Freeway sound walls promised for Arcadia and Monrovia appear to be still on schedule, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The sound walls scheduled for construction as early as 2005 run from Michillinda Avenue to Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia, and from Huntington Drive to California Avenue in Monrovia. Lower priority sound wall project locations are also given.
Mark Holland took the top prize in the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) "roadeo" (yes, roadeo) driving competition at the Santa Anita Park Park race track parking lot.
The Arcadia city council endorsed the construction of the second phase of the Gold Line as a light rail transit system. Grade level of the major street crossings was discussed.
The Arcadia City Council will decide on an ordinance to regulate massage therapy. Provisions will regulate massage therapists, practitioners or technicians, and require them to have identification cards from the police and a business license. The ordinance contains other restrictions.
Arcadia City Council has approved a new contract with the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS) to provide animal services to Arcadia. The contract is for $69,838, a 3% increase over the current year's agreement. The city has contracted with PHS since 1994. PHS handles dog licensing, answers calls for service and offers low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Other items were approved, including a contract with Engineered Plumbing Inc. for water mains and valves, the purchase of Mobile Data Terminals for the Arcadia Fire Department from Nida Companies, and massage therapist permits.
The Gold Line received federal financial support in the final House appropriations bill. Monrovia, Arcadia and other cities along the planned extension of the route from Pasadena to Claremont have formed a joint powers authority to study grade separations.
The Arcadia City Council debated the issue of more parking on the west side of Baldwin Avenue, next to the Hub Center, between Duarte Road and Naomi Avenue. The Council approved the revision to the adult business ordinance, adopted an anti-loitering measure for gang members, and more.
City Manager Bill Kelly presented a "flat line budget" to the city council. Kelly said current uncertainties in state funding will not be resolved until after the election. The city will revisit the budget at midyear.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved $10 million for the 24-mile Gold Line Foothill Extension that is going through Arcadia to Claremont. The money comes from Measure R.
Issues discussed at City Council meeting included redevelopment of South Arcadia along Live Oak Avenue and Las Tunas Drive, between just east of 6th Avenue and west of the Arcadia wash. The meeting lasted 18 minutes.
Arcadia resident and business owner Fawaz Elmasri, who was born in Lebanon, conveyed a message that Muslim people are peaceful and the Islam religion condemns killing of civilian people and the destruction of property. He explained that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were acts against God.
Ridership on the Gold Line has fallen below expectations. The MTA is now considering a new express service to encourage residents in East Pasadena and Arcadia to take the light rail train.
After receiving intense pressure from San Gabriel Valley lawmakers, the county's transportation board, the MTA, finally put the Gold Line extension in its long-term plans. This opens up the possibility of federal funding for the project. With this commitment, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has agreed to provide day-to-day operational funding for the first phase of the Gold Line Foothill extension once it is completed.
Five-year-old Krysti Chavez of Arcadia sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the opening of the Orange Line in the San Fernando Valley. A photo with caption is included.
The 13-member MTA board voted to leave the Gold Line Extension off a critical funding list. This delays the construction of the $1.4 billion project , a 24-mile rail link between Pasadena and Montclair, until at least the end of 2009.