End of an era--Colonial Pharmacy in Arcadia succumbs to a difficult economy. Arcadia's oldest pharmacy, Colonial Pharmacy, which has been serving the community since 1939, will be closing. Owner Mark Burstyn (photo) has worked there since October 1990.
Downtown Arcadia businesses create "Community Benefit District." Each business owner would pay extra in property taxes to go into a fund to better market the area to customers and visitors. With the Gold Line Station at North First Avenue and East Santa Clara Street scheduled to open in 2015, efforts to help brand the area have been fast-tracked.
The City Council took the first step toward placing a bond issue of up to $8 million on the ballot for the November 2 election. The bond is needed for building a new police station.
Arcadia's new city government first formed in 1903 and its first meeting took place at Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin's Oakwood Hotel, located at First Avenue and Santa Clara Road. Baldwin's hotel featured gambling and fine dining along with city government. The Oakwood Hotel burned down in 1911, and the city government moved to the McCoy Building at First Avenue and St. Joseph Street. Two years later, City Hall moved across the street to the Hibbard Building. In 1917, the first building was constructed as a City Hall at Huntington Drive and Second Avenue (?). A two-story colonial building was built for $18,000. This City Hall opened on July 13, 1918. City Hall moved in 1949 to a 13-acre parcel between Huntington Drive and the Pacific Electric railroad tracks.
Arcadia Police Department's PACE office in the Westfield Shoppingtown mall has a new name and sign. It is now called Arcadia Police Department-Community Services and two officers, Sgt. Bob Guthrie and Officer Paul van der Noorn, are now manning the station in the lower level, near JC Penney.
Arcadia commuters fed up with gridlock at First Avenue at the Gold Line Station, since trains started running through Arcadia in March 2016. City engineers are aware of the problems and public's frustration and looking at ways to improve the signals and wait times.
Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension opens with big party. Thousands line up for free rides on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Jay Cohen (pictured), Santa Anita Park's legendary bugler plays a tune at the Arcadia Station.
New development and businesses in Downtown Arcadia. The Metro Gold Line train has brought renewed success and energy to Downtown Arcadia. A mixed-use project near the Gold Line's Arcadia station will include over 16,000 square feet of commercial space, 38 residential units, and 110 new parking spaces are under construction, as is a 4,000 square foot Art Deco style office building at 130 S. First Avenue. Last year, Mr. Lowe Brewing Co. opened Arcadia's first microbrewery and in July, Vendome Wine & Spirits opened at 103 E. Santa Clara St. Article by Mayor Peter Amundson.
Take the Gold Line to see the ponies at Santa Anita Park. Santa Anita Park offering the Santa Anita Shuttle to run on all race days and will operate in addition to Arcadia Transit's Shuttle service. The Santa Anita Shuttle runs non-stop from Arcadia Station (First Avenue and Santa Clara Street) of the Gold Line, through July 10, closing day of the spring meet.
Arcadia Transit Plaza dedication ceremony held November 6, 2014. It is located at 99 Santa Clara Street, at First Avenue, where the Gold Line Station in Arcadia is being built. It will serve as a transportation hub and a gathering space for the community. Many VIPs attended (photos).
Major changes on tap for Arcadia in the new year. Delta Marriott Hotel slated for the old Santa Anita Inn; Arcadia's tallest building, currently housing Bank of America at 150 N. Santa Anita Avenue, has gone up for sale. The current Arcadia Self Storage at 35 W. Huntington Drive is proposed to become a modern food vendor location, reminiscent of the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles or the Anaheim Packing House.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce launches new networking campaign. Pop-Up mixers are held monthly at Arcadia bars whose owners are Chamber members. The first one was at Monkey Bar at Westfield Santa Anita mall, January 9. Pop-Up mixers are not advertised in advance, instead information is posted through social media within days of the event. RSVPs are not necessary.
Arcadia Police Department offers a safe meet up spot for internet sales. The Internet Exchange “Meet Up” spot is in the police department parking lot. The lot has video surveillance and is adjacent to the police station in the southwest corner of the parking lot.