Howard Jarvis, the father of Proposition 13, spent an hour in Arcadia, knocking down the "straw man" arguments he said were being put up against the property tax initiative. Prop. 13 would reduce property taxes in California to 1 percent of what market value was in 1975-1976, plus whatever is necessary to pay off current bonded indebtedness. A 2 percent annual inflation rate is written into the constitutional amendment.
There has been some hassle over the lack of restroom facilities at Fashion Park. The City Council would like to see 2 restrooms on each level open at all times. Stores make their restrooms available, but some events take place when the stores are closed.
By a vote of 3-2, the City Council OK'd seeking Federal funds for the construction of an auditorium. The School Board has already voted to appropriate $4000 of the $6000 needed to update old plans.
A "doomsday" budget is being studied and capital improvements postponed until it is seen whether the Jarvis Amendment (Proposition 13) on the June ballot passes.
As it now stands, there will be no busing service for Arcadia students this fall due to Proposition 13 cutbacks. The Superintendent and School Board are still seeking a solution to the problem.
The County Board of Supervisors urged the State Legislature and Governor Reagan to defeat a bill which would make it easier for citizens to form a new county.
Enormous cut backs, reduced operating hours, and admission fees are all being contemplated as solutions to keeping the Arboretum going in the face of Proposition 13 caused revenue losses.
Grace Clark has retired after more than 21 years with the Arcadia Public Library. She was City Librarian for a number of years and has been head of the Technical Services Department for the past 15 years.
The Arcadia City Council ignored a request from the Arcadia Tax Reform Committee to vote again on taxes approved in June, 1978, following passage of Proposition 13.
The Planning Department hopes to get a marked and some-what protected bicycle path through the city that would link up with adjoining areas. The city has included $10,000 in the capital improvements budget for 1975-76.
James Helms' City Council seat will be "up for grabs" as the city Charter prohibits more than 2 consecutive terms. Also, Dr. Alton Scott's seat will be available as he has announced that he will not seek re-election. Candidates may pick up nomination papers on January 15 and must file by noon on February 5 for the April election.
Residents of the Arcadia portion of Hillcrest Blvd. and Valencia Way have urged the City Council to close Hillcrest and make Valencia a dead end. An alternative would be the erection of stop signs along Hillcrest.
The Realty Board has announced the following endorsements for the City Council election in April: Floretta Lauber; Charles Gilb; Irvin Livingston; Reuben Ruiz.
The Board of Education approved a joint powers agreement with the city regarding use of part of the First Avenue Junior High School site for recreational purposes.
The California Teachers Association has filed charges with the Public Employees Relations Board against 16 area schools including Monrovia, Arcadia and Duarte. The charges relate to actions taken as a result of Proposition 13.