City of Arcadia to place three measures on November 8, 2022 ballot. 1. Proposed City Charter Amendment Measure. The City Charter was last amended in 1998. The citizen-led Charter Review Committee recommends updates to mirror changes in state laws since 1998 and to reflect current local government standards, to include a) mirroring changes in state laws to increase voter turnout by moving the date of regularly scheduled city council elections from April in even-numbered years to the November Statewide General Election in even-numbered years. b) recognizing the city's change to by-district elections as required by California Voting Rights Act. c) Creating a rotation of mayor and mayor pro tem positions every 9.5 months to allow all council members to serve during their term. d) Change position of City Clerk from elected to appointed. e) other amendments to streamline government, utilize technology and increase transparency. 2. Two measures to increase locally controlled funding. One measure would increase Arcadia's local tax on stays at hotels and motels from 10% to 12%--similar rate to many neighboring cities. The other measure would enact a local tax on sports wagers if sports betting becomes legal in California through State Proposition 26, also on the November ballot
Back on track. Santa Anita Park resumes racing today, still minus spectators and with several precautions. The last time there was racing was March 27, when the track was shut down by Los Angeles County Health Department to slow the spread of coronavirus. Some of the most important protocols include: restricted zone that will house jockeys, valets and essential personnel, all trainers, employees and essential racing personnel must wear face cloths covering their nose and mouth and practice social distancing, all trainers, employees and essential racing personnel must wear a race-day wristband signifying they passed the daily health screening.
Restaurant review, by Merrill Shindler, of Craft by Smoke & Fire, a small chain with one branch in Old Pasadena, another in Arcadia, and a third in Anaheim. Barbecue, sports play well together. Craft by Smoke & Fire eateries have a very good balance of tasty food and entertainment. The Arcadia location is at the Santa Anita mall at 400 S. Baldwin Avenue.
Longtime Arcadia City Clerk Gene Glasco retires. Glasco has served 12 years as its elected City Clerk. In 2022, Arcadia voters approved an update to the City Charter that eliminated the position of the elected City Clerk. With Glasco's retirement, the City Manager will appoint a City Clerk. Most of the traditional City Clerk duties are currently performed by professional staff in the City Manager's Office, ensuring uninterrupted service to the public. Photo of Glasco with Arcadia City Council. See press release dated April 18, 2024 in VF for full-text.
Arcadia Transit Dial-a-Ride temporary modifications--offering transit assistance to senior/disabled riders who are self-isolating and who may need help by allowing caregivers of registered riders to use Dial-a-Ride to do essential errands for them.
Sounds of silence. Santa Anita Park like an old west ghost town as horses race without fans. No fans in attendance at the races yesterday due to the coronavirus COVID-19. Only media, owners, trainers, and essential personnel were in attendance. By Art Wilson.
Novel coronavirus Arcadia update. There are currently no reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in the city of Arcadia. Local officials are monitoring the situation and will provide updates through city website and social media. As of Tuesday, March 10, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom said there are 157 positive cases and one death in California.
Lawsuit filed against the City of Arcadia seeking an injunction against Mayor Sho Tay running for re-election on the November 2022 ballot. The City of Arcadia Charter limits City Council to two consecutive terms. He was appointed to City Council in 2018 when he ran unopposed for District 3. The suit challenges whether or not the term limits apply to Mayor Sho Tay, who is running for a third time.
Arcadia Advises Residents to Wear Face Coverings in Public. Per additional guidance from local, state, and federal public health officials, the City of Arcadia is encouraging all residents to wear face coverings when outside the home conducting essential activities, like going to the grocery store or caring for family members, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This recommendation does not substitute existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.
Arcadia Announces Limited Reopening of City Facilities by Appointment. The City of Arcadia is reopening City Hall to the public for services by appointment only for essential activities in response to the revised Safer at Home Order issued by Los Angeles County on May 13, 2020. These include building permits, inspections, and planning related services. Tennis courts are now open for modified use. All players must abide by posted rules and those who ignore the guidelines will not be allowed to play.
Santa Anita meet opens: no fans but record betting. Santa Anita park began its 84th winter-spring meet yesterday with no audience, but had a record-breaking opening day in betting handle, as $23,003,159 was wagered on the 11-race card. The old record of $20,491,016 was set in 2018. First-year General Manager Nate Newby hopes fans will be allowed back soon. Until such time only essential personnel and horses' owners are allowed to attend races.
Shrimp and crab-stuffed salmon at The Derby, 233 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, is recommended and the restaurant's menu and reputation are also described.
CDC optimism is a shot in the arm. New guidelines ease restrictions on vaccinated people. On Saturday, March 13, Maitely Weissman, cofounder of Essential Caregivers Coalition, and other grassroots activists will be marching at 1:00 PM at Arcadia Community Regional Park, while socially distanced, to honor those who have died in long-term care facilities since the March 13, 2020 visitation ban and those who are isolated inside. The "honor walk" in Arcadia is part of a series of coordinated events across 17 states in commemoration of the anniversary of the ban.
A driver killed, two passengers injured when car hits power poles and a fence about 11:30 PM on Sunday, February 21, near Las Tunas Drive and El Monte Avenue.
Arcadia Unified School District named the Best School District in Los Angeles, 4th best in California, according to Niche.com, a prominent school and neighborhood review website.
Howling winds wreak havoc. Toppled trees crush cars and homes in parts of Southern California while power outages dot the region. Winds that began Friday afternoon left a trail of toppled trees in San Gabriel Valley in places like Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Pasadena and Altadena.