Pasadena Democratic Party In Full Swing at South Lake Avenue Headquarters, Fields 1,000 Volunteers City-Wide

The Presidential election is a just over two months away and the local Democratic party volunteer force is in full swing. The party has set up shop in headquarters located at 400 South Lake Avenue this past July to encourage the community to get out and vote this year, and is embarking on a packed calendar of events to get people involved this election season.

“Everyday we’re here making phone calls to voters… Our goal is to make approximately 200,000 phone calls to the area as well as 30,000 phone calls to battleground states on behalf of Hillary Clinton,” explained Pasadena United Democratic HQ Campaign Manager Bill Hacket.

The Democratic HQ is located in the heart of the South Lake shopping district and boasts a storefront style retail section where the public can buy merchandise related to President elect Hillary Clinton and State Senate elect Anthony Portantino. The heart of the operation lies amidst dozens of tables and volunteer stations where some of Pasadena’s most committed volunteers put in the work.

“This year we’ve already taken on 600 new volunteers in Pasadena,” said Hackett, who reported the number of total active volunteers tops out at about 1,000. “We welcome everyone and whether you volunteer or have never volunteered before, there is something for everyone,.”

The volunteers have created a jam-packed weekly calendar of events ranging from movie nights, daily phone bank events, artistic performances, speeches and much more.

Perhaps the most anticipated upcoming event is the Labor Day event on Sept. 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the HQ and will feature appearances by political leaders including Congresswoman Judy Chu and candidate Anthony Portantino.

“It’s a traditional kickoff type of event,” said Hacket.

Other informational programs will include discussions on gun violence, voting rights and other related topics aimed to inform the public during this election season.

“We have folks that go out walking door to door every Saturday to meet their neighbors and educate them about everything there is to know about the election process,” explained Hacket.

The HQ also provides an internship program for high school and college students.

“It’s a great opportunity to get involved. We already have about fifty interns on board, but we are looking for a lot more. We want them to learn all about the political process and put a few hours in and have fun while doing it,” said Hackett.

Hacket aimed to create a working environment that was not only business-like, but fun and interesting.

“We’ve turned out HQ into a sort of cultural center for art. We have art on display from all different individuals from the region,” explained Hacket.

Many of the featured artist hail from the greater Los Angeles region and will be at the HQ in person on Sep. 17 for an artists’ reception ceremony.

“We encourage everyone to register to vote. Too many people fought too hard in this country for voting right and civil rights and to not exercise your right to vote is a shame — so we encourage everyone to go out and do that,” said Hackett.

For more information about calendar events, election information and how to get involved, visit http://pasadenademocrats.nationbuilder.com/ or http://pasadenafoothillsdemocrats.com/.

The United Democratic HQ is located at 400 S. Lake Ave. in Pasadena. For more information, phone (626) 817-3694. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.?