Arcadians open-minded, right?
March 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Scott Hettrick
Woke up this morning to read that the Pasadena Star-News made their three endorsements for the April 13 Arcadia City Council election: Mickey Segal, Bob Harbicht and Peter Amundson.
by Scott Hettrick
Based on the editorial, it appeared that their decision was based primarily on the comments and responses from all six candidates at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce forum Tuesday night at the Woman’s Club, which was also a sponsor along with Arcadia Weekly and the Arcadia Association of Realtors.
But the writers must not have been paying close attention or have bothered to read the profiles of the candidates prepared by The Arcadia Weekly and handed out and available at the forum, and must not have even been paying attention to Arcadia City Council matters at all for the last couple years because they said that Mickey Segal is one of three incumbent candidates. He is not.
Hmmm, what else did this article have factually incorrect?
Well, they also mentioned Mickey Segal’s “corporate lawyering skills.” Uh, he’s not a lawyer.
Hmmm, what else?
Three yard signs in house a few doors to the east of mine represent a mix of cultural candidates that the Pasadena Star-News suggests Arcadians are unwilling to embrace.
Well, of the 46 words they devoted to the three Asian candidates in the last two sentences of the 650-word editorial, they characterized all three as bringing “the same kind of volunteer commitments and conservative values as the incumbents.”
Um, in fact, the lack of volunteer commitments in the community has been one of the biggest criticisms about two of the candidates. Even the candidates would have to agree that only one of the three Asian candidates — Sho Tay — has come anywhere close to the level of volunteer commitments in Arcadia as Segal and Harbicht.
Hmmm, surely there isn’t any more mischaracterizations in one editorial, right?
(Story continues below the following 10-minute video highlights gratefully submitted by Nick Zigic of Henry Nunez Real Estate for “Local View” of the introductory remarks by each of the six candidates at the March 23 forum.)
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Let’s see, in addition to the single forum attended by the writers, it appears that much of the commentary was based on the always valid and representative quick drive up and down a couple streets in Arcadia, after which they concluded that Arcadia is polarized along racial lines. They cited yards that had either signs of support for Asian candidates or Caucasian candidates, but never both with a single exception: “One gas station on First Avenue was the only location touting a mixed grouping of candidates.”
Another home in foothills displays signs of support for two Asian candidates and a conservative Caucasian.
Hmmm, I took a peek out my front door and looked at the yard of the house only a couple doors to the west and saw signs for Mickey Segal, Bob Harbicht, and Sho Tay, three culturally, racially, and religiously diverse American candidates, including one of Taiwanese descent who would be pigeon-holed in this ludicrous context as Chinese.
I looked a few doors down to the east and saw the same three signs in the front yard of another neighbor.
Truth is, where there are yards with signs endorsing only Caucasian or Asian candidates, it’s usually because there is only one sign in the yard endorsing a single candidate. I have yet to see a single home with signs for all three Asian candidates and very few with signs for even two Asian candidates in the same yard.
So, now the editorial has not only presented multiple factually inaccurate statements, but it painted a profile of two Arcadias, a Chinese Arcadia and a Caucasian Arcadia.
Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant
I’m not naive enough to believe there are not residents in town who prefer the separation, but it’s hardly accurate to paint a picture of the entire town divided down these lines and incapable or unwilling to consider the validity of any candidate based purely on race.
Another of many homes with yard signs supporting both Asian and Caucasian candidates.
If the writers were really listening at the forum and following the candidates and not simply trying to be provocative and sensational, they would hear Sho Tay stressing a platform of “One Arcadia” and “Community Unity,” and would have heard heard Paul Cheng saying he is in favor of enforcing business sign ordinances to keep Chinese language in the minority position. They would have heard Bob Harbicht, Mickey Segal, and Sho Tay speak contrary to the obvious and easy stance of English-speakers on the sign question and suggest that oppressing free speech by Chinese businesses is unconstitutional.
In fact, the much smaller and leaner Arcadia Weekly covered all of that much more accurately and thoroughly by editor John Stephens in today’s paper.
And, in fact, having been the moderator of that forum, I was pleased to see so many indications of the opposite of what the Star-News is suggesting. Each candidate was civil throughout. The topics of concern and questions raised by audience and Chamber members had nothing to do with race, but rather real city issues relating to traffic, development, candidate qualifications, etc.
I was also pleased to see more than 150 people in attendance despite this being the third all-candidate forum in less than a week that drew more than 100 people. Two young adult ladies I met after the forum told me they live in Arcadia but that this was the first time they had really paid attention to an election and become engaged in the process, and that they learned so much more about the candidates by watching them in person.
That was one of the best take-aways for me — that this election, with its diversity of age, experience, and culture, is sparking residents to pay attention and become involved.
The other take-away is that there is really no major or divisive issue of any magnitude in Arcadia, including race. We’re bigger and smarter and more adaptable than that; unlike the Star-News writers, who tried to characterize Arcadians as “unable to mix Asian names with Anglo ones.”
Hmmm, is this the pot calling the kettle black? Who was it that then went on to endorse the three White guys for City Council with barely any mention of the positives or negatives of the Asian candidates?
– By Scott Hettrick
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I’m currently on the East Coast for school but have lived in Arcadia for all of my pre-college life. Thanks for the continuing coverage of the election and this great rebuttal to the Star News article.
Well stated Scott! I hope to have some thoughts up on the APOA site soon. There were some pointed moments but the forum was very civil. The audience was reflective of varying cultures and viewpoints with a good number in attendance. This election does not center around a racial divide but rather a Community coming together for the betterment of all.
The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association stands firmly behind their endorsement of Bob Harbicht, Mickey Segal, and Sho Tay! These men will work together, with fellow Councilmen, the City Manager, Department Heads and all City Employees, listening to the Community and making sound decisions to constantly improve the City of Arcadia. Without informed, competent, and caring leadership, this will not occur.
Right on, Scott. I could not believe what I was reading in the Pasadena Star News this morning. Aside from the obvious mistakes, the whole editorial was poorly written.
Peter U.
As a Taiwanese who moved from Palo Alto to Arcadia 7 years ago, I do feel the city is racially divided. I think it’s important to have leaders who can bring people’s spirits together, regardless of their languages or cultures. Many people here need to be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and get to know other cultures. And to find its own identity, the “Downtown” Arcadia really needs unique shops and activities and a lot of advertising. Now the downtown really has nothing much but hyper cafe. Anyway, I think out of the three, Sho Tay seems more reliable; and his English is not THAT bad.
Good analysis, Scott. Apparently the Star-News reporter thinks that C.P.A. stands for Cor Porate Attorney! Their endorsement should have echoed the yards shown in your piece.
As a long time Arcadian, I can barely keep from loosing it when I hear that everyhing is fine, that we all “get along” and there are no real racial or cultural divides. Facing this actuality does NOT make one a racist, but a realist! Years ago we marched for saving the school music program, but now most sit in nervous silence as Paul Cheng “dares” to bring up Massage parlors here in our “best California city to raise kids!”
At the forum, Foothill and Live Oak got all the attention, but has anyone driven down Baldwin, the gateway to our main attractions, lately?
Banners are going up like wildfire throughout the city and, of course now that it has been officially announced that signage regulations are unconstitutional, I am sure we will be looking at an even bigger mess.
Is it time to dust off those old picket signs? I hope the NEW council will see to it that it won’t be necessary.
The reason Arcadia is so divided is that we lack strong leadership and direction in this city. Arcadia has no sense of its history, or long term future outlook. Minimal housing restrictions have allowed developers to go nuts in this city building massive, gaudy homes that don’t reflect the neighborhood, and as such, the newcomers don’t respect Arcadia’s history.
San Marino also has a large Asian population, but the community has always had a very strong sense of their history, and through strong regulations they have been able to maintain their traditional homes and abundant trees. The Asians that move to San Marino have a strong respect for the traditions in place. The people that don’t like regulations all get dumped into Arcadia.
I don’t see this as a Caucasian vs. Asian issue. Arcadia has always had a predominately Caucasian city council and they have always seem to favor tax revenue before preserving our history. It’s time we start designating historic homes, constructing city buildings that reflect Arcadia’s history rather than a fleeting minimalist trend that will look dated in 20 years.
It doesn’t matter what ethnicity the candidates are. Arcadia residents, especially long time residents are sick of the status quo leadership we’ve had for years, and people will be voting for innovative ideas, not race.
By the way, the Pasadena Star News loves to highlight racial tensions and rile people up. They are so quick to label Arcadia and San Marino as full of racists, but ignore how sharply segregated Pasadena is between White, Black, Latino, and even Asian areas. Maybe if the authors stepped out of their one group communities they’d realize people can and will work together for common goals.
I am so glad you not only noticed the innaccuracies, but brought them to the attention of the Arcadia residents and created the discussion opportunity. I definitely hope people see the importance of city leaders who are really involved in the community, as there are so many pressing issues and monetary decisions to be made that affect every resident.
I had not heard that language on signage might be regulated, but that it is an interesting issue to consider.
Curious what “banners” an earlier post was referring to. I think the main banner over Hunnington and Baldwin that alternates announcements such as the annual Festival of Bands and our congratulations to Olympic skater Mirai are great and not too much of an eye-sore. I think it shows city pride and is a useful tool to alert citizens of upcoming events. But not sure if that is the “banner” referred to or not.
And I agree that San Marino has done a wonderful job of maintaining their historic/quaint “look” with homes and shops. And Monrovia has a much more complete “downtown” area that boasts a variety of shops and cafes that bring shoppers to the area.
Leigh,
Sorry I was not clear regarding banners.
I am referring to those at individual businesses.
Thank you for clarifying Mrs. Blocker!
The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association is honored to endorse Sho Tay, Bob Harbicht and Mickey Segal for City Council. We have known these gentlemen for many years to selflessly and humbly volunteer their time to the community in which we serve and protect without any desires for credidation. We feel that these gentlemen have the education, knowledge and fortitude to represent the residents of this beautiful community.
From the APOA Blog, http://arcadiapoa.blogspot.com/2010/03/our-upcoming-city-council-election.html
An old proverb states “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” So are we really being intellectually competent when we do so?
It is very easy to give credit to such overly-simplified accusations, such as those being made toward Sho Tay. But are we really looking at the content of his character? Or are we simply following the intellectual path of least resistance by mindlessly accepting a simple accusation that carries such devastating, complex, and blatantly racial undertones?
I submit that the endorsement of the APOA comes after careful consideration. While some would seek to trivialize our endorsement for transparent, self-serving motives, I would ask that you give the good men and women of the APOA the common courtesy of acknowledging our intelligence. If we did not believe in the content of Sho Tay’s character, and in his ability to equitably represent all citizens of Arcadia, we would not endorse him.
So I implore each of you to step back from the swirling masses of lemmings, and take a sincere and thoughtful look at the content of each candidate. Ignore the childish, shoolyard taunts. Recognize empty loaded phrases for what they are. Look past the flashy exteriors and bright proverbial covers. Don’t allow others to dictate your emotions or decisions.
Brushed up on your Senegambian accent lately? Does that make you any less a person?
Is a man’s intelligence, competence, dedication to service, and ability to fairly represent his constituents based on the fact that speaks with an accent? Are we so mindless that we will allow others to fill our heads with bigoted and prejudiced nonesense, simply to satisfy self-serving motives?
Consider the consequences. Decide for yourself, and vote your heart.
Mike Hale:
I am glad that you mentioned “the ability to fairly represent his constituents.” The constituents are the residents/tax-payers of Arcadia. There is apparently a conflict between the interests of the Police Officers’ union and those of Arcadia citizens. The union always demands pay increases and retirement benefit increases despite the fact that many people in the private sectors have been laid off. These increases are our tax-payers’ money.
The police union’s criterion for endorsing a candidate is apparently not “his ability to fairly represent his constituents,” but his willingness to work together (to cooperate) with the police union to give what the union demands. In other words, the union is looking for a puppet on the city council to serve the union’s interests.
Didn’t the police union contribute $2,000 in campaign funds to each of the candidates it endorses? Isn’t the police union doing the phone banking for its endorsees to help get them elected?
The unions should stay out of the election! I agree with Mike Hale that “the endorsement of the APOA comes after careful consideration.” It sure did. But it was the careful consideration of the union’s interests, not those of the citizens. Arcadia citizens are not dumb. Don’t try to fool us.
Mary,
The fact that your specious post fails to address any of my points, and seeks only to deflect the focus of debate away from the issue at hand, speaks volumes. You apparently either agree with the points of my post, or lack the capability to articulate a reasonable argument. Either way, you validate my points, and for that I thank you.
Yes, the APOA did contribute $2,000 to each candidate that we endorsed. Yes, the APOA did record a phone message for one or more of the candidates we endorse. Why do you attempt to make that sound like something shameful? We have nothing to hide and that information has all been made public. The fact that you try to make our open and honest actions somehow sound scandalous, gives one pause to consider your motives.
With regard to your hollow deflections: 1) You fail to qualify your loaded statements. Yet again, baseless accusations are passed without regard to fact and are transparently meant to stir fervor and avoid valid assertions. 2) The Arcadia Police Officers’ Association cares greatly about the community we serve and we show that on a continual basis, through our community efforts and contributions.
I am not trying to fool anyone. Unlike the obtuse deflections you attempt to pass off as fact, I can back up my statements with factual documentation.
I urge you to again read my previous post, Mary, and give careful consideration to its content. You may also consider your response as well before you, again, simply prove my points for me.
In the words of Elbert Hubbard, “If you can’t answer a man’s arguments, all is not lost; you can still call him vile names.”
Scott – As usual, you are right on! I love your column on the Pasadena Star News editorial. I was thinking just what Vince Foley thought, too: CPA = CorPorate Attorney! Certainly not the best reporting, and there were 2 reporters at the forum from the Pasadena Star News.
Yes, John Stephens did a masterful job reporting the Chamber/Brd of REALTORS/Arcadia Weekly/Womens Club sponsored Forum in the Arcadia Weekly – right on, John!! We expected a small crowd due to 3 previous forums, and over 160 attended – an informative evening – not a dull moment. Many thanks to the sponsors, timekeeper & sponsor, Henry Nunez and dynamic MC Scott Hettrick.
Sincerely, Beth Costanza,
Dear Scott:
Thank you for the kind words. Your analysis of the Star News article was spot on! They apparently don’t know or care about Arcadia. In fact, I think they might have been in another city when the Forum was taking place.
Terrific, well written and with a classy touch of humor! Keep up the great work.
Terry
Arcadia Weekly Photographer