-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event is presented in partnership with the City of Savannah. For more information on admissions and safety procedures, visit telfair.org/hours-admission.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Today, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson announced the formation of the Savannah Citizens Accountability and Review of Emergency Services (Savannah CARES) committee, tasked among other things with reviewing the use-of-force policy of the Savannah Police Department.
“This is the first step to making the powerful moment of Savannah unity that was displayed last month into a movement,” said Mayor Johnson, referring to the peaceful protests in Savannah surrounding the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
"This will be a public, inclusive process to get a good handle on things we’re doing well, and how we can do better in terms of public safety.”
Savannah CARES will initially focus on the Mayor’s commitment to a review of the Savannah Police Department’s use of force policies. But the task force may be charged with other future emergency service reviews, which could include topics related to Savannah Fire.
"The task force is expected to meet initially with police personnel and ultimately with stakeholders in communities throughout Savannah to gather input representative of the entire City," Johnson said. "Each member was either appointed by myself as Mayor or by a member of City Council."
Saying the membership is a "cross section" of the community, the Mayor added that "we didn't want politicians and law enforcement" to be primary members.
Connect Savannah Editor in Chief Jim Morekis was one of those members appointed by the Mayor. Other members of Savannah CARES include:
Attorney Diane Morrell McLeod, Chair
Dawn Baker
Attorney James Blackburn
Professor Willie Brooks
Rev. Katie Callaway
Attorney Michael Edwards
Kenneth Glover
Michael Johnson
Dr. Larinda King
Officer Sharif Lockett
Anthony Maben
Pastor Ricardo Manuel
David McDonald
Dr. Marie Miller
Pam Miller
David Minor
Eugene Priester
Natavia Sanders
Attorney Abda Quillian
"This is an important step for our community. This is a step where we go from moment to movement... to make Savannah a beloved community," Johnson said.
Stating specifically that Savannah CARES will not be in the position of reviewing individual arrests, the Mayor said one of its duties will be to follow up with citizens who have interacted with Savannah Police and make sure "they are treating citizens with respect and humanity during calls... this is an opportunity not only to be educated by the public, but to educate the public."
He said he hopes the public will "share their experience, not their perception. They will be asked very specific questions about their experience" interacting with Savannah Police.
"It's a very structured process, very narrowly defined," Johnson said, stressing that "we recognize that not all of our police officers are breaking the rules."
Johnson said he has noticed when speaking to citizens that there is a fair amount of confusion over departments and jurisdictions; one goal of the committee will be to help educate the public about the differences.
"During this critical time I've received a lot of complaints from people about police officers. A little less than half of the complaints about police officers are not about members of the SPD," Johnson said.
"When I start asking more probing questions like, who stopped you? Where did they stop you? What did their car look like? What did their uniform look like? What does the ticket say? Many will answer, 'I thought because it was in Savannah it was automatically the Savannah Police Department.' We have to educate people that there are a lot of departments in this area."
Johnson also said that "we will also highlight the many, many interactions we have with citizens every single day that come out well and better than expected."
“This is the first step to making the powerful moment of Savannah unity that was displayed last month into a movement,” said Mayor Johnson, referring to the peaceful protests in Savannah surrounding the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
"This will be a public, inclusive process to get a good handle on things we’re doing well, and how we can do better in terms of public safety.”
Savannah CARES will initially focus on the Mayor’s commitment to a review of the Savannah Police Department’s use of force policies. But the task force may be charged with other future emergency service reviews, which could include topics related to Savannah Fire.
"The task force is expected to meet initially with police personnel and ultimately with stakeholders in communities throughout Savannah to gather input representative of the entire City," Johnson said. "Each member was either appointed by myself as Mayor or by a member of City Council."
Saying the membership is a "cross section" of the community, the Mayor added that "we didn't want politicians and law enforcement" to be primary members.
Connect Savannah Editor in Chief Jim Morekis was one of those members appointed by the Mayor. Other members of Savannah CARES include:
Attorney Diane Morrell McLeod, Chair
Dawn Baker
Attorney James Blackburn
Professor Willie Brooks
Rev. Katie Callaway
Attorney Michael Edwards
Kenneth Glover
Michael Johnson
Dr. Larinda King
Officer Sharif Lockett
Anthony Maben
Pastor Ricardo Manuel
David McDonald
Dr. Marie Miller
Pam Miller
David Minor
Eugene Priester
Natavia Sanders
Attorney Abda Quillian
"This is an important step for our community. This is a step where we go from moment to movement... to make Savannah a beloved community," Johnson said.
Stating specifically that Savannah CARES will not be in the position of reviewing individual arrests, the Mayor said one of its duties will be to follow up with citizens who have interacted with Savannah Police and make sure "they are treating citizens with respect and humanity during calls... this is an opportunity not only to be educated by the public, but to educate the public."
He said he hopes the public will "share their experience, not their perception. They will be asked very specific questions about their experience" interacting with Savannah Police.
"It's a very structured process, very narrowly defined," Johnson said, stressing that "we recognize that not all of our police officers are breaking the rules."
Johnson said he has noticed when speaking to citizens that there is a fair amount of confusion over departments and jurisdictions; one goal of the committee will be to help educate the public about the differences.
"During this critical time I've received a lot of complaints from people about police officers. A little less than half of the complaints about police officers are not about members of the SPD," Johnson said.
"When I start asking more probing questions like, who stopped you? Where did they stop you? What did their car look like? What did their uniform look like? What does the ticket say? Many will answer, 'I thought because it was in Savannah it was automatically the Savannah Police Department.' We have to educate people that there are a lot of departments in this area."
Johnson also said that "we will also highlight the many, many interactions we have with citizens every single day that come out well and better than expected."
