A tale of two cities: Arcadia and bygone Arcadia. Noted historians Carol Libby and Sandy Snider slighted by longtime Councilman Roger Chandler's remarks about Anoakia, Anita Baldwin's mansion, and the historic preservation issue. See hard copy in VF City Council 2010-2019
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.
Arcadia residents protest removal of basketball courts at Eisenhower Park and City Council member Roger Chandler's comments that he wouldn't want the basketball courts rebuilt because he doesn't like the "type" they attract. At August 20 City Council meeting, Chandler said the courts attracted unauthorized and unsanctioned basketball tournaments.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Roger Chandler's comments infuriate Arcadia residents. City Council recommitted to an improvement plan at Eisenhower Park that eliminates basketball courts. Chandler said he didn't like the "type" the basketball courts attract. Last Sunday over 100 residents staged a demonstration next to the newly razed Eisenhower Park, objecting to Chandler's contentious comments.
Arcadia City Council members to submit nominees for John Wuo's vacant seat at next meeting October 20. Mayor Gary Kovacic and Councilman Tom Beck recommended former mayor Mickey Segal. Councilman Roger Chandler and Sho Tay wanted to take time to think of a few more nominees.
Gary Kovacic is Arcadia's mayor for the sixth time since 1998. Mayor Pro Tem is Roger Chandler. Mayor Kovacic is in the final year of a second consecutive four-year term. Due to term limits, he will have to step away from Arcadia City Council for at last two years after he concludes his current term as mayor, next April.
Arcadia residents and ex-mayor Mickey Segal threaten to recall city council members Roger Chandler, John Wuo, and Sho Tay for their decision to suspend a zoning code update last month. The issue involves a lawsuit, Arcadia Highlands Homeowners Association (HOA) and mansions. See hard copy in VF "City Council 2011-2020."
Decision 2018: Arcadia's April election is for three City Council seats, for Districts 2, 3 and 5, for 4-year terms. Candidates are Tom Beck, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Joyce Platt, Sho Tay, and Jolly Wu.
Basketball court returns to Arcadia's Eisenhower Park renovation plans. Arcadia City Council voted 3-to-2 to add one full basketball court. See also hard copy in VF Parks.
Arcadia City Council has two new members and a former city councilman has returned, according to semi-official results of the all-mail ballot election. Tom Beck, a retired attorney, and Sho Tay, a retired businessman, are new. Roger Chandler is the returning councilman.
Campaign to recall three Arcadia city council members begins. Highlands neighborhood residents have been at odds with Roger Chandler, Sho Tay, and John Wuo over the development of mansions in place of historic homes and the Gemcoin controversy with John Wuo.
"Pioneer" Sheng Chang, M.D. endorses Bob Harbicht and Roger Chandler. Chandler and Harbicht are diametrically opposed to the other city council candidates on issues concerning preservation vs. property rights.
Low voter turnout sends Tom Beck, Roger Chandler and Sho Tay to Arcadia City Council. Just over 20% of the 29,382 registered voters mailed in the ballot. See hard copy in VF City Council Elections 2014.
Arcadia City Council declines to further consider moratorium on residential construction. Opponents of temporary development freeze turn out in force. State law requires a five-member municipal panel have at least four votes to approve a moratorium on real estate development. The Council could not muster majority support.
Arcadia election mailer pokes fun at opposition as election tactics run the gamut. Resident Deborah Priester, a resident of District 5, has had enough of the city council candidate attacks and put out a mailer that encourages voters to select anyone but Roger Chandler. It depicts him at the Monopoly Man.
FBI warns of consequences of anti-social media. Arcadia City Council members targeted by what some are calling a 'witch hunt.' Opinion article by Terry Miller.
Arcadia incumbents appear to hold onto their seats. Semi-official results of City Council election. District 2-Tom Beck (northwest area, the neighborhoods surrounding Santa Anita Park on the north and west); District 5-Roger Chandler (the southeast area).