Arcadia City Council approves $30,000 for officials' trip to China and Taiwan. The purpose is to foster a better understanding of Asian culture in order to better serve Arcadia, which is heavily populated by residents from China and Taiwan. Establishing sister city relationships with Chinese and Taiwanese municipalities is another goal of the trip. See VF Sister City.
Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds “no evidence of intent to conceal information” by Arcadia Councilmember Tom Beck. He was alleged to have committed campaign violations related to timely reporting of contributor information in Arcadia’s municipal election.
Trip to China and Taiwan called off by Arcadia City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, in light of recent "questions" about city officials' motives. The $30,000 in donations to fund part of the trip will not be accepted. See VF Sister City. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, February 26, 2015.
City of Arcadia to revisit divisive, delayed mayoral appointment. The California Fair Political Practices Commission started an investigation into two matters related to Tay even before the April 24 City Council meeting, at which his appointment to mayor was delayed due to allegations of campaign fraud. City Council will address the issue again tonight.
Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem. Sho Tay under investigation by FPPC. The State Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) scrutinizes complaints that he used campaign dollars he had received to support candidates Bob Harbicht and Councilman Roger Chandler.
Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC) may fine Arcadia's disgraced former mayor John Wuo $2000 for his failure to report certain financial rewards from his participation in the now infamous Gemcoin scam.
Chinese firms donate $20,000 to City of Arcadia. Several city officials and employees might use it for business travel to China and Taiwan in hopes of fostering sister-city relationships. City employees plan to meet with government officials in China and Taiwan to learn more about government services, residential design and the culture in an effort to better serve Arcadia. The two companies that donated this money are Companhia de Comercial Dingyuan Limitada and Sichuan Arrow Recovery Technology Company Ltd. See VF Sister City.
City of Arcadia officials will be traveling to China and Taiwan two two weeks to foster a sister-city relationship by meeting with local government officials there to learn more about government services, residential development and the culture in an effort to better serve Arcadia. More than 50% of Arcadia residents are of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage. The trip tentatively set for March 9-April 1 will cost an estimated $65,000 with $20,000 of it donated by Chinese companies. See VF Sister City.
Experts question donations for travel. Delegation from Arcadia City Hall given $30,000 from two Chinese firms and one local developer for trip to Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in China and Taipei, Taiwan. Government and ethics experts say the cash donations to the City of Arcadia for this trip raises concerns about transparency and influence. The trips are designed study sister city relationships, learn about the culture and talk to Chinese and Taiwanese officials. Those traveling include Mayor John Wuo and his wife, Council Sho Tay and wife, Councilman Tom Beck, City Attorney Stephen Deitsch, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Fire Chief Kurt Norwood, Recreation Director Sara Somogyi, Public Works Director Tom Tait, and George and Sandy Wuo, who are relatives of the mayor. See VF Sister City.
Arcadia City Council hears residents' concerns about large housing development and its associated loss of native sycamore trees. Council official abandons China and Taiwan (sister city) trip for now.
Arcadia City Council denies consideration for first application in the Friendship Cities Program, proposed by council member Sho Tay for a friendship between Arcadia and Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China. A majority of council members are concerned about the politics in supporting a city in China that is currently embroiled in the South China Seas protests, such as Hong Kong.
Is historic preservation important to Arcadia? Arcadia City Council recently met and considered the most recent historic preservation proposal. It did not pass but was not entirely dismissed. Several city council members agreed that the City should adopt some sort of historic preservation policy, but the citizens fear homeowner's rights will be infringed upon. See hard copy in VF City Council 2010-2019.
Arcadia City Council tightens regulations on water use. Outdoor irrigation citywide is restricted, by a newly passed ordinance, to 3 days a week-Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Watering is prohibited between 9 AM and 6 PM, in addition to "during and 48 hours after measurable rainfall." Arcadia City Council approves purchase of replacement water ahead of time. See hard copy in VF "Water."
Arcadia City Council makes changes to Historic Preservation Ordinance. Council member Tom Beck speaks about saving Clara Baldwin Stocker's home, which is facing possible destruction. See hard copy in VF City Council (2010-2019).
Basketball court returns to Arcadia's Eisenhower Park renovation plans. Arcadia City Council voted 3-to-2 to add one full basketball court. See also hard copy in VF Parks.
A tale of two cities: Arcadia and bygone Arcadia. Noted historians Carol Libby and Sandy Snider slighted by longtime Councilman Roger Chandler's remarks about Anoakia, Anita Baldwin's mansion, and the historic preservation issue. See hard copy in VF City Council 2010-2019
Ugly side of politics--a letter naming Arcadia city councilman Sho Tay claims Arcadia property value will fall 30 percent because of the new zoning recommendations that City Council is considering. Sho Tay denies the letter came from him.