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Shelter Locations for Small and Large Animals Impacted by the Silverado and Blue Ridge Fires
Riverside Felon in Possession of Gun and Ammunition
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Go to ArcadiaWeekly.com for Arcadia Specific News M O N D AY, N O V E M B E R 02- N O V E M B E R 08, 2020 V O L U M E 24, N O. 44
Election Day Concerns; Local Cities Monitoring 78 million Americans have already voted, putting the U.S. on pace to witness its highest-turnout election TERRY MILLER STORY & PHOTO
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he city of Pasadena, like all San Gabriel Valley cities, is preparing for voters to not be intimidated thus ensuring a positive and peaceful public experience of the most important right, the right to vote. The stakes are high in the 2020 election. But the historic turnout has been challenged by a wide range of tactics to suppress voters, particularly voters in communities of color. Voters have faced hourslong lines, intimidation and rejection at the polls, and received false information that sought to discourage people from voting. In St. Petersburg, Florida, two people dressed as armed security guards were reported outside an early voting site on Oct. 21. The man and woman told police they were hired by President Donald Trump's campaign, according to local media reports. Trump's campaign, however, told WFLA that it did not employ the two people “Civil rights advocates, election experts, and government officials have expressed
heightened concerns following President Donald Trump's recent call for his supporters to "go into the polls and watch" for possible voting fraud, as well as his reelection campaign's recruitment and training what it has called an "army" of supporters to become poll watchers. And they are working hard to make sure Americans know their rights when they get to the polls and know how to protect them,” according to Good Morning America’s Briana Stewart. This year of political contention, divisiveness and false narratives has put many people feeling vulnerable. In some states the hours-long wait to vote can be a deterrent and to others false information about mail-in votes has confused voters. The current administration has played hard-ball when it comes to absentee and mail in ballots, calling the process a ‘rigged election.’ In addition, Trump has requested an “army” of poll watchers be present election day, whatever that means. Then we had that cop in full uniform, who donned a MAGA hat and mask attempting to vote. He’s been placed on suspension. ¬ The system is far from
| Photo by Terry Miller
perfect but every four years there’s a General Election and state and local municipalities are doing their very best to get every vote counted. “We have no indication of any activity that would disrupt our business districts or our neighborhoods; however, we are monitoring the situation
constantly. Our priority is the safety and security of our community. We want to ensure a positive voting experience for our public, but we are always prepared for any potential disruptions. We take pride in hosting large scale events at the Rose Bowl and Conven-
tion Center and the renowned Tournament of Roses Parade where countless hours of preparedness and training help produce safe events. Our Police Department is in contact with federal, state, county and regional law enforcement representatives to stay up to date with
any local concerns. We have a robust communications plan in place should public notification alerts be necessary. Our City looks forward to locals participating in the voting process on Tuesday, ” said City of Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian.
Inland Empire Health Plan Collaborates to Distribute $1.3M+ in Food and Grocery Items Since June, Monday mornings have revolved around one thing for Inland Empire Health Plan's (IEHP) Community Outreach team: putting food on the table for residents. To date, the health plan has worked with more than 60 community partners and is on track to distribute more than $1.3 million in food and groceries to Inland
Empire (IE) residents. Through IEHP’s partnership with the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative, USDA-approved items including fresh produce, dairy and chicken, are organized, divided, and prepped for distribution to local community-based organizations that distribute the food directly to residents.
“The need for food has always been one of the greatest needs our members have shared with us,” said Dr. Gabriel Uribe, IEHP director of community health. “Between layoffs, changes in income, and other unfortunate circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for food has increased tremendously. Through
collaborations and partnerships with several organizations in the community, we’ve been able to respond to those needs in greater ways than we’ve imagined.” To date, more than 593 tons of produce, meat and dairy products have been distributed, valuing
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| Courtesy photo