62-year-old Gary J. DiSano of San Juan Capistrano, formerly of Arcadia, is the new Tournament of Roses president. He unveiled the theme for next year's parade: "2010: a cut above the rest." He has been a Tournament of Roses volunteer since 1972.
Twenty-three high school students from throughout the San Gabriel Valley were honored for their volunteer community service. The 2003 Youth Volunteer Award program was held at the Arcadia Community Center. Those recognized from Arcadia are Kelly Cole, Hannah Han, Jennifer Hsieh, and Heather Sayers.
A 3-year-old boy died when the car he was riding in was struck by a stolen vehicle being chased by Arcadia Police. The suspect that stole the car has been identified as Sara Bravo, 26, of La Puente.
Second grade student Austin Puertas of Holy Angels School in Arcadia organized a fundraiser to help victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. He raised $1,153 to go to the New York Firefighters Fund. Austin Puertas and Captain Rick Sandona of Arcadia Police Department are shown in a photograph.
Monica Rodriguez, a 27 year old pregnant woman from El Monte, died at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. The family believes she died of complications from the H1N1 virus (swine flu). The family is considering legal action against Greater El Monte Community Hospital because she went there to be treated October 14 and 15, but was sent away with medicine and cough syrup, instead of admitting her.
A 51-year-old Monrovia man died on Santa Anita Avenue when his pickup truck hit a tree, just south of Colorado Boulevard. His name has not been released yet.
Rosemary Harry is a volunteer who has made nearly 3000 crocheted hats in the past five years for infants at the maternity unit at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. She has arthritis but loves knitting and crocheting.
Stephanie Liu of La Canada High School was winner of Representative David Dreier's Youth Volunteer Award Program. A ceremony was held at the Arcadia Community Center.
Arcadia has been named a Tree City USA for the ninth year. To be a Tree City, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.