Arcadia Unified saves taxpayers over $40 million by refinancing bonds that were obtained through Measure I, Facilities Bond that voters approved November 2006. The refinancing takes advantage of current lower interest rates.
Arcadia Unified School District upgraded and improved four campuses over summer break, costing nearly $10 million. Funded under the district's $218 million Measure I Bond, the four schools that got updated classrooms and facilities are Arcadia High School, Camino Grove Elementary, Hugo Reid Elementary, and Highland Oaks Elementary schools.
Arcadia's bond rating raised to highest possible AAA rating from Standard and Poor's (S&P), with the outlook for the city as "stable." The rating increase from AA to the highest rating of AAA is a reflection of Arcadia's strong economy, budgetary performance and flexibility and liquidity, but namely strong management and solid financial practices and responsibility by city leaders. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 13, November 3, 2016.
Hollywood actors Ed Begley, Jr. and Daryl Hannah called on prosecutors to drop a trespassing case against the group of tree-sitters who have become known as the "Arcadia 4." The four climbed into oak trees on January 12, 2011 while Los Angeles County bulldozers destroyed an 11-acre woodland around them. Begley rallied with supporters outside Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley's downtown headquarters. The four are John Quigley of Glendale, Julia Jaye Posin of Venice Beach, Travis Jochimsen of Lancaster and Andrea Bowers of Los Angeles. The trees were cleared to make room for a sediment site.
Yesterday Arcadia city officials celebrated the groundbreaking of a nearly $12.5 million Gold Line bridge that will be built over Santa Anita Avenue, south of Colorado Boulevard. Starting on or near May 1, the new bridge's construction, which would take 7 months, will cause lane closures on Santa Anita Avenue, disruptions and detours, including not being able to enter In-N-Out Burger from Santa Anita Avenue for 4 months. The bridge is being paid for by a voter-approved bond measure and city transportation funds.
Arcadia High School students and staff, Mr. Christopher Schultz (Track and Field coach), aid victims of Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm that struck the coast of South Texas.
Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) introduced the new $7.5 million Facilities and Maintenance Yard Tuesday, which is the culminating project of the $218 million Measure I bond that spanned more than ten years. This school bond measure was voted on and passed by the Arcadia community in 2006. Jim Leahy, retired Executive Director of Facilities was honored for his contribution.
Santa Anita Avenue's Gold Line Bridge was dedicated Tuesday, December 1. Bridge was built by taxpayers of Arcadia, funded by Measure A. The Gold Line Grade Separation Bond Citizen Oversight Committee was on hand for the event.
City of Arcadia to update Recreation and Park Master Plan. Seeking resident input. The last update was 2007. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 4, June 4, 2015.
Arcadia election heating up: candidate forum next week. There are two open seats on council for 4-year terms and the City Clerk position is open for a 4-year term.
Longley Way Elementary School students return to campus after $10.4 million upgrade from Measure I bond. Upgrades include air conditioned cafeteria and classrooms equipped with smart boards, assisted hearing technology and document cameras.
A recent audit of fire department response times in 12 cities shows San Marino and Pasadena firefighters were the quickest in responding to emergency calls. The report covered April, May and June. San Marino's and Pasadena's average response times were 4:03 and 4:02, respectively. Arcadia's average, in comparison, was 4:21.