A ninth historical marker, presented by Arcadia Historical society, will be dedicated on October 2 near the main entrance of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. This "History Lives Here" marker showcases vintage photographs and descriptions of the history and evolution of the Arboretum, which was once the home of Arcadia founder Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin. See hard copy in VF "Historical Society"
Racing returns to Santa Anita Park and another tragedy strikes as horse named Arms Runner fell on the dirt track crossover and had to be euthanized. This was the 23rd horse death since December 23. Trumpeter Jay Cohen was back after three months out with Bell's Palsy.
An episode of cable television channel AMC's show "Mad Men," that was filmed on location at Rod's Grill on Huntington Drive in Arcadia, last October, was shown this past week on the network. The episode is called "Far Away Places" and stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, and Jessica Pare, as his wife. In this period drama, they are supposedly at a Howard Johnson's motor lodge (motel and restaurant).
Update on Jay Cohen and other Santa Anita news. Joan Schmidt writes that former beloved Santa Anita Park trumpeter Jay Cohen has Bell’s Palsy, which has caused paralysis of the right side of his face. Jay was born in Camden, NJ. Includes other biographical information. Jockey Ruben Fuentes was voted “Jockey of the Week” by Jockeys’ Guild Foundation Detox. Happy 98th birthday to Santa Anita Park worker John Shear, who still has no intention of retiring.
Dance instructor Ricky Sun and Evoke Dance Group, and amateur dancers ranging in age from 5 to 75, formed the first ever "Flash mob" of 100 dancers to appear at historic Santa Anita Park race track. They broke out in a choreographed routine to publicize Relay For Life. The flash mob was organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
New Live Oak Library dedication in Arcadia November 2. The building was purchased, not leased. Los Angeles County Supervisor helped make this new library a reality.
Four-story downtown building approved. It will be a mixed-use apartment/commercial building at corner of First Avenue and Wheeler Street behind 24-Hour Fitness.
San Gabriel Valley women make their mark at 2017 Solheim Cup, played at The Des Moines Country Club. It was a golf competition of the best American female golfers. Angel Yin of Arcadia competed.
Arcadia Gold Line plaza design chosen. Concept is "Town Square" for the transit plaza adjacent to the Gold Line Arcadia station and parking lot, to be built on the northwest corner of First Avenue, across Santa Clara Avenue.
Santa Anita Racetrack back in the day. A stroll down memory lane courtesy of Arcadia Historical Society and Arcadia's Best. Photo shown of Clara Baldwin Stocker and her friends at her father's Santa Anita Racetrack in 1907. Clara Baldwin Stocker had a house on Foothill Boulevard and an establishment called "Clara Villa."
Mentally ill man Gerardo Cortez, 26, of Monrovia, is arrested for allegedly making telephone threats to shoot adults and children at a hospital, a mall, and schools in Arcadia and Monrovia.