The parents of Alice Zhang have filed a $5 million claim against the city of Arcadia, arguing the "dangerous" crosswalk on the 600 block of West Duarte Road should have been changed long ago. Alice Zhang was a pedestrian hit by a car there, driven by Bowen Du, and was killed. The parents are Ruixia "Nancy" Liang and Yongjian "Richard" Zhang. The crosswalk "has been known to be dangerous for a long time," said attorney David Casselman, who is representing the parents. The city reacted by putting in an experimental crossing signal (flashing yellow lights) that proved insufficient.
Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage will have a groundbreaking for its Education Center at 5:30 PM on September 29. The 2,650 square foot Education Center will have classrooms for educational programming such as art, crafts, lectures, children's and senior activities. The building will provide the space needed for current activities and will allow for future expansion of Museum and recreation programs. The Arcadia Museum Education Center is a joint effort of the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Historical Museum Foundation. The budget for the building is $877,339 with $500,000 of that donated by the Foundation. It should be open by May 2014.
Arcadia Unified School District fights for fair funding in Sacramento at the 2018 California State Parent Teacher Association (CA PTA) Legislation Conference.
Santa Anita Park to honor Ambrosio Maldonado's family legacy with a birthday party. Members of the Maldonado family have worked at the racetrack since 1934. Ambrosio was employed as a masonry laborer from 1945 to 1972. His father, Elpidio Maldonado worked there 1934 until 1967. Ambrosio's son Jerry Maldonado worked 1988 to 1995. Jerry's brother Joe worked there 31 years and Joe, Jr. is currently employed. See also VF "Santa Anita Park-People" (item #32).
Yongjian "Richard" Zhang and Ruixia "Nancy" Zhang, the parents of Alice Zhang, have filed a lawsuit against the City of Arcadia and the driver who struck and killed Alice. The lawsuit, filed in August, alleges that "the dangerous condition" of the crosswalk on the 600 block of West Duarte Road was a significant factor in Alice's death. The Zhangs are asking for unspecified general and special damages. The complaint also alleges that driver Bowen Du's negligence was a "substantial factor" in the teen's death.
Arcadia High School boys Sergio Gonzalez (Runner of the Year), Ryan Vargas, Mitchell Pratt and Estevan DeLaRosa, have been named to 2011 All-Area Cross Country boys first team. James O'Brien of Arcadia High School, is named Coach of the Year. Francis Lee of Arcadia High School, is on the second team.
Local residents fearful after fifth fatality in Monrovia/Duarte area. Arcadia teen Gabriel Shea Carlos was shot dead at approximately 1:40 a.m. last Sunday in the 400 block of Shrode Avenue. Mourners say that is a dangerous area with at least two gangs, but Carlos was not a gang member.
Arcadia City Council will discuss whether a measure to end term limits should be placed on a future citywide ballot. The City Charter requires council members that have served two consecutive four-year terms to take a two-year break before they can serve another term. The charter can only be amended by a voter approved measure.
Thomas Seaman, investigator of alleged Gemcoin fraud, issues first report. It reveals mounting evidence of fraudulent activity by Arcadia businessman Steve Chen a.k.a. Li Chen or Chen Li, whose business was at 135 E. Live Oak Ave., currently in receivership.
City Council revoked the business license of IFitness & Beauty Spa due to a number of violations. It is located at 133 E. Huntington Drive and is the 10th massage service establishment to have its license revoked for code violations since January 2009 as part of a crackdown on code compliance and to eliminate prostitution and other illegal activities. Michelle Ma, the manager of IFitness and wife of the owner said they have been trying to comply but needed more time.
Summer temperatures in Southern California have been lower than usual. The average temperature in July was 79 degrees, which was 5 degrees below normal. Jill Morganelli, horticulture curator at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden says she is enjoying the lower than normal temperatures and is more productive because of them. She discusses how colder night temperatures have affected plants.
The Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum celebrates its tenth year anniversary with an exhibit called Ten Years and Counting: the Legacy of the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, through October 29.
Parents and children rallied at three Arcadia middle schools, in an effort to prevent the potential layoffs of 105 Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) teachers and staff, blamed on an anticipated budget shortfall of at least $2 million next school year. Since the campaign started in late January, Arcadia Educational Foundation (AEF) has raised about $225,000, which will be presented to the AUSD. That is enough to save 3 teachers' positions.
Remembering Charles Gilb on Veterans Day. Biography of Charles Gilb, "Potato King," a former Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, businessman in the produce industry and former Arcadia City Council member. He served four terms as mayor.