Arcadia's proposed plastic bag ban has been tabled until after the outcome of a similar statewide referendum on the November election. Mayor Tom Beck first introduced the ordinance. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 17, May 5, 2016.
Coyotes are becoming a problem in Arcadia. The City of Arcadia is working to combat the problem, allocating $15,000 and providing whistles and education.
Fake news rears its ugly head during Arcadia election. How is negative campaigning affecting voters? There seems to be a struggle between candidate Bob Harbicht (former mayor and city councilman) and April Verlato, and unauthorized lawn signs. Arcadiasbest.com blog has been publishing pointed political opinion articles aimed at defaming Tom Beck.
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 Living celebrates grand opening of assisted living community. Located in the previous
location of Vista Cove, 601 Sunset Boulevard, Arcadia Living provides assisted living services,
hospice care, respite care, and adult day programs. Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay (in photo), Mayor Pro
Tem Paul Cheng, and Council member Tom Beck attended.
Mayor Tom Beck recognizes Arcadia High School Advanced Theatre students at July 5 Arcadia City Council meeting for winning First Place Sweepstakes Trophy twice this year. Arcadia High School Theatre Director Steven Volpe in photo with his students.
Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds “no evidence of intent to conceal information” by Arcadia Councilmember Tom Beck. He was alleged to have committed campaign violations related to timely reporting of contributor information in Arcadia’s municipal election.
Arcadia city considers ban on some restaurant takeout containers (polystyrene, aka Styrofoam). Restrictions on straws, utensils also under review. Arcadia Council Member Tom Beck introduced the idea and Council Member Paul Cheng is enthusiastic about it. Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director, said the City will work with restaurants and the Chamber of Commerce to implement the ordinance. The Cheesecake Factory is already using eco-friendly containers and utensils.
In a letter sent to Mayor Tom Beck, the HQH Chinese American Equalization Association demands district voting in Arcadia. The association claims at-large system dilutes influence. According to 2010 U.S. Census, Asians represent 60% of the city's population of 56,364 and about 46% of its registered voters. The letter points out that no more than 2 Asian Americans have served on Arcadia City Council at the same time. Beck said Arcadia doesn't have the problem of Asians being underrepresented.
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 City Council voted unanimously to partially reconsider their moratorium on a citywide revamp of commercial, industrial zoning regulations. Former city councilmember Mickey Segal threatens winter recall campaign if council doesn't find resolution to Highlands lawsuit.
City of Sierra Madre police must find another way to deal with officer shortage after Arcadia balks at sharing officer. Sierra Madre officials had hoped Arcadia could help through a contract between the cities where one Arcadia officer would help patrol areas of Sierra Madre at night and backup would be available as needed. Arcadia City Council said they could not spare an officer for such a contract. See also Arcadia Weekly, February 4, 2016, pp. 1, 14.
Homeless initiative takes a back seat to home improvement grants. Arcadia City Council approved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds for 2017-2018 fiscal year for home improvements and repairs to low and moderate-income residents, about $230,000 and only $20,000 on the Homeless Initiative Program. Mayor Tom Beck expressed concern for the disparity.