Fans commiserate in closing of their beloved bookstore. 78-year-old Karen Kropp, owner of The Book Rack, a bookstore in Arcadia, has closed the store on First Avenue, after taking over the reins 18 years ago. Declining sales worseneed by the pandemic, as well as her upcoming 80th birthday, precipitated the closure. The store's address was 204 South First Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006.
World AIDS Dayspotlights those who have died. This is the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. One event is being held at The Arboretum in Arcadia, a breakfast hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Paul Edmonds will be the speaker.
Los Angeles County Arboretum celebrates 75th anniversary with an Arboretum Foundation fundraiser event honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for her ongoing support. The event raised $241,000 for the education programs and care of the 125 acre Arboretum gardens and landmark structures. Also in attendance Michael Desplaines, CEO of the Arboretum, Susan Kranwinkle, Annette Castro Ramirez, and Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer (all in photos).
Arcadia man's 100th birthday to be family affair. Art Del Rey turns 100 this weekend. He is a World War II veteran (United States Navy). He had a successful career in real estate and started his own business in 1963, Art Del Rey Realty, Inc. in Arcadia, which thrives to this day.
Santa Anita Park's opening day for thoroughbred racing will be September 29. Los Angeles County Arboretum's 75th Anniversary Gala honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger takes place on October 14.
Decorated vet to celebrate 100th birthday. U.S. Air Force vetean Edward Lopez was a fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. Born in Los Angeles and living in Arcadia for more than 50 years, he is one of the last living members of the Air Force's 365th Fighter-Bomber Group known as The Hell Hawks, a reserve fighter squadron in the U.S. Marine Corps. See hard copy in VF People.
Pasadena native and World War II veteran Weston Embree celebrates 100th birthday. Embree's father Guy founded Embree Buses Inc., a Pasadena institution. Weston Embree met his wife Shirlee, originally of Arcadia, at the Methodist Church.
City of Arcadia Concert and Movies. Concert in the Park at Arcadia City Hall featuers Upstream, a band playing reggae, Soca and other Caribbean music on August 4. Movie is "Luca." August 4 is the 119th birthday of Arcadia and National Night Out.
Arcadia's Gilb Museum celebrates 20th anniversary with a new exhibit and guided tour with a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's collections. The Museum Education Center will offer demonstrations of current and upcoming educational programs. Includes a history of the Museum. See hard copy in VF "Museums-Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage."
CDC optimism is a shot in the arm. New guidelines ease restrictions on vaccinated people. On Saturday, March 13, Maitely Weissman, cofounder of Essential Caregivers Coalition, and other grassroots activists will be marching at 1:00 PM at Arcadia Community Regional Park, while socially distanced, to honor those who have died in long-term care facilities since the March 13, 2020 visitation ban and those who are isolated inside. The "honor walk" in Arcadia is part of a series of coordinated events across 17 states in commemoration of the anniversary of the ban.
Veterans group and Arcadia Mayor April Verlato celebrate World War II veteran Jack McEwan's 100th birthday. He was a pilot on a B-17 bomber from 1942-1943.
Downtown Arcadia hosts Patriotic Festival in honor of America's 243rd birthday. It takes place June 29, 5:00-9:30 PM on First Avenue, south of Huntington Drive, with live music, food, entertainment, and fireworks.
Update on Jay Cohen and other Santa Anita news. Joan Schmidt writes that former beloved Santa Anita Park trumpeter Jay Cohen has Bell’s Palsy, which has caused paralysis of the right side of his face. Jay was born in Camden, NJ. Includes other biographical information. Jockey Ruben Fuentes was voted “Jockey of the Week” by Jockeys’ Guild Foundation Detox. Happy 98th birthday to Santa Anita Park worker John Shear, who still has no intention of retiring.
Arcadia tenor Todd Wilander is a featured soloist in the Verdi Chorus 35th anniversary concert. He grew up in Arcadia and attended Arcadia High School in the late 1980s. He was a member of “Chanteurs” and sang in the Arcadia Presbyterian Church choir.
Arcadia firefighters reunite with girl they saved in 2008. Ten years later they give Ashley Barrancos a birthday party at Arcadia Fire Station 105. As a two year old, she had cardiac arrest, now she is twelve years old.