Desert Messenger

January 17, 2018 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 Panhandling Awareness Project begins SEE PROGRAM ON PAGE 37 2017-2018 SEASON will be appearing for your dancing/listening pleasure at Quartzsite Senior Center Tuesdays thru March 13, 2018 7pm - 9:30pm $4 Brenda RV Resort Dates: January 24, 2018 February 7, 2018 March 7, 2018 7pm-9pm $5 Nobody Does It Better! ...Makes us feel sad for the rest!! Nobody Does It Better! We couldn't resist : ) ��������������������������������������������������������� We're here for you: 1-800-560-8061� 41 W Main St., Quartzsite, AZ "We're looking forward to meeting you and getting you safely on the road again!" Jeff and Nonda Why Choose Us? ������������������������������������WE DO IT ALL! ��WE'RE HERE������������������������������������ ������������������YEARS�������������������� ������������HIGHEST ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������! Nobody Does It Better! FREE PIZZA CERTIFICATE! for Silly Al's Pizza ������������������ ������������������ Quartzsite Town Council, the Neighborhood Watch Group, Quartzsite Health & Develop- ment Services Board (H & D) and Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce & Tourism are all collaborating on a new Panhandling Aware- ness Program. The Council voted to support the project during their regular meeting on November 14, 2017. There was discussion of taking the positive approach while avoid- ing any negativity. One suggestion was to have the sign read, 'Help solve the problem'. The Council agreed they liked the idea of combining the thoughts to help solve the problem and contribute to the solution, or contribute to local charities. The unanimous Council vote was only to support the Panhandling Aware- ness Program, not to introduce any new law. In 2015 Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation that prohibits panhandlers from aggressively following, touching or speaking to people or approaching near ATMs. Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, H & D member and Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism President explained, "It's not illegal for someone to ask you for money, but you are certainly free to refuse. Someone cannot grab you or block you from going into a building or walking down the sidewalk. That's called "Aggressive Panhandling" and IS against state and local law. If that is happening, then you need to contact the police."

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