Arcadia Unified appoints new Highland Oaks Elementary School principal, Debbie Champion.Champion began her career in Arcadia as a teacher at Holly Avenue Elementary School. She has been with the district for over 25 years.
What is the horse racing industry doing to prevent catastrophic injuries? The deaths of 7 horses at the home of the Kentucky Derby has once again intensified the debate over the safety of horse racing. How common are injuries and deaths? There have been a spate of deaths in recent years, most notably 30 at Santa Anita Park in 2019. Those led to a series of safety reforms that spread nationally. Article also answers the questions, Why are horses euthanized after a limb injury? Are there treatment alternatives? What is racing doing to address injuries? Who was Barbaro and why did he matter?
Officials urge students to seek out new program that addresses mental health crisis in Los Angeles County schools. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn urges students to take advantage of the county's School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) program, which helps assess and respond to potential school threats. The campaign's tagline, "If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't" was developed through focus groups at Saugus and Arcadia High Schools. People can access START by telephone at 213-739-5565 or email: START@dmh.lacounty.gov to connect with a mental health professional.
El Monte man gets 21 years for killing boss at newspaper's office. Zhong Qi Chen, 64, of El Monte, was sentenced. He pleaded guilty in March to the voluntary manslaughter of Yining Xie, of Arcadia, at The China Press in Alhambra at 2121 W. Mission Road, Alhambra, CA.
Dallas Stars' Robertson enjoys record-setting season. Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars left wing, was born in Arcadia and moved to Michigan when he was 10.
Coverage of the 55th Arcadia Invitational, considered one of the top high school track and field meets in the nation. It brings together the stars of track and field from the state and throughout the country for a 2-day competition at Arcadia High School. Arcadia event coordinator Rich Gonzalez says a record 690 schools are participating from 36 different states. Spotlight on Kayla McBride from Ayala High School. See also spotlight on South Pasadena High School's Mia Holden, at Pasadena Star News, p. B2, April 8, 2023.
San Gabriel Valley high school Track and Field leaders as of April 5. Based on leaderboards at Athletic.net. All distances in meters. From Arcadia:
in 1600 meters, Brandon Chang, 4:16.36.
in Discus, Vrishank Biju, 142-11 (dual meet)
in 800 meters, Reena Hsieh, 5:01.84.
in the 3200, Reena Hsieh 10:54.35.
in Discus, Emma Samvelian, 120-2
in Pole Vault, Emma Samvelian, 10-6.
Editorial. Carlos Aguilar writes about Tongva natives' "Creation Myths and all of this rain." He warns that Santa Anita Dam above Sierra Madre runs the risk of overflowing as do several other 14 dams built in the first half of the twentieth century.
El Monte man pleads guilty to killing boss in office. Zhong Qi Chen, 63, pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his boss Yining Xie, 58, of Arcadia, at a newspaper office in Alhambra in 2018, at The China Press, 2121 W. Mission Road, Alhambra, CA.
Santa Anita Park faces suits from former Human Resources head over COVID-19 protocols. Plaintiff Jill Eknoian-Lopez alleges she was forced to resign in 2021 after experiencing a backlash when she complained the company was not following a safe coronavirus protocol. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 15, March 23, 2023.
Two more horses die after injuries at Santa Anita Park. Jockey Joe Bravo was hospitalized after a tumble on horse Decorated My Life. Decorated My Life and Merit Song are the names of the horses euthanized. Six animals in all have been euthanized this year at the racetrack where twelve died last year. Santa Anita Park officials have said they've made major improvements in horse safety after 2019, when forty-two horses died at the track.
Diners line up to get last meal at Rod's Grill in Arcadia. Restaurant that has served generations of people closes on Sunday (yesterday). Hundreds of diners made a final pilgrimage to Rod's Grill in Arcadia at 41 W. Huntington Drive, along Historic Route 66. Rod Wellman started the restaurant in 1946 in Alhambra. The Arcadia location opened in 1957 offering 10 cent coffees and 40 cent slices of pie a la mode. Wellman's sons Barry and Brian took over years later, then Manny Romero bought it about 25 years ago and kept its vintage vibe. Romero was an immigrant from Mexico. He died in 2021. Television shows such as This is Us, Mad Men, Last Man Standing, and Luck, had filmed episodes there. See hard copy in VF. See also Pasadena Star News, p. A3, A4, February 9, 2023.
Housing grades for Los Angeles County jurisdictions. Every city and county in California is required to plan for adequate housing across income levels. This is Southern California News Group's fourth housing permit report card. Arcadia has received an overall D grade, same as last year.
Arcadia Senior Services is partnering with Arcadia Chinese Association to celebrate Chinese New Year on Friday, February 3, at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive. It's an event for age 50 and over and the cost is $10 per person.
Monterey Park shooting aftermath. Ex-tenant: Attack suspect hated his dance instructors. Huu Can Tran harbored a deep hatred for fellow instructors at Star Dance Studio where he killed 11 patrons and wounded 9 others on Saturday, January 21, the Lunar New Year eve. Tran's tenant, a man who formerly rented a small home from the gunman said Tran distrusted people and could become very angry. At one time, Tran had lived in an apartment in Arcadia. The former tenant describes other aspects of Tran's personality.
Interior view of order and pick up windows at Taco Lita restaurant located at 120 E. Duarte Road. Shows colorful orange, yellow and white tiles covering floor and counter base.
Interior view of order and pick up windows at Taco Lita restaurant with menu on display above. Set in the colorful orange, yellow and white tiles on counter base is plaque: Taco Lita is dedicated to Dixie and George Muniz, September 8, 2007. Taco Lita is located at 120 E. Duarte Road in Arcadia.
Interior view of order counter and west seating area at Taco Lita restaurant located at 120 E. Duarte Road in Arcadia. Colorful orange tiles cover the floor and tables, while yellow, white and orange tiles cover counter base. Clearly displays the unique seating, using a bench seat with small tables intermittently set on top.
Interior view of Rod's Grill showing customers eating at counter and at tables in booths. Also pictured are some waitresses and cooks, as well as two of the historic photos that the restaurant displayed on its walls. Rod's was located at 41 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia, along Historic Route 66, from 1957 through February 2023.
