ARCADIA HIGH - WHAT A SCHOOL

Interesting facts about the most recent graduating class – number of seniors 936; number who graduated 919; average GPA 3.23 out of 4.0; avg. SAT score 1863 (2400 highest possible, nat’l avg. 1550); ninety-four (94%) percent of graduates are attending a college or university. 

Being a UCLA Bruin, I was a little disappointed that more students were accepted, 75 and 28 planned to attend  that “other” school USC, versus 64 students accepted and 23 students planned to attend UCLA.

Again, congratulations to Arcadia High students, teachers, staff, parents and community.

BALDWIN STOCKER 2012 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that Arcadia’s Baldwin Stocker Elementary School has been named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. The school’s levels of academic achievement were measured by state assessments  or national tests.  Baldwin Stocker is only 1 of 257 public schools named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. In California, the school is one of only 23 public schools named.  Congratulations to Baldwin Stocker teachers, staff, students, parents and supporting community.

ARCADIA FIRE DEPARTMENT RATED "BEST"

Arcadia Fire Department continues to earn the National ISO Insurance Office’s Class I Fire Department Rating. This is the best rating available, # I out of X. The ISO utilizes the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) criteria in reviewing the firefighting capabilities of a community.  Fifty percent of this rating relates to the Department’s response to emergencies, training and equipment/facilities. Forty percent of the criteria relates to water supply, condition, maintenance and distribution of hydrants.  The last criteria is how well the fire department receives and dispatches fire alarms.

Arcadia’s Fire Department is another example of the community’s excellent Public Services.

CONTINUING ARCADIA VOTER SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS

The Arcadia Unified School District has earned one of the highest reputations for academic achievement and excellence in Southern California. Drive around and admire  school campuses and facilities.  The condition, functionality and attractiveness of our schools/facilities contributes to our District’s reputation. In November 2006, Arcadia voters passed the $218 million Measure I School Bond issue which could only be spent on modernization and new construction of District schools and facilities. None  of the bond monies could be used to offset budget reductions. Many Measure I projects have been completed and work is currently progressing at Camino Grove Elementary, Hugo Reid Elementary, Arcadia Education Center and Arcadia High. Wow, just look at the recently completed Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Campus Drive.

USC CENSUS DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY - NO SURPRISES

In 2012 USC released an analysis of Southern California census data.  Many San Gabriel Valley cities were mentioned.

Relative to Asian & Pacific Islander (API) census ethnicity group, Temple City ranked #1, Arcadia ranked #2, San Gabriel ranked #3 and Rosemead ranked #4 for cities with population increases of this group.

Correspondingly, relative to white census ethnicity group, Temple City ranked #9 and Arcadia ranked 11 for cities with population decreases of this group.

WHERE DOES ARCADIA H20 SUPPLY COME FROM?

Where Does Arcadia H2O Supply Come From?

1. Colorado River;
2. Lake Arrowhead;
3. Sacramento River Delta: 
4. City Water Wells; 
5. Perrier France; 
6. California Aqueduct

 The City of Arcadia’s water supply comes from ground water wells which pump from the natural underground Main San Gabriel and Raymond Basins aquifers. In other words, the water comes from local wells. In 2011 the City of Arcadia relied 100% on water exclusively pumped from these underground basins. Drinking water is regularly tested using (CDPH) California Dept. of Public Health approved methods.

Interesting fact – Arcadia water does not have fluoride added. However, very, very small amounts of naturally occurring fluoride is in local groundwater.

If you want to “protect” your drinking water, reduce use of pesticides, bag and dispose of your pet’s waste and properly dispose of household chemicals.

ARCADIA METRO GOLDLINE STATION - WHERE?

Not too long ago I hosted an open house for a new townhouse development on Alta Street, one block south of Huntington and just west of 1^st Ave. Twelve groups toured the property that Sunday afternoon.  No group knew where the new Arcadia Metro Gold Line station would be built and that the station would be just a short, convenient walk away. 

The Arcadia station with its two- level 300 car parking structure will be located one block north of Huntington Drive at the NW corner of 1^st Ave. and Santa Clara Street (just north and across the street from 24 Hour Fitness). Completion of the Arcadia station and the Gold Line Foothill Extension is scheduled for 2015.

‘The station will positively impact Arcadia real estate values. Access to the So. Calif. Light rail grid will be significantly enhanced reducing commute times and expense. Near the station, development  will reflect higher end retail, residential and commercial uses.

Property values within relatively close proximity to the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension have and will continue to be positively affected.