In the wake of a fight in January between Asian American and white teenagers near Arcadia High School, police, parents and school officials have come up with a new get-tough policy to crack down on students involved in violence or drugs. Called PAXCE 2000, for "Peaceful Arcadia Through Community Efforts 2000," the program puts a police officer at the High School and three junior high schools.
The Arcadia Police Department has been hit by 4 separate claims of racial and sexual discrimination and harassment in the last year. Those making accusations include Beverly Hayden, owner of the Burger Palace; Gus and Alicia Alfavo, who claim their son was harassed because he is Latino; Deborah Piere, a former probationary officer who filed a discrimination lawsuit; and a woman cadet who claimed sexual harassment and discrimination.