Lisa Welchert, who crashed into a station wagon, killing John Chan, while driving drunk, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The family of John Chan has sued the City of Arcadia, three of its police officers, and Lisa Welchert, the driver of the car that killed Chan last February 9.
Los Angeles Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors has appointed Arcadia resident Daisy L. Ma to the Los Angeles County Commission for Children and Families. The board also reappointed Arcadia resident Michael Gi-Hao Cheung to the Los Angeles Commission on Insurance.
A profile describes Arcadia High School football player Michael Howe. Running back Howe attributes his successes in the game to his coach Jon Dimalante.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich met with Arcadia City Council and the Redevelopment Agency to discuss the Gold Line issues and state funding.
The city has taken a second pumper truck out of service following a July 4 incident in which a water pump failed to engage on a fire truck. The two engines that malfunctioned were bought from Kovatch Mobile Equipment Fire Apparatus. David Contreras died in the July 4 incident. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8.
Investigators have concluded that the failure of a pump on a fire engine was likely caused by a mechanical and/or design defect. The failure occurred on July 4 at a car accident scene where David Contreras died. Chief Dave Lugo may pursue litigation with manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Fire Apparatus. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8 and Arcadia Weekly, July 18, 2002, p. 1.
Lisa Melinda Welchert was convicted on charges related to an Arcadia traffic fatality on February 9, 1999 that killed John Chan. The police were not held liable.
Volunteers In Patrol is a new program to be launched by the Police Department. Volunteers will be trained to conduct vacation house checks, provide subpoena service, deliver documents, handle transportation details, direct traffic, school patrols and parking enforcement.
All sworn officers of the Arcadia Police Department have been specially trained and certified in the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). Each officer on patrol is equipped with an AED.
Mark Holland took the top prize in the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) "roadeo" (yes, roadeo) driving competition at the Santa Anita Park Park race track parking lot.
The police department has a regular schedule of reorganizing with Officer Mike Cervantes returning to patrol duty after being a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer. Filling the DARE position will be Officer Brian Ortiz. Officer Toni Caylor will be working with students as the YES (Youth and Educational Support) officer at Arcadia High School. Background information on each officer is provided.
Four new police officers started patrolling Arcadia on December 24, 2000, Christmas eve. Their names are Jennifer Casillas, Brett Bourgeous, Jay C. Huang and Sal Piscopo.