On September 8, 2011, Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic had an emergency procedure to put a stent in one of his 3 major heart arteries. His Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery was 90-95% blocked. He was released from Arcadia Methodist Hospital (AMH) the following day and was back at AMH 24 hours later for a dedication ceremony of the new patient tower that has been under construction for some time now.
Six years ago after severe winter rains, Cal FEMA gave several grants to cities responsible for the maintenance of the road to Chantry Flats north into the foothills from Arcadia. Monrovia is responsible for a small segment of that road, but it has not yet been repaired. Monrovia City Manager Scott Ochoa explained that the initial grant was insufficient to pay for the repairs.
Arcadia's Baldwin Stocker Elementary School and Pasadena's Roosevelt Elementary have been nominated for National Blue Ribbon honor. The program recognizes some of the highest performing and most improved schools in the nation.
Santa Anita Park kicks off racing season with new events and Hollywood tie-in to HBO television series "Luck." There is a new Luck Lounge and a new Kids Zone.
Historical background on plans to build a performing arts auditorium in Arcadia, starting in 1977-1978. The Arcadia Auditorium Foundation (AAF) was formed by Charles Gilb, Gloria Horstman and Joe Sargis. The building did not come to fruition but the money has supported music programs at Arcadia Unified School District over the years. Now that Measure I is funding a Performing Arts Center at Arcadia High School, the AAF will fund the ending expenses of the construction. Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic has been a long-time advocate of an auditorium. See hard copy in VF "Arcadia Performing Arts Center."
Arcadia Welfare and Thrift celebrates 80 years with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Pictured are Arcadia Mayor Robert Harbicht, Arcadia Welfare and Thrift President Terry Totten, and a large group of supporters and friends. The store has helped the less fortunate, particularly the homeless.
Twenty-six modular structures at the United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) site, located in the 700 block of North Santa Anita Avenue, were destroyed by fire on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in the early morning. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Preliminary findings indicate the cause of the fire was accidental.
Attempted murder/suicide by trying to drive off Chantry Flat at Santa Anita Dam. Suspect holed up at the dam house, SWAT called. The suspect, a 21-year-old Los Angeles resident named Patrick Anthony Gonzalez, was arrested by Arcadia police.
Motorcyclist Kenneth Doherty, 32, of Los Angeles, died from a hit-and-run collision with a car, described as an electric blue Mitsubishi. The driver of the car left the scene.
George Haines leaving as President of Santa Anita Park to head Southern California Off Track Wagering, Incorporated. Tom Ludt has been appointed the new President, effective April 7, 2014. Ludt was hired a year ago as Senior Vice President, Racing and Gaming-Stronach Group. See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
Fireworks are illegal in Arcadia and most cities. Arcadia Municipal Code 3124.8 says no person shall use, light, fire, discharge, explode, set off, sell, display for sale, possess, store, or manufacture any fireworks.
Arcadia Museum Education Center officially dedicated Saturday, June 28, 2014. It is a 2,500 square foot building. Photo shows ribbon cutting and Arcadia Museum Foundation Board of Directors.
Beth Costanza, Sandy Snider, and Gail Marshall (in photo) dedicate the Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions in Arcadia on September 27. Bronze horseshoe markers on the sidewalk celebrate the horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys who have made thoroughbred racing history. The Walk of Champions is around Huntington Drive and First Avenue.
Arcadia Transit Plaza dedication ceremony held November 6, 2014. It is located at 99 Santa Clara Street, at First Avenue, where the Gold Line Station in Arcadia is being built. It will serve as a transportation hub and a gathering space for the community. Many VIPs attended (photos).
More than 12,000 expected at 48th Annual Arcadia Invitational Track and Field Meet April 10 and April 11. This event brings together the best high school athletes from around the country and around the globe.