Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Weekly Tip - Increase Your Following Distance!


With wet weather returning, this information is even more important to remember!

Following Too Closely is the technical term for Tailgating. Unfortunately, this is a term that is all too often used in collision reports as the “Primary Collision Factor”. Maintaining distance between vehicles while driving is one main key to preventing collisions. Even the best driver, with great reaction time, still takes a moment to perceive the need to slow or stop, and then apply the vehicle brakes. With all the rain we have had recently, this is an important topic to think about.

Increasing following distance between vehicles can improve our ability to perceive a problem, apply brakes if needed or take some other evasive action. Time and distance is your friend when it comes to speed. As a young driver, you are taught about the Three Second Rule. Sometimes we forget this one important piece of advice. But maintaining a following distance of three seconds between vehicles will definitely increase your ability to avoid a rear-end collision. An alternate recommendation is to maintain a following distance of one car length per 10 mph while driving. So, if you are driving 65 mph on the freeway, you should be about 6-7 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you.

Don’t be overconfident, either in your ability as a driver or in your vehicle. Remember these basic rules and greatly increase your chance to avoid a collision. Think about this; tailgating the car in front of you is not going to "push" them out of the way or down the road. Your disregard for safe following distance will only increase your chances of causing a collision. Take a breath, take your time and we'll all get there in one piece.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Weekly Tip - What is Suspicious Activity?


It is not uncommon for us to be asked what type of activity makes something suspicious. Or perhaps a caller is hesitant to call us for fear of knowing whether or not to report something. There is no absolute answer, but we would like to offer you some tips for provoking thought about what type of activity may be considered suspicious.

Click on the photo above and print out our handy cheat sheet for Suspicious Activity.


Remember, when in doubt, call us! If you See Something, Say Something!

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Weekly Tip - New Temporary License Plates


You may have noticed a new temporary license plate on vehicles driving in California since the beginning of the year. California dealerships are now required to place a temporary license plate on vehicles sold after January 1, 2019. The new plate will assist law enforcement in identifying vehicles and will assist authorities with toll evasion violations on our roads. The new plate is valid for 90 days from the date of sale. "This new law does not affect private party sales..." per the DMV website.

If a temporary license plate is expired or not displayed on a vehicle as required, the violation is subject to citation.

DMV has additional information available on their website.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Ring Subsidies Still Available for Arcadia Residents

Join Arcadia's Ring of Security!
 
The City still has subsidies remaining for $100 OFF one Ring device per family. The discount code can only be used for purchases made on Ring’s website: www.Ring.com. The codes will be made available to residents on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are interested in receiving a code, please email jbrutus@arcadiaca.gov or call Management Analyst Jennifer Brutus at 626.574.5136.  The discount is limited to one per Arcadia household.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Weekly Tip - It's a Great Time to Join Us on Nextdoor

Interested in connecting with your neighbors, exchanging ideas and sharing information? We have a great way for you to do just that!

The City of Arcadia has a long history of encouraging neighborhood interaction and communication. We believe that knowing the people who live near us makes for stronger neighborhoods, and oftentimes results in cherished friendships. The way we communicate with our family, friends, and neighbors has changed significantly in recent years with the increasing popularity of social media. One social network you may want to take a look at is Nextdoor.com. Nextdoor.com is a private network that fosters communication between neighbors. Participation is free. Discussion topics can range from information sharing to notices about local events and school activities, contractor recommendations, disaster preparedness, crime prevention, lost pets and…what would you like to talk about? Neighborhoods establish and manage their own Nextdoor website. The information shared on each Nextdoor site is visible only to the members who live in the neighborhood and have verified their address.


How does Nextdoor work?
Nextdoor allows neighbors to create a private website for their neighborhood. On Nextdoor, members can find neighbors in the directory, view a neighborhood map, ask for advice, exchange local recommendations, and share neighborhood information with each other. Residents can choose to see and respond to updates via e-mail, or only on the website.

How much does Nextdoor cost?
There is no charge for an Arcadia resident to participate in their neighborhood site.

How is Nextdoor different from a neighborhood mailing list?
Nextdoor is designed for the specific communication needs of a neighborhood. For example, Nextdoor websites include a neighborhood map and directory, and a cataloged list of recommendations for local services. Members can choose to receive e-mails about each new post, see everything in a daily digest, or turn off e-mails and check the website for new posts from neighbors.

What is the City’s involvement in Nextdoor?
The City has the ability to post information on an Arcadia neighborhood site; however; the City cannot view discussions that take place outside of those related to the City post. Information the City will share with neighborhoods – individually or collectively – might include that relate area street projects, event announcements, crime prevention and safety tips, and emergency bulletins.

How do I get started?
Go to Nextdoor.com and put in your address to see if your neighborhood is already established. If not, define your neighborhood, invite your neighbors to the group, and get the discussion going! The website includes step-by-step instructions for getting started – it’s easy! Please note that for optimal participation and success, it is recommended that your neighborhood have between 250 and 2,500 properties.

https://nextdoor.com/

Follow Nextdoor on Twitter @Nextdoor or like them on Facebook.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Weekly Tip - Annual Overnight Parking Permits


A reminder that permits are required for all overnight parking on City streets, 2:30 - 5:30 a.m., in the City of Arcadia. Overnight enforcement was suspended for several weeks surrounding the holidays, however, enforcement begins again the morning of January 7, 2019. Permits will again be required this coming Sunday night, January 6th.

Temporary permits can be purchased online or at the kiosk to the front of the station. Annual permits are available for purchase at the Cashier's Office, Arcadia City Hall. For additional information or to download an Annual Permit Application, please visit our website.