Citizen Police Oversight Commission + Alligator Vs Philly Man

Up and at 'em, Philadelphia! Let's get you all caught up to start this Monday, October 4 off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 81 Low: 67.

Here are the top stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Philadelphia residents have the opportunity to be part of a new, independent watchdog panel tasked with investigating the city's police department and its officers. Applications opened Wednesday for the city's forthcoming Citizen Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), which will replace the longstanding Police Advisory Commission. The CPOC will have subpoena power to compel witness testimony and/or documents and retain its own chief counsel to aid in its investigations into all citizen complaints against the Philadelphia Police Department and its officers. The commission also will be tasked with investigating all incidents involving police-fired guns, as well as death or serious injury following a police interaction. (PhillyVoice.com)
2. A Florida alligator was no match for an Army-trained Philadelphia man. Eugene Bozzi of Philly, now residing in Orlando, is now in the national spotlight for his casual eviction of a huge reptile in an everyday trash can. After he had the animal trapped, Bozzi wheeled the trash can toward a retention pond where he pushed it over and trotted to safety. (MONTCO.Today)
3. The Philadelphia Women’s March to protect reproductive rights kicked off on Saturday at the Art Museum. The event in Philly was organized by a grassroots team of health care providers, students, and community organizers as part of the national day of action. The Women’s March came two days before the Supreme Court reconvenes for its new term. (CBS Philly)
4. With thousands of people still waiting for help, Philadelphia’s emergency rental assistance program could run out of money in as little as two weeks, as the city waits to receive more funding from the U.S. Treasury. Another $35 million in federal relief is on the way, though exactly when it will arrive is unclear. But even that won’t be enough money to help everyone who has applied, said Gregory Heller, who is overseeing the program. He estimated the city would need another $276 million just to cover the pipeline of existing applications — not counting the roughly 1,500 new ones that are arriving each week. (bctv.org)
5. A 16-year-old boy was shot in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing section on Saturday night. It happened shortly before 9 p.m. in the 5300 block of Hadfield Street. According to police, the teen was shot once in his buttocks. He was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is reported to be in stable condition. (CBS Philly)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Singing for Busy Adults Classes - Temple University Music Preparatory (6:00 PM)
• Valerie Morrison – Psychic Talk Radio Show - Call Free Question -92.1 FM (7:00 PM)

Philadelphia Patch Notebook

• Philadelphia Water Department: "We recently joined partners like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Schuylkill Action Network to tour stormwater management projects at Philly's Northwestern Stables, Inc. that protect the Wissahickon Creek from animal waste and erosion." (Facebook)
• Philly LGBT Police Liaison Committee: "Hey Philly- come out to engage and find out what new initiatives PPD & Phila. Sheriff Department are working on with community! ( corner of Germantown Ave. & E. School House Lane. across from Wells Fargo Bank) http://www.faithandblue.org/" (Facebook)
• Free Library of Philadelphia: "Decorative gourd season is in full swing and the Free Library has some treats to share with you, like these new titles coming to our shelves this fall!" (Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

• Valerie Morrison - Psychic Medium — Private Psychic Readings by Telephone or at my Office (Visit website)
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Events:

• Real Estate Open House | North Wales, PA (October 4)
• South Jersey Pumpkin Show (October 9)
• "Jews and American Presidential Politics" By Dr. Jonathan Sarna (October 10)
• New York Comedian Elyse DeLucci LIVE! at SoulJoels Comedy Club (October 10)
• Sometimes I'm Ok (October 15)
• The Craftery Market (October 16)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Byrant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.