The Arcadia Educational Foundation raised about $90,000 for Arcadia schools over the last year by selling more than $1.4 million in "scrip" or vouchers for groceries.
The foundation plans to raise $75,000 this year ($30,000 more than last year) with a new strategy that entails direct pleas for contribution from families of Arcadia school students as well as from businesses in the community.
Within 18 months, Arcadia Nissan, the last of the city's 3 auto dealerships, will pack up and leave town. The departure of the 3 auto dealerships will result in a loss to the city of $450,000 a year in sales tax (about 2% of the yearly city budget).
Bruce Low, general manager of Arcadia Datsun, isn't particularly happy with the city. Reason stems from an about-face by the City Council last winter when it decided in favor of retail commercial developments that would bring sales tax revenue to the city.