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.
Fire Chief Michael Lang is leaving Arcadia Fire Department to be Fire Chief at Manhattan Beach. He was with Arcadia Fire Department for 21 years, including 5 as chief. He starts at Manhattan Beach Fire Department on June 21.
Pasadena Pops presents in concert "Michael Feinstein Sings Broadway" at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, July 29. Future concerts include "The Music of Queen" on August 26 and "Hollywood Blockbusters" on September 9.
Updated homeless ordinance in Arcadia raises more questions than answers. Arcadia installs 65 "No Camping" signs within city limits. The anti-camping ordinance, updated in 2021, makes accommodations for people experiencing homelessness that are camping by necessity, but does so in a way that is consistent with case law and includes restrictions on where, when and in what manner camping is allowed on public property.
Los Angeles County Arboretum selects new CEO, Michael Desplaines. He has more than two decades of experience in historic property development and restoration, public garden management, environmental education and fundraising. He begins in July. He previously served as president and CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia. He replaces Richard Schulhof, who retired after 14 years as CEO.
Election 2022. Tallies continue for city council races in San Gabriel Valley. Semi-official results for Arcadia:
District 2--Sharon Kwan in lead with 42%, Bob Harbicht with 31%, Tracy Jensen Han with 25%.
District 3--Eileen Wang has 61%, Sheng Chang has 38%.
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao has 42%, Jason J. Lee has 33%, Michael Danielson has 21%, Daniel Malki has less than 10%.
San Gabriel Valley elections come to a close. Board of Supervisors set to officially declare election over, ballots still being counted. In Arcadia, as it stands, as of December 2:
District 2--Sharon Kwan won with 40.04%. Bob Harbicht had 30.13%, Tracy Jensen Han had 29.83%.
District 3--Eileen Wang won with 64.21%. Sheng Chang had 35.79%.
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao won with 42.60%. Jason J. Lee had 31.6%, incumbent Michael Danielson had 23.05%, and Daniel Malki had less than 2.76%.
Pasadena Pops concert at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Michael Feinstein conducts the orchestra in music made famous by Judy Garland, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Liza Minelli on August 13 at 7:30. Guest performers include Melissa Manchester, Nicole Henry and Maddie Baillio.