We Get Letters

The 2020 Census Still Matters – A Lot!!

Dear Editor,

While large numbers of individuals and families are suffering terribly during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is something every one of us CAN DO to help.  RESPOND TO THE 2020 CENSUS! It’s the most open, inclusive activity in this country, embracing absolutely everyone. This cannot be emphasized enough. Recovery programs like most federal social services use census data.  All communities need to be accurately counted. Everyone living in the country must be counted.

Currently, the response rate for Pasadena is low, with the Northwest area of Pasadena having the lowest response rate.  I know many people have much on their minds. But how else will our elected officials know the needs of the population, if the people aren’t counted? Because the stay at home order has stalled planned outreach in the typically undercounted communities we need to find other ways to get everyone counted! A double tragedy could occur if future recovery programs and federal social services are allocated based on undercounted 2020 Census data.

Everyone…renters, immigrants, foreign-born, undocumented, children, seniors, and persons experiencing homelessness can best exercise their self-interest by being included in the national census. So, call the people you know to ensure everyone participates, and encourage your friends to call their friends to make sure they respond!

The 2020 Census only asks 10 questions and it is confidential. Responses can be submitted online at https://my2020census.gov or by phone in your language of choice. It’s easy!  Be present and be counted!

Customer Service Representatives are available every day from 4am to 11pm Pacific Time on the following toll free, no charge phone lines to help residents respond to the questions.

English 844-330-2020
Spanish 844-468-2020
Mandarin 844-391-2020
Cantonese 844-398-2020

See the complete language list here:

2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/responding-by-phone.html

Census response rates can be viewed here:

2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

Sincerely,

Kimberly Douglas
Northwest Pasadena Commissioner
Pasadenans Organizing for Progress Co-Chair
Participant in Pasadena’s Complete Counts Committee

---

John Grula, August 14, 1952 – April 3, 2020

Greetings.

I read the obituary for John Grula in Pasadena NOW.   I enjoyed reading his columns over the years. They always struck a cord with me.

Thank you for writing and publishing his memorial.  He was a good man.

Best regards,

Ed Washatka

Got something to say? Email Managing Editor André Coleman, at andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com