Arcadia City Council approves proposed downtown development zoning changes, specifically regarding downtown Arcadia mixed-use development. Council member April Verlato recused herself from these discussions.
Arcadia City Council made three appointments to the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association (AIA) board of directors. They are Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director, Tim Schwehr, the city's Economic Development Analyst, and Peter Amundson, City Council member.
Downtown Arcadia in 2019. Large mixed-use project (38 apartments, 16000 s.f. retail, office, restaurants) at First Avenue and Wheeler Street will finish and open later this year. New restaurant "Trendy Thai 2 Go" opened at 18 North First Avenue (formerly Stacked Sandwich) and Shabu Lin is about to open at 101 South First Avenue (formerly Zapata Vive). Downtown AIA will be implementing several new streetscape beautification projects this year, planning has started on year-round decorative tree lighting on First Avenue.
46th Annual Mayor's Community Breakfast to honor women of Arcadia, on February 21, 2020. Mayor April Verlato will give the State of the City Address. Dr. Jasmine Sharma will give keynote address
Measure A appears to be failing, newcomers likely to join council. Voters on Tuesday shot down Measure A (repeal of Utility Users Tax) and appear to be electing Peter Amundson and April Verlato for Arcadia City Council. Measure A did not pass. 64 percent of votes were cast against the measure, which needed a simple majority to pass. Amundson and Verlato will be sworn in April 26.
Anti-mansionization candidates snag seats on Arcadia City Council. Peter Amundson received 4122 votes and April Verlato received 4077 votes to become the two new city council members. Bob Harbicht received the third highest number of votes.
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.
Arcadia city council election results undecided after city receives 999 more ballots yesterday. The second and final count will be completed on April 21. Tentative results had Peter Amundson and April Verlato in the lead, but Bob Harbicht is trailing not far behind. There were 2 seats to be filled.
Demonstrators occupy Arcadia City Council meeting and call for resignation of Mayor Pro Tem Roger Chandler. They spoke out against removal of basketball courts from Eisenhower Park. Some called Chandler to resign because of his August 20 remarks that he didn't like the "type" of people the courts attracted. Chandler accused Mayor April Verlato of orchestrating the protests.
Six candidates vying for two seats on Arcadia City Council in the April 12 all-mail-in ballot. Current Mayor Gary Kovacic is terming out this year and Councilman Mickey Segal is not seeking re-election. Among those running are three former city councilman-- Peter Amundson, Bob Harbicht, and Sheng Chang. Also running are Burton L. Brink, Paul Van Fleet, April Verlato, an attorney and community activist. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 15, January 28, 2016.
Arcadia City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Roger Chandler said he wouldn't want the basketball courts rebuilt because he doesn't like the "type" they attract. The old courts have been demolished already and City Council eventually recommitted to an improvement plan that permanently eliminates Eisenhower Park's basketball courts. Chandler's comments prompted an immediate uproar from residents in attendance. Council member April Verlato said his use of the phrase "the type" could be perceived as racist but doesn't think he meant it that way, but he should apologize. The renovated park will cost nearly $6.3 million, including a baseball diamond and large picnic area.
Arcadia City Council does not pursue ballot iniative on home building rules. As the city's effort to update the zoning code continues into the new year, the Arcadia City Council briefly considered sponsoring its own voter initiative to rival a measure from residents that is currently the subject of a petition to qualify for an upcoming election ballot, but City Council decided against pursuing its own ballot iniative because the petition process would not conclude in time to qualify for the April ballot.
Seven candidates for two seats on Arcadia City Council: Paul Cheng, April Verlato, Bob Harbicht, Peter Amundson, Dr. Sheng Chang, Burton Brink, and Paul Van Fleet.
Fake news rears its ugly head during Arcadia election. How is negative campaigning affecting voters? There seems to be a struggle between candidate Bob Harbicht (former mayor and city councilman) and April Verlato, and unauthorized lawn signs. Arcadiasbest.com blog has been publishing pointed political opinion articles aimed at defaming Tom Beck.
Arcadia City Council declared its intention to provide seed redevelopment money--provided a state Supreme Court ruling in January frees up such funding--to help the Arcadia Downtown Business Association breathe new life into the city's traditional downtown, by establishing a property-based business improvement district.