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Disgusted with Mail Deliveries in Arcadia
Arcadia Weekly Jul 18, 2013
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Dear Editor
This letter is a recollection of my personal experiences and related happenings regarding the Arcadia California main Post Office.
I first moved into Arcadia in 1989. Since I have always been in sales and marketing I have always found it convenient to have a post office box. In 1989 I went to the Arcadia main Post Office and inquired about a box and the person behind the counter acted like giving me information about a box was like pulling teeth.
I then went to the Duarte and rented box # 847. After several years and rising gas prices I figured I was spending over $200 a year in gas just to pick up my mail. I again returned to the Arcadia main Post Office to see about a box. I waited in line, got a card -filled it out and then instead of being invited back to the window again, was told to get back in line. After 20 minutes and the line not moving and listening to the people behind the counter trying to sell everything from insurance to stamps I got fed up, tore up the card and left.
A few weeks later I happened to be in May’s Department Store in South Arcadia and noticed they were becoming a mail sub-station installing Post Office Boxes. I inquired with Mr. Mays and rented a box and changed from Duarte.
For a while everything was fine. Mail was generally in my box by 12 noon and I must say that the drivers picking up the mail always seemed to be professional. I even remember seeing one helping an elderly lady carrying her package up the steps and into the mail counter.
Then one day the mail did not come and I inquired and was told that the truck either broke down or was in a minor accident, I can’t remember which. I was told there would be no mail delivery that day. Ok, you’re telling me that there are no other vehicles available? But the straw that caused me to write this letter was on July 5th 2013, when the mail did not get delivered until after 5 pm., when the employees of Mays were leaving for the day. The reason I was given was that there was a new driver. I had made three trips to Mays that day looking for my mail and called twice and was told by the lady that worked there that the Post Office was tired of her calling. I then called and the answer I got is that the mail was on the Truck.
Apparently the Arcadia Main Post Office does not realize that sub stations like Mays are a big help to them and that they should do everything to help, and not act like they are doing the sub stations a favor.
I think a major attitude adjustment is in order for the people behind the counter and who answers the phone at the Arcadia Main Post Office. They forget that they are public servants and not just working there so they can get a plush retirement.
The whole system of mail delivery should be looked at. There should be more mini-sub stations like Mays and only seniors, and disabled should receive home delivery of mail. All others should be required to pick their mail up at a local collection center.
Back to the Arcadia Main Post Office. I will never go in that Post Office again and hope this letter will have the effect of at least having someone from the higher Post Office level investigate.
Doug Beaver
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