Anti-mansionization goes to the ballot. Zoning code issue continues as anti-mansionization group Saving Arcadia (an outgrowth of Save the Arcadia Highlands) takes it to the ballot in April 2018. At issue are Floor Area Ratios (FAR). See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 17, April 7, 2016-initiative did not make it onto ballot because of signature discrepancy.
Arcadia City Council actions proving to be divisive. Charges of campaign finance misdeeds and board racism alleged. Arcadia finds itself a town divided with feelings split about Councilman Sho Tay, who was passed over last month when it came time for his ceremonial turn for mayor. On one side, several people are accusing Tay of campaign finance fraud for spending money, donated to him, on behalf of two other candidates. Others are accusing City Council members of racism for bypassing the selection of Tay for mayor during its annual reorganization.
Arcadia City Council candidates champion their causes. There are five candidates for two open seats. Their causes are: Gary Kovacic--maintaining a balanced budget with adequate reserves and a sense of community; Mary Dougherty--mansionization and residential guidelines; Sho Tay--traffic safety and opposing a new $12.2 million City Hall; John Wuo--reducing crime; and Henry Nunez--increase city revenues and create a real downtown in Arcadia.
Arcadia City Council declines to further consider moratorium on residential construction. Opponents of temporary development freeze turn out in force. State law requires a five-member municipal panel have at least four votes to approve a moratorium on real estate development. The Council could not muster majority support.
Arcadia City Council denies consideration for first application in the Friendship Cities Program, proposed by council member Sho Tay for a friendship between Arcadia and Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China. A majority of council members are concerned about the politics in supporting a city in China that is currently embroiled in the South China Seas protests, such as Hong Kong.
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.
Arcadia City Council Members at the unveiling of plaque designating Arcadia Woman's Club Clubhouse the City of Arcadia Historic Landmark No. 1, at 324 S. First Avenue, Arcadia, CA. Left to right: Council Member Sho Tay, Council Member Michael Danielson, Cheryl Alberg, Mayor Tom Beck, Council Member Paul P. Cheng, Council Member April Verlato, and Marilyn Daleo. This is the first City of Arcadia Historical Landmark.
Arcadia City Council member Sho Tay aims to bridge city's cultural gap between Chinese immigrants and Caucasians. Tay says there are three distinct batches of Chinese immigrants. The first came from Taiwan in the 1980s and went to college here. The second came from Hong Kong after Tiananmen Square, and the third, most recent, batch is from mainland China. They came with wealth.
Arcadia City Council members to submit nominees for John Wuo's vacant seat at next meeting October 20. Mayor Gary Kovacic and Councilman Tom Beck recommended former mayor Mickey Segal. Councilman Roger Chandler and Sho Tay wanted to take time to think of a few more nominees.
Arcadia City Council urges citizens to help with voter fraud investigation and City Attorney Stephen Dietsch provided direction on the city's efforts to investigate several allegations against Mayor Pro Tempore Sho Tay and Dietsch explained the Ralph M. Brown Act.
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.
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 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.
Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson calls for "cooling off" period after impassioned, intense City Council meeting. Council delays decision to select a mayor for 45 days in light of pending investigations of nominee Sho Tay.
Arcadia Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 2019: we are all Americans in a great city. Columnist Joan Schmidt recaps the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto’s State of the City Address. Pictured: Kari Helman, Jim Helms and his daughter.