Arcadia resident and LAUSD educator Jenny Lu writes book encouraging girls to enter STEM fields. Her book is titled Emma Ren: Robot Engineer and is aimed at children ages 4-8.
The surprising Anna May Wong. Like many, author Katie Salisbury was startled to learn of the star, then couldn't stop looking. Wong was a famous Chinese-American movie star in the 1920s and 1930s and had her own television series in the early 1950s. Salisbury's nonfiction book about Wong's life is titled Not Your China Doll. The author is half-Chinese and grew up in Arcadia.
Interview with author Brad Pearson who wrote the book The Eagles of Heart Mountain. He tackles the injustice of Japanese-American incarceration through the exploits of a World War II camp football team. Article mentions many evacuees were detained at Santa Anita racetrack in Arcadia before being shipped out.
Arcadia Public Library hosts workshop on January 18, 2020 called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, based on the KonMari Method, developed by author Marie Kondo. The presenter is Tiffany Ng.
Arcadia Assisteens Auxiliary accepting applications February 1-28. It is a co-ed auxiliary that provides community service opportunities for high school students. Assisteens staff the Book Buddies Program, in partnership with Arcadia Public Library, and volunteer at the Assistance League of Arcadia's Bargain Box Thrift Shop. A group photo of Assisteens is shown.
Old Town Monrovia's Underdog Bookstore--an LGBTQ-owned book shop uplifting diverse authors and local presses--fights intolerance with inventory. Bookseller Muse Lee was confronted by a customer, a woman who felt "oppressed as a white person" and voiced objections that included racism and homophobia. Emily Lindley-Rodriguez, who works in Arcadia, is saddened to hear of the hate experienced at Underdog.
Arcadia officials attempt to expand dialogue around homelessness. Arcadia homeowners are concerned that increased homelessness numbers within the city pose a threat to their children and property values. Arcadia City Council's idea to install 15 or so tiny homes as emergency shelter for unhoused people is being discussed.
L-Line Extension. Claremont Councilman Ed Reece to chair light rail line board, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Board of Directors. The extension of the L-Line (formerly Gold Line) from Glendora to Pomona is 40% finished and scheduled for completion in early 2025. Reece will oversee the extension to Claremont and Montclair. The light rail line serves Arcadia, Pasadena, East Los Angeles and Los Angeles's Chinatown.
Arcadia Library presents Japanese Artist's Journey. The life and legacy of artist J.T. Sata will be the subject of a virtual program on October 10, presented by Arcadia Public Library in partnership with Japanese American National Museum. The book J.T. Sata: a Japanese Immigrant in Search of Western Art will be discussed by authors Frank Sata (son of J.T. Sata) and Naomi Hirahara. (J.T. Sata and family were imprisoned at Santa Anita Assembly Center during World War II).
CEO Ikenna Mmeje begins managing USC Arcadia Hospital. Ikenna "Ike" Mmeje will lead expansion of access to specialized healthcare and research to the San Gabriel Valley while overseeing all management and operations of the hospital. The hospital was formerly Methodist Hospital of Southern California and is now run by Keck Medicine. Mmeje replaces former president and CEO Dan Ausman, who has retired. Mmeje served as CEO of both Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's and Women's Hospital in Long Beach. He previously held CEO and COO roles with Tenet Healthcare.
The Book Rack, a bookstore that has served Arcadia for 40 years, is closing. The owner Karen is retiring. Doors close permanently on February 23, 2024. The store's address is 204 South First Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006.
The 7th annual Quinceanera Parade, hosted by Los Angeles County Children and Family Services, took place at Los Angeles County Arboretum, for the first time. It was celebrated with a car parade.
Bookstore fights to survive in middle of global pandemic. Karen Kropp, owner of The Book Rack in Arcadia, says she'll weather the pandemic storm for the love of reading. Kropp took over the business 17 years ago from original owner Pat Carlson, who started the business 35 years ago.
Shining light on our area's 10 most well-mannered. Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer compiles an annual list of the Ten Most Well-Mannered Persons in the San Gabriel Valley. Richard Schulhof, CEO of Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens made the list for treating everyone with respect and showing graciousness.