The Arcadia city council endorsed the construction of the second phase of the Gold Line as a light rail transit system. Grade level of the major street crossings was discussed.
The Arcadia City Council is considering changes to fees charged by the city through the Development Services Department. One change might be a $25 fee for new business license applications. The fees may increase for design review of new commercial projects and appeals from an architectural review board to the Planning Commission. The General plan amendment fee may drop and tentative tract maps for condos may drop. The city plans to increase fines for code violations.
Arcadia City Council has put out a design contract for landscaping and streetscape design on Baldwin Avenue between Duarte Road and Naomi Avenue. The contract went to Willdan, not to exceed $64,410. Another project proposes widening of the street to four lanes, 75 feet from curb to curb, with landscaped median, curb parking and additional landscaping, along with street resurfacing, to cost $380,000.
Strong winds at 70+ mph caused 29 light poles to topple over on Live Oak Avenue. There was damage to six other poles between Santa Anita Avenue and Sixth Avenue.
Arcadia city council will vote on an ordinance prohibiting loitering by members of street gangs. The ordinance defines a "criminal street gang" as three or more people with a primary activity to commit offenses, such as murder, assault, robbery, or drug-related crimes. There are eight active Asian gangs within the city.
Gold Line measure proposed. Supporters of the Metro Gold Line Extension through San Gabriel Valley are campaigning in Sacramento this week for legislation that would help create a new Gold Line authority. The new authority would provide for a 15-member board of representatives from the so-called Phase II cities, including Arcadia and Monrovia.
Arcadia City Council rejected objections filed by Los Angeles County and declared a redevelopment district for South Arcadia. The district, which covers business properties along Las Tunas and Live Oak, will be operated as a non-contiguous part of the Arcadia downtown redevelopment district. The City Council declared the area does suffer from both economic and physical blight, and hope to spend $12 million to upgrade the district.
Manny Romero, owner of Rod's Grill, has initiated Measure A to try to block the Rusnak Mercedes Benz automobile dealership from expanding. The city has put out a counter measure, Measure B, to citizens to vote on at the May 8 election.
The City of Arcadia faces mid-year budget cuts as the state has its own budget problems. Arcadia will have to sustain a $2.9 million cut this year, a loss of funds that comes from vehicle license fees.
Governor Gray Davis issued an order requiring retail businesses to reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting wattage during non-business hours. The Arcadia Police Department seeks compliance from local businesses.
If a 1948 plan by the Rapid Transit Action Group to salvage a portion of the Pacific Electric Red Car system had become a reality, Arcadia and Monrovia would have been enjoying the benefits of light rail transit for the last 54 years. Arcadia Weekly writer Charles Cooper provides historical information and rider statistics of the old rail lines.
Longden Avenue in Arcadia has had a lot of street construction over the last three years, including construction of wheelchair ramps, missing sidewalks, palm trees removed, and new 30 inch water main.
Recreation classes and programs for Arcadia residents will be increased for everyone except senior citizens under a new fee schedule adopted by the City Council.
Council opposes tribal mascot bill. Arcadia city council voted to oppose AB 2115 or any other legislation that would block Arcadia High School from using the Apache name and mascot.