April 12, 2016 municipal election divides the community. The big issues are mansions (over-building) in Arcadia and Measure A, the repeal of the Utility Users Tax (UUT).
Guns and hoses: local firefighters speak out on first responders and the Utility Users Tax (UUT) aka Measure A. The repeal of the UUT would result in dramatic loss of service in fire and police departments. Photo includes Brian Ursettie, Nick Wiegand, Chen Suen, Jeremy Conrad, Thomas Devlin, Kevin Valentine.
Karen Gutierrez-McNair named new CEO of Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, effective February 29. She is executive director of Santa Anita Family YMCA in Monrovia. She replaces Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick, who has resigned to move to Nebraska.
Arcadia's election picks up steam. At last Wednesday's candidate forum, Measure A, which could repeal the Utility Users Tax (UUT) and the Saving Arcadia Ballot Initiative (rational development standards on new construction), dominated the questions from the audience at Arcadia Public Library. Includes photos and statements from each candidate.
George Haines leaving as President of Santa Anita Park to head Southern California Off Track Wagering, Incorporated. Tom Ludt has been appointed the new President, effective April 7, 2014. Ludt was hired a year ago as Senior Vice President, Racing and Gaming-Stronach Group. See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
Are April Verlato and Peter Amundson the new City Council? Election totals could change after 1300 more votes are counted. The late and provisional votes will be counted at Arcadia City Hall today.
Interview on the 20th anniversary of Santa Anita Derby Day 5k, with Santa Anita Park Directory of Special Projects Pete Siberell (photo). See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
Arcadia's Santa Anita Park Race Track announces racing closure following 21 horse deaths since December. Racing is suspended immediately and will return at an undetermined date. See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
Anti-mansionization goes to the ballot. Zoning code issue continues as anti-mansionization group Saving Arcadia (an outgrowth of Save the Arcadia Highlands) takes it to the ballot in April 2018. At issue are Floor Area Ratios (FAR). See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 17, April 7, 2016-initiative did not make it onto ballot because of signature discrepancy.
How Measure A is expected to affect Arcadia. Arcadia City Council will put a sales tax increase of 3/4 percent on this year's June ballot. The added sales tax would be added to the city's income to benefit the current deficit.
Arcadia residents pass Measure A by significant majority. It is a 3/4 cent sales tax increase, passed with 63.94% of the vote in Tuesday's mail-in ballot. The increase will provide locally controlled funds to maintain Arcadia's public safety and other city services. See Also Mountain Views News, June 8, 2019, p. 7.
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.
Fall of the House of Baldwin. Part 4 of a 6 part series: This issue of Arcadia Weekly is missing. By Galen Patterson. See hard copy in VF Baldwin, Anita
Arcadia's proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 has structural deficit of nearly $3.1 million. City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto says Arcadia is at a fiscal crossroads. See hard copy in VF Budget.
Fall of the House of Baldwin. Part 5 of a 6 part series: the Pantophagist. An account of Anita Baldwin's cookbook "The Pantophagist." By Galen Patterson. See hard copy in VF Baldwin, Anita
What does Measure A mean for Arcadia? According to Arcadia Citizen's Fiscal Advisory Committee Final Report, additional revenue is required to maintain city services at current levels. If the 3/4 cent sales tax Measure A fails to pass, it could mean eliminating up to 13 police and 10 firefighter and/or paramedic positions, and other cuts to other service areas, like Public Works, Recreation, and the Library.
Ballot measure aims to repeal Arcadia's utility tax. The current tax adds 7% to bills for water, electricity and natural gas and 5% for telecommunications for both residential and commercial customers. If approved, city services will be downgraded significantly. It would eliminate 12.5% of Arcadia's budget.