The Arcadia Historical Museum opened October 20, 2001, 3 months past the target date. Admission is free. See also related story Arcadia Weekly p. 1, October 18, 2001.
Arcadia's official city birthday party will be held August 5, a date that reflects the official declaration of Arcadia cityhood by the Board of Supervisors, back in 1903. The 100th birthday party includes a scavenger hunt, the release of the anthology "Visions of Arcadia," unveiling the bronze peacock statue at Peacock Corner, a mixer at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, and a birthday party at the Community Center. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 18, July 31, 2003.
The body of Liya Lu, a 31-year-old woman, was found in a back yard on Baldwin Avenue. Her American name is "Jessie". She was last seen on August 11. See also 30907AN.
Walter R. Hoefflin, former Tournament of Roses president, died February 24 of the complications of old age. He was 87. See also Pasadena Star News, March 1, 2001 p. A4.
Air quality concerns were raised by track employees over fumes and breathable fibers being emitted by the artificial track known as the Cushion Track, which was treated for drainage problems by Pro-Ride Racing in late August. Cal/OSHA hired Colin Young, a certified industrial hygienist to study health risks posed by the track. Young will recommend the artificial race track poses "absolutely no health risks."
Workers use earth-moving equipment to shore up Chantry Flat Road, which has been closed for over a year due to mudslides. The road may re-open at the end of September.
Santa Anita Park cancelled horse racing Monday for the third consecutive day after 7-1/2-inches of rain fell on its Cushion Track, creating drainage problems.
The temporary shutting down of horse racing at Santa Anita Park, due to drainage issues associated with its Cushion Track, has slowed food, beverage and merchandise sales on site. The City of Arcadia, which receives a portion of each ticket sold, has cause for concern.
Writer Richard P. McKee, a past president of Californians Aware, an open-government advocacy group, thinks Arcadia City Council closed session meetings about the "southerly parking area of the Santa Anita Park race track property" are suspect.
Beginning July 14, Santa Anita Park's main track will be reconstituted with a mixture of Pro-Ride synthetic materials to replace its ill-fated Cushion Track.
The Hugo Reid Family sculpture created in 1937 by sculptor Preston Prescott is being moved from the Arcadia County Park to the Arcadia Historical Museum. Details of the move are given. See also May 2, 2003 and May 3, 2003.
Mayor of Arcadia Mickey Segal reports on progress toward meeting his three goals. 1) New reflective street signs which are easier to read at night will be installed soon on all street corners. 2) Lucky Baldwin Day Picnic, designed to create a sense of community and city pride, is scheduled for October 28 at Arcadia County Park. 3) Begin to develop a place for low-income senior housing in Arcadia. City Manager and staff are working on this plan and hope to have a proposal in spring.
Arcadia High School junior cross-country runner Ammar Moussa wins the boys Division 1 and 2 sweepstakes at the Mt. San Antonio College Cross Country Invitational. Also included is a photo of Arcadia High School junior Catrina McAlister.