Third article in a series of five about new Asian residents deals with the problems faced by the new arrivals. See hard copy in VF "Population" item #43.
Second of five articles about Asian immigrants concerns the differing cultural stresses that arise when East meets West. See hard copy in VF "Population" item #42.
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.
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.
By the year 2000 Arcadia will have more homes and businesses, more traffic, higher property values, and a larger population of Asians, though the population of the city as a whole will not increase very much. Officials predict what the city will be like in the year 2000.
The Asian-American Association for Arcadia, a new community service organization in the city, has been formed to act as a bridge for new immigrants to become involved in the mainstream of Arcadia life. David Ma is chairman of the group.
Arcadia police arrested 4 men in 4 separate rooms of the Embassy Suites motel, confiscating more than 2 ounces of cocaine and $5,600 in what police called "drug money."
Arcadia police seized more than 154 lbs. of cocaine worth an estimated $70 million and arrested 4 Colombian nationals in the largest drug haul in the city's history. Homes on Fairview Avenue, Arcadia Avenue and Huntington Drive were raided.
About 150 Asian parents told city and school officials at a meeting that they are troubled by two fights at Arcadia High School between Asians and Caucasians.
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.
The Arcadia Planning Commission has given Reverend John Maynard of the Wesleyan Holiness Community Chapel Church one year to bring his church property up to city safety standards.
After years of lengthy and frustrating negotiations, Arcadia is close to signing a new franchise agreement with Group W cable television company. An agreement, if reached, would more than double the size of the city's cable system and finally allow Arcadians who live south of the 210 freeway to receive service.
The Library Board approved a budget of $5000 to purchase more Asian reading materials. Rose Hwang, the librarian in charge of the Asian language collection said the money will buy at least 600 new books.
The Duke and Duchess of York will be in Arcadia Monday for what has been billed as the "first visit by a member of the British royal family to an American supermarket."