Arcadia's historic Derby Restaurant may be relocated. A mixed-use project may take the place of The Derby and Embassy Suites at 211 East Huntington Drive - 233 East Huntington Drive. Local historian Sandy Snider expressed concern that the 99 year-old building may end up being razed. George Woolf bought the Derby in 1938, originally named Proctor Tavern when it operated in 1922. Councilman Paul Cheng supports the relocation of The Derby. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 2, August 13, 2020 for "The Derby-what's next?"
Whittier woman,102, embraces change. Story about Mildred Mellin and husband George Mellin. George died in 2016. He had retired after 26 years of military service and became a teacher at Arcadia High School. Her secret to longevity is one Coors Light every night with popcorn.
Javier Castellano gets prestigious George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award at Santa Anita Park. The Woolf Award has been presented annually since 1950. Winner determined by a vote of jockeys nationwide.
In Norwalk, District Attorney George Gascón gets vote of no confidence, along with 18 other cities, including Arcadia. Complaints directed at embattled DA continue to grow in Los Angeles County and a campaign to recall him is underway.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests continue to build momentum across the nation and around the world demanding justice for the death of George Floyd and bringing the issue of systemic racism to Arcadia, where hundreds gathered to protest at Arcadia County Park.
Unveiling of Anita May Baldwin statue brings peace and beauty. Anita May Baldwin was dedicated down the road from the statue of her father, Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin. The statue was unveiled yesterday at the official grand opening of the Le Meridien Hotel on Huntington Drive in Arcadia. The statue is called "A Legacy of Charity," made by artist Alfred Paredes.
Arcadia Invitational Track and Field event scheduled for May 7, 8. It is the signature event in the area this year with many of the top athletes in the state performing at Arcadia High School. See also Pasadena Star News, p. B2, May 2, 2021 about Arcadia Invitational being limited to runners from California due to COVID-19 restrictions. No spectators.
A fourth horse dies from training injury at Santa Anita Park. A 5-year-old mare named Big Switch has been euthanized following a sesamoid injury from exercising. Owner and breeder is George Krikorian. Trainer was John Sadler and jockey was Juan Hernandez.
Los Angeles County may halt mask mandate as Coronavirus (COVID-19) stats stabilize. COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to show signs of stabilizing.
Woman ahead of her time honored. Anita May Baldwin statue to debut at Le Meridien Hotel. She was philanthropist, key figure in racetrack. The statue is named "A Legacy of Charity," by artist Alfred Paredes.
The fight over affirmative action arrives in Arcadia. Arcadia Mayor Roger Chandler and Councilmember Paul Cheng will participate in a demonstration to protest Proposition 16 on Saturday at Arcadia County Park. Proposition 16 is a constitutional amendment that would repeal Proposition 206, which banned the use of affirmative action involving race-based or sex-based preferences in California, from the state constitution.
Affirmative action vote splits Asian-Americans. Community members take part in a "No on Proposition 16" rally at Arcadia County Park on August 8. Prop 16 would legalize race-aware decisions in public college admissions, hiring, and contracting. This is a divisive issue among Asian-Americans. Some view it as racist. One banner reads, "Keep discrimination illegal."
Mailbag topic-George "The Iceman" Woolf was a Canadian jockey famous for riding the great Seabiscuit to victories in 1938. The 35-year-old was unseated from his horse Please Me during a race on January 3, 1946, suffered a concussion and died the next day. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Gene Autry sane at his funeral.
Arcadia faith leaders voice support for peaceful protests. Members of Arcadia Interfaith Action Group--representing the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith community--vehemently condemn the "senseless murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer." The group recognizes "that people of color are much more likely to be the victims of such violent treatment by law enforcement personnel."
Santa Anita Park targets May 15 to resume live racing. Track makes plan to race when county stay-at-home order could be lifted, pending approval from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Arcadia Transit Dial-a-Ride temporary modifications--offering transit assistance to senior/disabled riders who are self-isolating and who may need help by allowing caregivers of registered riders to use Dial-a-Ride to do essential errands for them.