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.
Arcadia housing standards campaign to launch. City officials will engage in a "public education campaign" to inform residents about the city's current residential development standards and to look at what other communities are doing.
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.
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.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City Council member Roger Chandler at the podium.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. Arcadia Chamber of Commerce's distinctive round building is visible in the background. People are sitting on chairs and standing on the grass.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. A U.S. flag is standing just right of the center.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. Charles Gilb is at the podium. Holy Angels School is visible in the background. People are sitting on chairs and standing on the grass.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. Holy Angels School is visible in the background. People are sitting on chairs and standing on the grass.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. Holy Angels School is visible in the background. People are sitting on chairs and standing on the grass.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. People are looking at a picture on an easel, probably an artist's rendering of the building.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members in attendance include Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski. People are looking at a picture on an easel, probably an artist's rendering of the building.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members with shovels from left to right Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members with shovels from left to right Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members with shovels from left to right Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski.
ID #1966-1987 show groundbreaking ceremony for the Arcadia Community Center, to be built soon at the site at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. City council members with shovels from left to right Charles Gilb, Roger Chandler, Robert Harbicht, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski.
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.