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Doo Dah Queen Tryouts This Sunday, Oct. 18
Governor Signs Holden’s Bill to Eliminate the Achievement Gap Pg. 9
Senior Helpers
Pg. 14
Pg. 22
arcadiaweekly.com
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Thursday, October 15, 2015 - October 21, 2015
El Nino-Fueled October to Feature More Rainfall, Storms for Southwest
COMPLIMENTARY COPY VOLUME 19, NO. 42
‘Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious’ Drought Relief Expected BY TERRY MILLER
Although the rains may be a little way off, scientists are reminding us to not take El Nino for granted. Scene like this clean up in Sierra Madre a few years ago will become common in California - File Photo by Terry Miller
Ballot Measure Aims to Repeal Arcadia's Utility Tax
The extended drought, excessive heat of this summer with very little relief, and inevitable wildfires have drained California’s natural resources … and now, scientists are warning us that El Niño is inevitable. Be well advised, we had better get out our best Mary Poppins’ brolly in preparation for the coming season. Rainfall opportunities this week across the Southwest may be the beginning of more substantial drought relief heading into the winter as an El Niño-fueled weather pattern takes shape in the region. Impacts from the rainfall
ers pay each month, adds 7 percent to bills for water, electricity and natural gas and 5 percent for telecommunications. In a presentation at the city council meeting on Oct. 6, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto cautioned that repealing the tax would eliminate 12.5 percent of Arcadia's budget. This would lead to staff reductions and cancel infrastructure improvement projects.
SEE PG. 17
Steaks • Seafood • Martini’s • Catering An American Cafe in a Contemporary Casual Setting
607 N. Azusa Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
| (626) 633-0269
Mayor Gary Kovacic described the forthcoming mailer as “informative, nonpartisan ... and factual.” Levies on utility usage in Arcadia date back to 1970, when the council established a 5 percent surcharge on all four services. – Photo by Terry Miller
SEE PG. 19
Veterans Day Recognition Nov. 6
BY JOE TAGLIERI A ballot initiative that recently qualified for Arcadia's upcoming election seeks to repeal the city's utility tax, which officials say if approved will significantly downgrade services and infrastructure improvements. Proponents contend the city is overtaxing residents to cover needlessly high employee salaries and inflated program costs. Currently the tax, which both residential and commercial utility custom-
middle to late week across the Southwest will generally be hit-or-miss drought relief opportunities; the best chances will perhaps hold off until this weekend. Benefits from the rainfall should largely outweigh the threat for localized flooding, especially across the more mountainous terrain of the region. Initially, a few showers and thunderstorms will dot the southern half of California mid-week “There’s no longer a possibility that El Niño wimps out at this point. It’s too big to
The City of Arcadia Senior Services honors its Veterans with an annual Veterans Day luncheon. This year the event will take place on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the luncheon is $10. Veterans are free with proof of military service but are required to register for a ticket. There will be a delicious catered lunch. Featured entertainment will be a tribute to USO EntertainSEE PG. 17
Now Open! 11am-10pm Daily ~ Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner