Arcadia Councilman Roger Chandler ridicules Senator Anthony Portantino's support of State Assembly Bill AB 931. The California Police Officers Association (CPOA) also opposes AB 931. The bill concerns the use of force by police officers. The bill would require peace officers to attempt to control an incident by using time, distance, communications, and available resources to de-escalate a situation whenever it is safe and reasonable to do so. Chandler says it is very bad for Arcadia but a dream come true for lawyers.
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.
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 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.
"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.
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Voters choose Tom Beck (District 2) over challenger Bob Harbicht, for City Council seat. Incumbent Roger Chandler (District 5) narrowly defeats challenger Joyce Platt. Preliminary numbers are in. This is the city's first district-based election.
Voters support incumbents. Turnout very low.* District 2 winner is Tom Beck with 982 votes out of 1857 votes cast and Roger Chandler won in District 5 with 704 votes out of 1627 cast. In District 3, Sho Tay ran unopposed so he was appointed. *semi-official results.
Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem. Sho Tay under investigation by FPPC. The State Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) scrutinizes complaints that he used campaign dollars he had received to support candidates Bob Harbicht and Councilman Roger Chandler.