Arcadia working to remove graffiti problem by hiring Urban Graffiti Enterprises, Inc. to continue graffiti removal services, with a 3-year maintenance service agreement for $12,500.
The Board of Education of the Arcadia Unified School District has approved a one year contract with the teachers union that includes a 5 percent pay raise.
Luanne Cayer (photo) retires from Arcadia Unified School District after 34 years. She started as a bus driver in 1967. Her last job was Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation.
Six candidates will vie for three spots on the school board in the April 15 election. Incumbent school board members Maryann Gibson, John McClain, and James Romo, will run for re-election. Also running are Fred Peritore, Daniel Haste, and Roger Sonnenberg.
Arcadia City Council unanimously voted to draft language that could potentially be inserted into future contracts that preserves the city's right to ask contractors for documentation of their employees at any point. The move could be considered a token gesture, since the city already requires contractors to generally comply with all state and federal laws, including the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
The union for the Arcadia Police Department and the Arcadia City Council have reached an agreement. The contract gives officers a 24.4% increase in salaries and benefits over the next 4 years. The department is still down by 14 officers.
Arcadia officials project a $1.2 million budget deficit and have approved a combination of using reserve funds, hiring freezes, and other budget mechanisms to offset it. In order to avoid deep cuts in city services, the City Council has approved a plan to defer the city's slurry sealing program (street surface maintenance) for one year.
Due to a lack of competition, the Arcadia School Board has canceled an April election and instead has appointed two newcomers, Lori Phillipi and Cung Nguyen, and incumbent Maryann Gibson.
Incumbents Maryann Gibson, John McClain, and James Romo, are the only candidates so far to request school board candidacy papers. Forms must be filed by Jan. 17.
Arcadia Police Officers Association has used a billboard to advertise its contract dispute, claiming crime is up while the number of police officers is down. The billboard is shown in a photograph.
The Arcadia Board of Education has adopted a $63.9 million General Fund budget for the coming year. The budget contains reductions across the board, with 10% cuts at schools, a reduction in categorical programs and no cost of living increase from the state.
City administrators and negotiators for the Arcadia Police Department have not yet reached a contract agreement. Officers want an immediate 10% raise for the first year and 4% increases the second and third years. City council has offered salaries that would make Arcadia police the second or third highest paid in cities surveyed.
The Arcadia Board of Education adopted a policy to prohibit the use of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances. It goes further to hold coaches responsible for educating students and parents about the dangers of using uncontrolled substances and diet supplements.