Authorities have released Joshua Connole of Pomona, a suspect in the August 22 vehicle vandalisms labeled by FBI as acts of ecoterrorism. More than $2 million in damage was caused by vandals claiming affiliation with the Earth Liberation Front. High-end sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and other vehicles at the Rusnak Mercedes Benz dealership in Arcadia, Advantage Ford in Monrovia, Clippinger Chevrolet in West Covina, and Duarte Mitsubishi were torched and spray painted.
The FBI is tracking vandals who caused an estimated $2.5 million in damage across San Gabriel Valley area sport utility vehicle dealerships. The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) claimed responsibility for these acts of ecoterrorism.
The Arcadia City Council approved the design for a proposed addition to the new car showroom at Rusnak Mercedes-Benz. The dealer wants to build a two-story, 2644 square feet addition to the southeast corner of the showroom. The City council approved additions to other businesses as well.
Elizabeth Cox, Josh Silverman, and Corey Stubbs were honored by Mayor Mickey Segal for saving the life of crossing guard Richard Bauer. The students were making a video about life in Arcadia when he had a heart attack. They called 911.
Rusnak Mercedes-Benz has moved from Pasadena to the old Foulger Ford property at 55 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia. A photo shows city officials and top business people at the ribbon cutting on the site.
Rusnak Motors gets a 6-month extension to its exception from ARA 172, a resolution that prohibits car sales unless new cars are also sold. The Council also acted to amend the central business district ordinance to allow service stations with a conditional use permit.
The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency is apparently making some progress in a project to improve the area around the Rusnak Mercedes-Benz dealership. The project, known as the Morlan Place Center, has been the topic of closed-door discussions with property owners around the Huntington Drive site. The city has extended offers to at least two property owners to move to 620 E. Live Oak, so that Morlan Place Center can be developed.
Arcadia is teaming with Monrovia, Azusa, Covina and West Covina to form the regional Foothill Air Support Team (FAST) which will give the city police helicopter support.
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.
Police in seven San Gabriel Valley cities will be able to respond more quickly and effectively to reports of a crime in progress using a new mapping technology installed in a police helicopter operated by Foothill Air Support Team under a joint powers agreement between the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Monrovia, Pasadena, and West Covina. The system is linked to a Global Positioning System (GPS).
"Blind Justice," an 11-foot tall tile mural at the police station dating back to the 1950s, will not be preserved when the new police station is built. The mural was judged not to have significant artistic or historical merit. The mural will be archived, with some element maintained for display in the new building.
Rusnak Arcadia sells premium pre-owned automobiles and had its grand opening last month (but opened mid-August) at the former site of Foulger Ford (which closed in 1992) at 55 W. Huntington Drive. With some history of other automobile dealerships in Arcadia, including Bates Chevrolet, Lindy Chevrolet, and a Datsun dealership owned by Bruce and Bob Low.
The Community Redevelopment Agency is still considering an 11-acre project around the former Foulger Ford property, now owned by car dealer Paul Rusnak.
No resolution has been reached on the lawsuit brought by police officer Sharleen Wilson against the city for alleged sexual discrimination and harassment.