A new defensive weapon which shoots darts capable of inflicting 50,000 volts of electricity lasting about a micro-second is being manufactured in Arcadia. It is being marketed by Glen Mead and is called the Taser Gun.
The City Council has turned down Bob Margett's request to build a skate board park with 60 person capacity on Live Oak Avenue. Noise and congestion were the reasons given.
Mayor Bob Margett, in a speech to the Chamber of Commerce, suggested that the city start checking up on businesses operating out of homes within the city.
A draft ordinance has been submitted to the City Council that would allow Arcadia residents to conduct businesses out of their homes if certain criteria are met and a permit is approved. According to current law, such businesses are illegal.
A state law scheduled to take effect in September is expected to set standards in the massage industry. Arcadia City Manager Don Penman commented that the new law may not stop people who want to commit a crime and do illegal acts. In the last few months of 2008, Arcadia shut down seven massage busineses for illegal activities.
Health-oriented eating establishments are drawing more customers. Executives of Garden Fresh Restaurant Corporation, which operates Souplantation, believe people are interested in their low-carb, low-calorie and high-quality meals.
Earthlink offers free phone calls and Web surfing at the Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita through December 30 as a way to introduce consumers to its new Internet telephone service.
The city welcomes construction of two office buildings at 225 and 255 Santa Clara Street. The buildings will be occupied by the law firm of Hart, Mieras, Morris and Peale, LLP, and Los Angeles District Church of the Nazarene.
H&M, the Swedish chain store, had its grand opening in Old Pasadena. Later in November, a 17,000 square foot H&M will open in Arcadia's Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita.
California's minimum wage increase is going to force some restaurants to hike food prices, cut back on employee hours and reduce advertising. McGrath's Fish House in Arcadia may be forced to reduce employee hours. The minimum wage is now $7.50 per hour. Another 50 cent increase goes into effect January 1, 2008.