Our scheduled speaker for today did not arrive.  Bob Harbicht was asked if he could fill in, and he came to the rescue.  He gave the club an update on Arcadia City affairs.

Background information on our city.  We have a council-manager government with a five member city council.  Each member serves a four year term and 1 year as mayor.  Bob, this year is Mayor Pro-Tem.  This is his 5th term on the council.

Key Items:

Budget–  Arcadia has a balanced budget and has ratified contracts with all city employees and also pension reform.  This includes the police and fire services.  All contracts are on a three year basis.

City Manager — Don Penman who has been the City Manager is retiring.  Don has been with the city in various job capacities; many years ago as a USC intern, then he was Assistant City Manager.  Four years ago he was hired as City Manager.  Now, with Don leaving there is not a replacement within the city administration.  Bob and Gary Kovacic; another city councilman, will go out and interview to hire a replacement.

New Police Chief —  Our new Police Chief is Bob Guthery.  He has been involved with the Arcadia Police department for many years.  He started out as a cadet in 1999.

It is a plus to have current employees  to be promoted and to stay with the city for many years.  It says a lot for our city management and city council.

Librarian —  The city also has a new Librarian.

Caruso Project

Bob felt this was a big lost when so much time and effort was spent on the “Shops at Santa Anita”.  Bob said this  loss was most unfortunate, as the combination of Westfield and the Caruso project would have been a big winner for Arcadia.   Westfield and the Caruso Project would have made our Arcadia mall one of the largest shopping areas in Los Angeles County.

Bob related that Westfield blocked the Caruso project at every turn.  Westfield eventually sued Caruso and the City of Arcadia.  The contract between Arcadia and Caruso stated that if there were to be any suits against the city, Caruso would pay the total bill.  Caruso, did pay the bill.  In fact with all the time and money spent was more than likely over a two million dollar loss to Caruso.

A further attempt has been made to improve the parking area at Santa Anita Race Tract.  Interest in doing so, by the owners of the race track, has not been there.

Train Station

One of the club members wanted to know what is happening with the train station.  The actual Arcadia train station was to be located behind Matt Denny’s Ale House.  It was, however, decided to be across the street from 24 Hour Fitness.  Someone then asked when the train would be available to travel east from Arcadia.  Bob replied with a chuckle “Get plenty of rest and eat your vegetables” implying it will be a long time.  But, he added ” in the mean time, stay away from Huntington Drive and 2nd Avenue.”

The club thanked Bob for pitching in and doing a great job on a moment’s notice.  We all learned that our City Council is busy, handling many details that we citizens take so for granted.

Phyllis Corliss