The preliminary report of the population and housing counts of the 1980 census provides population figures for cities in the area. Arcadia's population increased slightly more than 800 from 45,138 in 1970 to 45, 955 in 1980.
City Council has renewed an examination of the admission tax Santa Anita pays compared to other race tracks. The track provided 34.1% of the city's total annual revenues in the fiscal year 1980-81. Traffic control costs in Arcadia are higher than in other cities with race tracks.
Arcadia in 1989 is a changing city. Officials estimate Asians now comprise 15 to 17 % of the population and 27% of the student body. Minorities, including Hispanics, blacks and American Indians total 35% of the school enrollment.
Arcadia ranks at the top among US cities with the highest-paid employees, yet charges its residents less for municipal services and receives less aid than most California cities of similar size. No other US city outside California with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 pays its employees more; the average city employee earns $32,767 per year.
City Council met with representatives of Santa Anita Park race track to discuss the possibility of raising the admissions tax. Council is concerned with the cost of traffic control. Benefits to the city from the track have increased 22.6% in the past two years and 43% the previous season.
City Council tabled a Planning Commission recommendation to limit new homes to 40% of their lot size after complaints that the restrictions would reduce property values.
Santa Anita Fashion Park's plan to expand its facilities to include a Nordstrom Department store and additional small retail stores is scheduled to come before the Arcadia Planning Commission at its November 27 meeting. According to Chuck Cline, general manager of the mall, plans are very much in the preliminary stages and no architectural plans have yet been drawn.
Arcadia's City Council is having second thoughts about its regulation requiring the removal of burglar bars in town and has sent the whole ordinance back to staff for further study.
Sue Wallace, owner-operator of the Turnquist Dog School, has been training dogs for 35 years at Arcadia County Park. A decline in the city's dog population is eroding her once thriving business.
The City Council will increase water rates on a year to year basis for the next five years. Funds will thus be accumulated for predictable major replacement projects. These projects are outlined in the article.
Dr. Dennis Lojeski, a dentist in Arcadia, is running for City Council. Lojeski has been very active in local organizations. Biographical details included.
Several streets in Arcadia have misleading signs saying "Not a Through Street" despite the fact that they are not dead ends or cul-de-sacs. Public Works Director, Chester Howard, explained that the signs were put up in response to residents who wanted to protect their neighborhoods from too much traffic.
A financial forecast for fiscal year 1982-83 predicts a negative balance of $1.9 million for the city of Arcadia. This projection assumes no change in the level of services or programs.
Bill requiring cities to pay businesses for signs that are condemned sparks debate. City officials from Duarte, Monrovia, Temple City and Arcadia have sent letters to local legislators opposing the bill.
Arcadia residents living near the Edwards Drive-In at Live Oak and Peck Road complain that swap meet traffic will continue to be a nuisance in their neighborhood even though the swap meet's license expires in May.
The Friends of the Arcadia Public Library's 30th annual book sale drew larger than usual crowds, with sales amounting to more than $9000, $1000 more than sales made in 1987.