In 2018 Arcadia was recognized as the most business friendly city in the Los Angeles County at the annual Eddy Awards. This morning Amber Abeyta of the Business Licensing Department in the City of Arcadia illustrated just how Arcadia received such a prestigious honor. As well she took attendees through the steps in procuring a business license and addressed various business license related questions.
Due to a diverse and affluent community as well as various market opportunities businesses flock to the city of Arcadia. For these businesses to operate within the city limits they require both a business and that they comply with all provisions of the Arcadia Municipal Code. There are a few exceptions to these requirements, and they are divided into federal and state exemptions. Under federal exemption are businesses that qualify in any of the following; Interstate Commerce, Religious Activities, and Charitable Institutions & Non-Profit Organizations. Under state exemption are businesses that qualify in any of the following; Banks & Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Bail Bond Agents, Residential Care Centers – In Home Care, Laundry Equipment & Coin Vending Machines, Veterans, Blind Persons, Real Estate Auctioneers.
The process to receive a business license can vary for businesses the require a specialty license. All Businesses will follow the overarching path of obtaining a business license by completing and submitting a Business Registration form. From this point if a business is going to pursue in the sales of leasing of merchandise, a seller’s Permit is required. If a business is retailing food or manufacturing food/drinks, they must receive a Health Department Permit. Lastly if a business is issuing the sale of alcoholic beverages, they must receive a liquor license. Amber added to the end of her presentation that if you have any questions about your business operating in the City of Arcadia you can call their office at 626.574.5430.
Legislative Representatives
- Maile Plan representing Congresswoman Judy Chu reported the following; the new congress has started so new committees have been assigned, Congresswoman Judy Chu is on the sub committee of health, as well she is on the small business committee and she gets oversight as the chairman. The office has introduced a legislation for tax payer protection. People affected by the trump tax cuts would be protect against the new act.
- Henry Lo representing Assemblymember Ed Chau reported that this past week legislature honored the district woman of the year, they honored Barbara Messina. The Assemblymember’s office will be soon introducing new bills.
- Sandra Maravilla & Vicky Paul representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger reported the following; the office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced that they will be taking on the restoration project of the Queen Anne Cottage in the Arboretum. They are again hosting their Tribute to Veterans on May 25th, 2019, if anyone is interested in being an exhibitor to the event they can contact the Supervisor’s office at 213.974.5555. Sandra Maravilla introduced Vicky Paul of the office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Vicky will be filling in as assistant field deputy as Sandra Maravilla has been recently promoted the field deputy.
- Tim Schwehr Economic Development Analyst for the City of Arcadia reported that the historic preservation ordinance was approved by the city council. The list of properties that will be considered for historic preservation will be submitted on a voluntary basis. Races at Santa Anita Park have been temporarily suspended, the latest update is that a track inspector is currently looking over the track. The Sales Tax increase is scheduled to be voted on in the June 4th elections. New businesses which qualify can apply for status as a Micro-Business please follow the link to get a copy of the application.
- The MAD Town Council represented by Linda Sells and Joan Schmidt reported that they recognized Terrance Williams and Debra Mendhelson at their last town council meeting. The MAD Town Council meets on the 3rd Wednesday, and will be meeting at Pamela Park in March.
- Mike Vercillo Community Affairs Liaison for the Arcadia Police Department announced that they will be holding Coffee with a Cop at the new Bowlero in the Westfield Santa Anita on April 17th. Mike shared that because of the community support the Arcadia Coffee with a Cop has become the largest in the country. On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, Police Chief Robert Guthrie will be holding a town hall meeting to address concerns of the Chinese Community in Arcadia.
