A Los Angeles County firefighter, 41-year-old Richard M. Burk of San Dimas, is suing Arcadia Police Department for $500+ in damages, citing false arrest, defamation and emotional distress. He was arrested April 4 at the Derby Restaurant for fighting and public drunkenness.
A pilot program called "Arboretum Explorers" teaches children about nature. It is a 5-day summer camp. Natalia Chang, 8, of Arcadia is shown in a photograph.
Arcadia Police Chief Dave Hinig outlined a strategic plan to improve the department over a five-year period, at a cost of $536,498. The proposals would involve adding 11 new salaried positions.
Dave Hinig, Arcadia Police Chief, discusses changes in the department over the last thirty years, including new technology, new crimes, community composition and new hires.
Carlos Martinez and Christian Martinez were found guilty of the 2004 murder of Alberto Castillo, a Texas man, at a Motel 6 in Arcadia. Peter Santisteven, another suspect, is awaiting trial.
Richard Baisner, an Arcadia man with a history of mental health issues, was shocked by Pasadena police with a Taser weapon during an arrest. He died about an hour later.
First Avenue Middle School celebrated the 26th birthday and life of teacher Jennifer Castillo with a ceremony and the release of over 900 balloons. She taught 6th grade Algebra and introductory Spanish. She died February 8 of heart failure.
Orange County artist Dave Chapple will create a bronze statue of two uniformed officers that will be installed at the entrance to the new $16 million police station. The cost of the sculpture will be about $50,000.
The new fiscal year will bring about changes in the city. Most notably, construction will begin on a new $16 million police station. Other possible projects include moving fire stations around, new signs, upgrades to infrastructure and more.
"Blind Justice," an 11-foot tall tile mural at the police station dating back to the 1950s, will not be preserved when the new police station is built. The mural was judged not to have significant artistic or historical merit. The mural will be archived, with some element maintained for display in the new building.
Arcadia Police Department's PACE office in the Westfield Shoppingtown mall has a new name and sign. It is now called Arcadia Police Department-Community Services and two officers, Sgt. Bob Guthrie and Officer Paul van der Noorn, are now manning the station in the lower level, near JC Penney.