The Arcadia City Council is considering changes to fees charged by the city through the Development Services Department. One change might be a $25 fee for new business license applications. The fees may increase for design review of new commercial projects and appeals from an architectural review board to the Planning Commission. The General plan amendment fee may drop and tentative tract maps for condos may drop. The city plans to increase fines for code violations.
Reserve funds that were set aside for city infrastructure improvements may have to be used to deal with state budget cuts, as proposed by city manager Bill Kelly.
Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. will conduct a peafowl census in Arcadia during the week of May 20. The results and courses of action to contain the peafowl population will be given to City Council to review.
The Habitat for Humanity Program may be a viable option for the city to build low-income housing on property called the "Mounted Police Facility" on Live Oak Avenue next to the Santa Anita Wash.
Manny Romero, owner of Rod's Grill, has initiated Measure A to try to block the Rusnak Mercedes Benz automobile dealership from expanding. The city has put out a counter measure, Measure B, to citizens to vote on at the May 8 election.
Arcadia City Council has approved a plan revision for the expansion of the Westfield mall. The revised plans involve adding a grade plus one-level parking structure south of Robinson-May, and a 5,400 square feet auto center northeast of the site.
The Feds (Secret Service, part of the U.S. Treasury Department) take over counterfeiting case from Arcadia Police Department. Five individuals were arrested on suspicion of passing counterfeit bills at Robinsons-May, Macy's and possibly JC Penney, at Westfield Shoppingtown in Arcadia.
Former Arcadia mayor George Fasching has been named to a 12-member committee to oversee the spending of up to $150 million in bond money at Pasadena City College.
Grant Chu, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ming R. Chu of Arcadia, received a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Arcadia Weekly columnists: Mimi Hennessy, superintendent of Arcadia Schools, p. 4; Albert Ramirez, p. 12; Brian Lottman, "Seniors Page," p. 18; Ethel Mitty, "Seniors Page," p. 19; Mathy Mezey, "Seniors Page" p. 19.
Foothills Middle School music teacher Sandra Ragusta resigned after 12 years, after receiving her lowest employee evaluation since 1990. She tried to withdraw her resignation but Arcadia Board of Education decided not to give Ragusta her job back.
Highland Oaks PTSA gives service awards and installs its Executive Board on May 28, 2003. Yoshiko Hayashi and Dick Grumm received "Very Special Friend" awards. Teacher Teresa Sarrail received the Honorary Service Award. Volunteers Cindy Forillo and Stephanie McNutt also received the Honorary Service Award. Lisa Lucas was installed for a second term as PTSA president.
Survey proposed on Arcadia Arts Center. The city and school district may collaborate on a public survey to determine public attitude toward construction of an Arts Center in Arcadia. City Manager Bill Kelly told local leaders that an arts center could cost from $5 to $15 million, whether it is an auditorium alone, or a complex, which could include an art gallery and meeting rooms.
Investigators have concluded that the failure of a pump on a fire engine was likely caused by a mechanical and/or design defect. The failure occurred on July 4 at a car accident scene where David Contreras died. Chief Dave Lugo may pursue litigation with manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Fire Apparatus. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8 and Arcadia Weekly, July 18, 2002, p. 1.
Ultimate Autokraft Repair owners Geenie Furguiele and Ronald Taylor say they run a shop that is 100% honest, located at 140 E. St. Joseph Street, Arcadia. Consumers may request free inspections of their cars from Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) after their car has been serviced to determine if they have been defrauded by repair shops. Furguiele and Taylor encourage their customers to do just that. Call (866) 881-1332 for inspection.
Former Arcadia High School baseball coach Mike Parisi was arrested June 8 on suspicion of cocaine possession and of being under the influence of the drug. The Arcadia school board dismissed him. He will begin a 2-week trial period in drug court on August 7, where he will undergo counseling, drug testing, and a 12-step program.