Seven candidates for two seats on Arcadia City Council: Paul Cheng, April Verlato, Bob Harbicht, Peter Amundson, Dr. Sheng Chang, Burton Brink, and Paul Van Fleet.
"Pioneer" Sheng Chang, M.D. endorses Bob Harbicht and Roger Chandler. Chandler and Harbicht are diametrically opposed to the other city council candidates on issues concerning preservation vs. property rights.
Six candidates vying for two seats on Arcadia City Council in the April 12 all-mail-in ballot. Current Mayor Gary Kovacic is terming out this year and Councilman Mickey Segal is not seeking re-election. Among those running are three former city councilman-- Peter Amundson, Bob Harbicht, and Sheng Chang. Also running are Burton L. Brink, Paul Van Fleet, April Verlato, an attorney and community activist. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 15, January 28, 2016.
Arcadia High School's Constitution Team won the state championship in February and is now competing in the 23rd annual "We are the People: the Citizen and the Constitution National Finals" in Washington D.C. The last time an Arcadia High School team won the national title was in 1993. Team advisor is teacher Kevin Fox. Catherine Tong, Andrew Taylor, Frank Huang, Andrew Lin and Jesse Li are pictured.
Four San Gabriel Valley students recognized with the Congressional Award Medal from Congresswoman Judy Chu. Recipients were Richard Dong of Arcadia, Julieanna Guo of Alhambra, Cristie Huang from Arcadia and Melanie Phan (Claremont).
Peter Chang, 60, of Long Beach, admitted in court that he shot his estranged wife, Liya ("Sandy") Lu, 32, in front of her Arcadia home on Bonita Street. He was immediately sentenced to 29 years to life in prison. The murder occurred on January 27, 2008.
Albert Chu and Patricia Huang, the people behind 626 Night Market, now selling chef-made foodie boxes called ChefBox. It is a takeout establishment in South Pasadena that offers high quality meals that can be quickly heated up.
San Gabriel Mayor Albert Y. M. Huang, 35, was arrested on suspicion of felony robbery and assault and battery, after an argument with an unidentified woman over money at New Taste Dupling House at 301 West Valley Boulevard. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1994.
Ling Yu, 53, of Arcadia, and her sister Meichun Cheng Huang, 58, of Irvine, were sentenced to 37 months in prison for using their toy company, Angel Toy Company to launder money for Colombian drug cartels. Federal prosecutors said the toy company was a financial conduit for drug cartels in a scheme commonly known as the black market peso exchange.
San Gabriel Mayor Albert Y. M. Huang announced he would resign from office after his arrest in a domestic violence case involving a confrontation with a woman (not his wife) outside New Taste Dupling House at 301 West Valley Boulevard. San Gabriel City Council accepted his resignation. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1994.
Assemblymember Ed Chau (49th Assembly District) honors "Women of the Year" for their distinguished leadership and volunteer work. The recipients are Patsy Harbicht, Chua B. Hua, Rebecca Huang, Floretta Lauber, Olivia Liao, Rita Padilla, Franca Scorscone, and Amy Wong.
Dwight Chang of Arcadia is owner of a house on the 1300 block of South Palm Avenue in San Gabriel. The building has been operating as a makeshift maternity ward with 10 newborns and about 12 Chinese nationals, crammed into an illegally converted townhouse. Chang has been warned twice before for operating a business that primarily caters to Asian "maternity tourists." Chang denied any wrongdoing and was fined $800 for building code violations. Children born on American soil automatically become United States citizens, under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Maternity tourism caters to wealthy Taiwanese, Chinese and Koreans. Throughout the past decade, similar set-ups have been uncovered in Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, New York, and Quebec.
Wei Sheng "Jackie" Chen, 46, of Arcadia, owner of Tema Media Inc., and store manager Dong Qun Lin, 40, of Alhambra, were arrested for allegedly importing and selling Chinese movie DVDs bearing an allegedly counterfeit Dolby Digital trademark. They were charged for the federal crime of trafficking in counterfeit goods. If convicted, Chen and Lin each face a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Arcadia's election picks up steam. At last Wednesday's candidate forum, Measure A, which could repeal the Utility Users Tax (UUT) and the Saving Arcadia Ballot Initiative (rational development standards on new construction), dominated the questions from the audience at Arcadia Public Library. Includes photos and statements from each candidate.
Arcadia High School Homecoming Royal Court included Austin Mok, Audrey Sun, Howard Huang, Kaelen Wong, Elliott Chu, Rita Wang, Homecoming King Joel Chen, Homecoming Queen Jessica Namkoong, Vincent Wu, Ivana Ro, Gabriel Rousset and Jessica Koh.
Arcadia High School girls basketball team has started the season with a winning record, with impressive playing by Melody Chang (photo) and Julianne Okamoto. Coach is Don Young.