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Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo resigned, citing health and personal reasons. He had served on council for 12 years, including as mayor for 3 terms. His resignation comes on the heels of a lawsuit and intense scrutiny of his alleged involvement with GemCoin (digital currency) and alleged violations of the Political Reform Act's statement of economic interests disclosure requirement and conflict of interest.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34319
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 7, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 7, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Arvizu, David
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34513AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Troubles mount in GemCoin (digital currency) scheme. Arcadia company is accused of scamming investors out of millions in a pyramid scheme since 2013, possibly earlier. Arcadia Councilman John Wuo denies any involvement, even after YouTube videos surfaced showing him at Gemcoin marketing events.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34318
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 2, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 2, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
Johnson, Leonard Stacy
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Zhao, Weiwen (Wayne)
Item ID
34511AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Feds seize assets of US Fine Investment Arts (USFIA), a company that sells GemCoin, a digital currency that is purportedly backed by amber and other precious gems. Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo has denied any connection to the company. Securities and Exchange Commission served a temporary restraining order against USFIA and CEO Steven Chen. USFIA is under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding investors.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34316
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 30, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34509AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Some residents call for Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo's resignation amid allegations that he used his position to influence local Chinese Americans to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into a company called US Fine Investment Arts, Inc., which sells GemCoin, a digital currency, that some investors allege is fraudulent.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34312
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. A3
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. A3
Subjects
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc.
Wuo, John
Item ID
34506AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Some residents call for Arcadia City Councilman John Wuo's resignation amid allegations that he used his position to influence local Chinese Americans to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into a company called US Fine Investment Arts, Inc., which sells GemCoin, a digital currency, that some investors allege is fraudulent.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34313
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. A3
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 17, 2015
Pages
p. A3
Subjects
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc.
Wuo, John
Item ID
34506AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia firm US Fine Investment Arts (USFIA) is charged in fraud. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleges operator used GemCoin in a worldwide pyramid scheme, allegedly bilking investors out of $32 million.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34317
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 3, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 3, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
Wuo, John
Item ID
34510AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia-based company US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. is under investigation by state and federal agencies as it faces allegations from investors that it swindled them out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The company has connections to Arcadia Councilman John Wuo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34311
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
September 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Gemcoin (company)
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc.
Wuo, John
Yang, Solomon
Item ID
34505AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia City Council appoints ex-mayor Mickey Segal to fill seat vacated by John Wuo's resignation, until the municipal election in April. Wuo, who served on City Council for 12 years, resigned two weeks ago amid mounting allegations over his endorsement of USFIA and Gemcoin, in addition to an ethics investigation launched in September by the Fair Political Practices Commission. Segal is a CPA. Also the zoning code update resumes.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34353
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 22, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A5
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 22, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A5
Subjects
Arcadia City Council-2010-2019
Gemcoin
Segal, Mickey
Wuo, John
Item ID
34546AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

SEC reports show Gemcoin, USFIA were set up to 'defraud investors.' USFIA claimed it had amber mines, millions in precious gems, and other assets to back up its digital currency called Gemcoin, but none of that was real.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34499
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
March 20, 2016
Pages
p. A5
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
March 20, 2016
Pages
p. A5
Subjects
Chen, Steven
Cryptocurrency
Fraud
Gemcoin (company)
Liu, Long Z.
Ponzi scheme
US Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA)
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Wuo, John
Zhao, Jennifer aka Zhao, Li
Item ID
34691AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

A recent report filed in federal court says Gemcoin's scam collected $164 million. Initially, investigators linked Gemcoin to $32 million in fraudulent investment. Steven Chen, his company U.S. Fine Investment Arts Inc., and Gemcoin (digital currency backed by precious gem reserves and amber mines) are accused of a "worldwide pyramid scheme."

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34615
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 24, 2016
Pages
p. A7
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 24, 2016
Pages
p. A7
Subjects
Chen, Steven
Crime and Criminals
Fraud
Gemcoin
Seaman, Thomas
U.S. Fine Investment Arts Inc.
Item ID
34807AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia firm GemCoin proves it owns amber mines in Caribbean, backing E-currency (cryptocurrency), despite earlier claims those mines did not exist. Still, there is no evidence GemCoin's digital currency had any revenue backing it beyond the funds generated from investors, according to court-appointed company tasked with going through U.S. Fine Investment Art Inc.'s books. Investigators found 300 acres of land in Dominican Republic, with a working mine, purchased for $373,000 in the name of CEO Steve Chen's brother Yan Chen.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34724
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
November 23, 2016
Pages
p. A1, A6
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
November 23, 2016
Pages
p. A1, A6
Subjects
Chen, Steve
Chen, Yan
Cryptocurrency
Gemcoin
U.S. Fine Investment Art Inc.
Item ID
34916AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) warned City of Arcadia of gift limits regarding the trip to China and Taiwan that city officials are planning for cultural learning and sister city relationships. See VF Sister City.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34073
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
February 23, 2015
Pages
p. A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
February 23, 2015
Pages
p. A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council--2010-2019
California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC)
California Political Reform Act
Sister City
Item ID
34267AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia resident David Arvizu to challenge city on open meeting law. His letter gives city officials 30 days to respond to alleged open meeting law violations before he files a complaint with the D.A. or a lawsuit against the city. He offered two alternatives to litigation: the Council would either set aside the decisions made in closed session on May 5, or make the meeting minutes available to the public. In a closed session May 5, City Council voted to suspend comprehensive updates to the city's residential and commercial zoning codes, postpone the Neighborhood Impacts Committee, and move forward with a citywide historic preservation survey, excluding the Highland Oaks Homeowners Association. City Attorney Stephen Deitsch said officials did not violate the Ralph M. Brown Act when they voted on three "procedural" items in closed session because they were tied to pending litigation against the city.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34176
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
May 21, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
May 21, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council
Arvizu, David
Ralph M. Brown Act
Deitsch, Stephen
Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA)
Lane, Arthur
Lawsuits
Save the Arcadia Highlands
Verlato, April
Item ID
34370AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia City Council members to submit nominees for John Wuo's vacant seat at next meeting October 20. Mayor Gary Kovacic and Councilman Tom Beck recommended former mayor Mickey Segal. Councilman Roger Chandler and Sho Tay wanted to take time to think of a few more nominees.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34321
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 8, 2015
Pages
p. A3
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
October 8, 2015
Pages
p. A3
Subjects
Arcadia City Council-2010-2019
Beck, Tom
Chandler, Roger
Kovacic, Gary
Segal, Mickey
Tay, Sho
Wuo, John
Item ID
34514AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Mayor Gary Kovacic and former councilman John Wuo were leading yesterday in the early returns for two City Council seats, but former school board president Mary Dougherty was close behind. About 6,500 of the city's nearly 30,000 voters had already cast their vote as of early Tuesday evening.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper32922
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 11, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 11, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council Elections--April 2012
Dougherty, Mary
Kovacic, Gary
Nunez, Henry
Tay, Sho
Wuo, John
Item ID
33119AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia's Gary Kovacic and John Wuo are the unofficial winners of the two City Council seats in the recent election by mail-in ballot. The final tally will be announced by early next week.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper32928
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 12, 2012
Pages
p. A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 12, 2012
Pages
p. A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council Elections--April 2012
Dougherty, Mary
Kovacic, Gary
Nunez, Henry
Tay, Sho
Wuo, John
Item ID
33125AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Experts say city violated Brown Act meeting law. Arcadia City Council made three housing policy decisions in closed session without public input. At the meeting last week, officials voted to shelve a comprehensive update to city's residential and commercial zoning codes, postpone the Neighborhood Impacts Committee, and move forward with a citywide historic preservation survey, sans the Highlands Homeowners Association. City Attorney Stephen Deitsch said the decisions came as a result of a lawsuit filed against the city targeting mansionization.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34174
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
May 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
May 16, 2015
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council
Arvizu, David
Aviles, Kelly
Brown Act
Deitsch, Stephen
Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA)
Lawsuits
Item ID
34368AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia residents and ex-mayor Mickey Segal threaten to recall city council members Roger Chandler, John Wuo, and Sho Tay for their decision to suspend a zoning code update last month. The issue involves a lawsuit, Arcadia Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA) and mansions. See hard copy in VF "City Council 2011-2020."

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper34256
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 9, 2015
Pages
p. A3
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
July 9, 2015
Pages
p. A3
Subjects
Arcadia City Council-2010-2019
Arcadia Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA)
Chandler, Roger
Mansions
Segal, Mickey
Tay, Sho
Wuo, John
Zoning
Item ID
34450AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia City Council candidates champion their causes. There are five candidates for two open seats. Their causes are: Gary Kovacic--maintaining a balanced budget with adequate reserves and a sense of community; Mary Dougherty--mansionization and residential guidelines; Sho Tay--traffic safety and opposing a new $12.2 million City Hall; John Wuo--reducing crime; and Henry Nunez--increase city revenues and create a real downtown in Arcadia.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper32907
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 2, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 2, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Arcadia City Council elections--2012
Dougherty, Mary
Kovacic, Gary
Nunez, Henry
Tay, Sho
Wuo, John
Item ID
33104AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

Arcadia certifies city council election victories for John Wuo and Gary A. Kovacic. The results were certified this week after election officials were able to verify and count 661 of the remaining 681 ballots of the April 10 election. There were 105 ballots that had to be disqualified because voters selected more than 2 candidates in the all-mail election. At least some of those were caused by an error in the ballots' Chinese-language instructions that directed voters to select no more than 3 instead of 2 candidates, prompting the city to send out correction notices. Gene Glasco was elected City Clerk. Measure D, the hotel room tax, passed.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper32942
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 18, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
More detail
Newspaper
Pasadena Star News
Date
April 18, 2012
Pages
p. A1, A4
Subjects
Ballot measures
City Council Elections--April, 2012
Kovacic, Gary A.
Wuo, John
Item ID
33139AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

20 records – page 1 of 1.